The Lake Earl, Lake Tolowa Wildlife Refuge area is a wetland that begs to be explored. Nearly 300 bird species have been recorded here. In winter the water is alive with waterfowl, along with Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and other raptors. There are miles of hiking trails that are pristine, peaceful, and full of many different species of plants and mammals.
Lake Earl, A Beautiful Place to Live - There is only one neighborhood in Del Norte County that borders the Lake Earl Wildlife Refuge and I live in that neighborhood. The street is aptly named Lakeside Loop and is a wonderful place to live. I can hear the ocean from my home most of the time. You can see by the picture that a narrow spit of land keeps Lake Earl from the Pacific ocean; when the lake gets too full from winter rains, it breeches itself, causing changes in the species-rich ecosystem.
What a fabulous morning walk - I walk around the "Loop," the street I live on that borders a small section of the 5,000-acre refuge area, most mornings. I see many different types of birds on every walk. Yesterday, my husband and I walked across the street and out onto the wetland (that sometimes is under water). There were ducks swimming around, birds chirping, the roar of the ocean in the background, and we notice a tree that's roots had rotted and had fallen over. There at the top of the tree was a raptor. It rose up with mighty wings spread, and flew away.
Recreation - Hiking, hunting, bird watching, rowing (no motor boats), biking, and laying in the sun are some of the types of recreation that can be enjoyed at Lake Earl and Tolowa Wildlife Refuge.
When you come to Del Norte County, I encourage you to visit the largest wetlands in the U.S. outside of Alaska.
Thank you for stopping by. Your comments on this post are welcomed and appreciated.
No one sold more homes in Del Norte County in 2009, 2010 and 2011--*in units sold and volume--than Fran Gatti. Put Fran to work for you!
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So many beautiful places, so little time.
You've painted this as a place I'd like to visit and yourself as someone who knows it well. Much better than saying "I'm an expert ..." as most agents do.
This is what a good real estate blog post should be. One small caveat - your Lake Earl link is broken.
Thanks for the heads up.
Fran
Sounds like an awesome place - hope you received my email via Active Rain!
Dave Abernathy
It is unfortunate that the reasons behind the breaching of this lagoon system have less to do with a natural cycle and more to do with the fight over cattle pasture that lies under these important waters.
illegal dredging or digging of the sand spit is responsible for the majority of breachings that have occured in the past century.
Beautiful place to visit. Lake Earl should, however, remain a wilderness.... not a drained cattle ranch, nor a subdivided real estate venture.
Best of luck anyhow!
Micah,
I just heard scuttlebut that the remaining lots will never be developed. That would be great, because you're right, it's a lovely place and deserves to be cared for.
Fran