Location: Arcata, North Coast, California, USA (3 min Arcata Airport, 10 min HSU Campus, 10 min Trinidad)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
The Whale's Tale Cabin is a cozy bungalow style cottage sitting on the bluff overlooking the mouth of the Mad River as it meets the crashing breakers of the Pacific Ocean. From the western rooms and deck visitors can enjoy whale watching, viewing the myriad of wildlife on the Mad River, and just relax, taking in all the beauty that nature has to offer.
The quiet and secluded cabin is near downtown Mckinleyville, with a full service cinema, restaurants, and shops. The picturesque fishing village of Trinidad with its famous lighthouse is just ten minutes to the north. Parents and visitors to Humboldt State University are only 10 minutes from the campus. Nearby are gorgeous beaches, Patrick's Point State Park, Redwoods, hiking trails, and the artsy old-style lumber town of Arcata is just 10 minutes south. The Whale's Tale provides an exquisitely serene, relaxing, and private break from the usual mad rush of our hectic lifestyles. (Note, the Hot Tub is currently under repair until further notice...we are awaiting backordered parts). Call or E-mail for information.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed: high quality, very comfortable
- Queen Bed: high quality, very comfortable
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Beach View: gorgeous view with lots of wildlife
- Ocean View
- Water View: beautiful view of the mouth of the Mad River
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Other Activities
- kayaking and canoeing on the Mad River--The famous Hammond Trail is just steps from The Cabin
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Short Notice Discounts Available-48 Hrs. or less prior to arrival
NORMAL RATES $185-275 FOR 2 PERSONS, $225-345 FOR 3-6 PERSONS
RATES BASED ON SEASON AND NUMBER OF PEOPLE-- TAX 10%-MAXIMUM 6 PEOPLE
10% discount on stays of 7 nts or longer, 15% for stays over 15 nts.
Housekeeping fee of $95-125 for short stay, $95-155 over 4 nts
Security Deposit $300. High Season is May 13-Labor Day, Christmas
Time, Spring Break; Holidays & Week-ends may be slightly higher
CALL RE SPECIAL MID-WEEK RATES JUNE/JULY SUN-THURS 10% DISCOUNT
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:


Property Photos
- Ocean View from the Deck on a Sunny Day - Arcata/McKinleyville, California Real Estate
- Private and serene back yard---watch birds and sea otters on the Mad River - Arcata/McKinleyville, California Real Estate
- Relax and Take In Nature in the Back Yard Adirondack Lounge Chairs - Arcata/McKinleyville, California Real Estate
- Sunset Approaching as Sea Otters Swim up the Mad River
- Watch the Migrating Birds while you Drink Wine and Prepare Dinner
- Exquisite Queen Bed with an Awesome Ocean View!!!!!!
- Heavenly King Bed in the Master Bedroom
- Ten minute drive to HSU
- Visit the Famous Lighthouse in the Nearby Fishing Village of Trinidad
- Sunset Photo sent to us by some guests
- The Hot Tub with Exquisite Views!!!
- The Entry
Guest Comments (22)
First (10) of (22). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #58744
There have been 32157 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2005.
This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - November 19, 2009


Positive Rating
The following was entered into our guestbook in June 2009: Beautiful relaxing time. What a cozy house!! My husband and 3 kids really were able to relax here. Great idea the TV's in the back. We played lots of games, sat on the patio every morning with coffee and every night for sunsets. We can't offer advice for restaurants as we BBQ'd fresh fish from Kay's in Trinidad and ribs from Ray's. We kayaked Big Lagoon, biked the Hammond Trail, and hiked Prairie Creek/Fern Canyon. "Awesome" places, all of them. Packed picnic lunches every day and just explored. Thanks, again. The Newby's
Positive Rating
Entered in our Guestbook August 9, 2009. Thank you, Richard. This place is perfect to discover this part of the California Coast. We visited Trinidad and her beaches, Moonstone Beach, and we walked to the Mad River Beach in front of the cabin. We discoivered the Hammond Trail, Prairie Creek Park, and Willow Creek. Our best restaurant is Moonstone Grill: You can watch the sunset if the weather is clear.... The cottage is beautiful, comfortable, and we appreciate the ocean scenery...relaxing and so natural and wild....very different from the view we are used to in our country....Marco and Paola
Positive Rating
Entered in our Guestbook July, 2009: Thanks so much for the beautiful house...it truly made our honeymoon!!! Sitting in the hot tub watching the birds fly by---what a great experience! We will see you next year! Nick We had an amazing honeymoon. Beautiful home, stunning views! We will book our first anniversary next July. Oh, and we'll bring binoculars next time to watch the birds. Monique
Positive Rating
Hey guys- Planning another trip to beautiful Humboldt. I have stayed at the Whales Tale Cabin, and the family loved it. Let me know if it's going to be available. (Comment from returning guests).
Positive Rating
Positive Rating
Kristina Kahl , Elk Grove CA
Positive Rating
Larry and Patti Mitz , Ventura CA
Homeowner Response:
Thank you for the kind compliments and suggestions. Our apologies for the hot tub under repair. The replacement motor is backordered. We are anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Positive Rating
Thanks for the heads up about the credit card charge - I had hoped you had forgotten ;) We were very pleased with the house - it was everything the pictures and descriptions said, and more. It definitely made for a relaxing weekend getaway and we'll let our friends know about it if they ever travel up that way. Guest Ashton from Califonia, August, 2008
Positive Rating
Virginia Holladay , Nashville. TN.
Positive Rating
Jim & K.C. Walden , Yreka, Ca