Moonstone Beach

Richie cranking on the South Triangle Boulder in p...

Description 

Moonstone Beach is Eureka/Arcata's easiest access climbing area. The good quality sandstone and greenstone boulders and cliffs, combined with soft sand landings under most of the boulders, make this a favorite for both the "The-sun's-out-class-can-wait" and the after work crowd. From the parking area there are four main areas with clusters of problems and routes. The rock dries quickly after storms and is climbable all year 'round but it can be foggy in the summer and days of rain in the winter. A rope bag or tarp is recommended when pulling your rope to keep it out of the sand. Moonstone is also THE place to meet partners for other local adventures.

Moonstone Trivia:
#1 Many of the moderate topropes were pioneered in the 60's or earlier by Andy Montgomery, a minister from Arcata who trained on a wall he built inside the bell tower of his church.

#2 The Moonstone outdoor clothing company was started by the beach caretaker in a tin-can trailer on this beach.

Getting There 

Take Highway 101 north from Arcata, exit at Westhaven Drive(just north of Clam Beach), take a left under 101 and left back south and take the first right to the beach.

A guidebook is available at outdoor shops in Arcata and Eureka.

Camping 

Camping can be found just south at Clam Beach or 15 minutes north at Patrick's Point State Park.

The Classics

Featured Route For Moonstone Beach

Dream Theme 5.11c  CA : Redwood Coast : ... : Karen Rock

Dream Theme is one of the most prominent lines on Karen Rock. Start by underclinging the left leaning finger crack, reach right to the rounded side pull, put your right foot high and reach left to a undercling/sidepull. Step up and grab the "six pack handle" with your right hand. Reach through with your left hand to the first right facing edge. Grab the next edge with your right hand. Pull through to the giant hueco and the "egg". Traverse right ...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Moonstone Beach Slideshow

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Sun, sea & sand - Marc entering the crux of Dream ...	Jim Hammerle leading Karen Crack on Karen Rock.	Seaweed and surf, Moonstone Beach.
The end of another great day at Moonstone Beach.	Pelicans and surf, Moonstone Beach.	Looking inland, Moonstone Beach.
Bouldering on the beach.	YEAH	THE MAN THE MYTH THE LEGEND PAUL HUMPHREY
Karen Rock