Lake Earl
- Size
- 6,100-acre wildlife area
- Launches
- End of Lakeview Dr; end of Buzzini Rd
- Motors
- Not allowed in waterfowl season
- Fish
- Cutthroat and steelhead trout
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Wildlife & birding
- Restrooms
About this lake
Lake Earl, joined to Lake Tolowa by a deep channel called the Narrows, is the largest coastal lagoon on the US West Coast. It's part of the 6,100-acre Lake Earl Wildlife Area run by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife near Crescent City.
On the water
Two boat launches reach Lake Earl: one at the end of Lakeview Drive and one at the end of Buzzini Road. The Narrows are the easiest place to boat, because dense vegetation fills much of the lakes. Watercraft motors aren't allowed during waterfowl season. Cutthroat and steelhead trout are the most popular fish; a fishing license is required and isn't sold on site.
Visiting
There's an information kiosk, restrooms and parking. Camping isn't allowed in the wildlife area (Tolowa Dunes State Park next door has camping), dogs are only allowed while hunting, and drones need a permit.
Getting there & access
Getting there
From Highway 101 in Crescent City, take Washington Boulevard west, Northcrest Drive north and Old Mill Road 1.4 miles to the information center (1180 Lakeview Drive).
- Camping
- None (Tolowa Dunes SP nearby)
- Wildlife area
- (707) 487-0541
What's here
Launch
Two boat launches
Fishing
Cutthroat and steelhead trout
Boating
Boating through the Narrows
Wildlife
Birds, beaver and black-tailed deer
Restrooms
Restrooms at the information kiosk
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- No watercraft motors allowed during waterfowl season; no dogs unless actively hunting; no camping; no drones without a Special Use Permitwildlife.ca.gov ↗
- A valid fishing license is required and is not sold at the wildlife areawildlife.ca.gov ↗
- Registered boats used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee Sticker on the hull next to the registration stickerdbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
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