Best Surf Beaches in Mckinleyville
Humboldt County, California
Access & safety
Local planning guidance
McKinleyville coastal access and forecast context for Clam Beach on Humboldt County's exposed Pacific shoreline.
Clam Beach remains forecast-reference only. Its public access is verified, but Quiver will not issue positive recommendations or index the individual beach page until local suitability and tide behavior are validated.
Surf Report Today
Best Right Now
Clam Beach
Surf score
13/100
Wave
4.2 ft
Wind
Light
Condition
Poor Conditions
Medium-period swell, light winds
View Forecast →All Beaches
| Beach | Height | Wind | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam Beach | 4.2 ft | Light | Poor |
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Session Timing
Today
Use the forecast as a reference only and confirm the actual sandbars, currents, and shorebreak from the beach.
Now
Do not treat an empty lineup as proof of safe conditions; exposed Humboldt beaches can carry strong current and sneaker-wave risk.
Weekend
Check Humboldt County notices for Clam Beach access and campground conditions before traveling.
Guides by Intent
Choose the objective that matches your session and we'll filter the best peaks.
McKinleyville tide charts — today's highs, lows & surf windows
Tides dictate which banks fire in McKinleyville. This breakdown maps upcoming highs and lows to the sandbars, reefs, and piers that flip on with just a foot of variance.
View the full tide timing playbookLive water temps and wetsuit planner for McKinleyville
From spring upwelling chills to balmy south-swell summers, McKinleyville water temps fluctuate more than the forecast suggests. Use this guide to pick the right rubber and understand when sudden drops are coming.
View the full water temperature playbookFrequently Asked Questions
About surfing in Mckinleyville
- Mckinleyville has 1 surf spot. They break down by skill level: 1 intermediate.
- The top-ranked surf spots in Mckinleyville are: 1. Clam Beach. Rankings are based on community ratings, reviews, and recent surf intel.
- Mckinleyville's surf spots are generally suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. Beginners should check individual spot reports for days with smaller, mellower conditions.
- Water temperatures in the area range from 55-72°F. In summer, spring suit or 3/2mm is typical. In winter, bring 4/3mm.
