Patrick's Point State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Patrick's Point State Park |
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Agate Beach at Patrick's Point State Park
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| Location | Humboldt County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Eureka, California |
| Area | 640 acres (260 ha) |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Patrick's Point State Park is a beautiful place located about 25 miles (40 km) north of Eureka, California. It sits right in the middle of California's amazing redwood country. This state park got its name from Patrick Beegan, an Irish immigrant. He first called the area "Patrick's Ranch."
The park is full of different kinds of trees, like giant coastal redwoods, spruce, hemlock, pine, fir, and red alder. You can also find pretty wildflower meadows here. The park's edge meets the Pacific Ocean with sandy beaches and tall, steep cliffs. It is found in Humboldt County.
Visitors can enjoy many things at the park. There are fun hiking trails and a special recreated Yurok Village. You can also explore a garden filled with native plants and a visitor center. The park has three family campgrounds, two group camps, and a special camp for hikers and bicyclists. Plus, there are beaches you can easily get to, amazing lookout points, and three picnic areas for groups.
Contents
How Did Patrick's Point Get Its Name?
There are two main stories about how Patrick's Point got its name. Both stories are interesting!
The Story of Patrick Beegan
The most common story is about a scout named Patrick Beegan. He was an Irish immigrant who came to the area in 1851. He found wild potatoes, which were his favorite food from his home country. Because of this, "Old Patrick," as people in the Trinidad area called him, decided to stay. He claimed the land as his own.
The Story of Patrick McLaughlin
Another story talks about Patrick McLaughlin. He was a squatter, meaning he settled on land without official permission, who arrived in the 1870s. People say he was the first person to plant apple trees in this area.
The History of Patrick's Point Park
Patrick Beegan's claim to the land was first written down on January 13, 1851. This was recorded in the Trinidad Record Book. The name "Patrick's Point" first appeared on a map of Humboldt County in 1886.
People wanted to protect the beautiful redwood forests and the unique rock formations along the coast. Because of these efforts, Patrick's Point became a state park. Today, the park covers about 420.01 acres (169.97 ha) of land.
Images for kids
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Agate Beach at Patrick's Point State Park
