MacKerricher State Park is a state park in California in the United States. It is located 3 miles north of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County. It covers 9 miles of coastline and contains several types of coastal habitat, including beaches, dunes, headlands, coves, wetlands, tide pools, forest, and a freshwater lake.
MacKerricher State Park offers a variety of habitats; beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest and wetland. Tide pools are along the shore. Seals may be seen on the rocks off the park's coastline. More than 90 species of birds visit or live near Cleone Lake, a former tidal lagoon. During winter and spring, the nearby headland provides a good lookout for whale watching. The park is popular with hikers, joggers, equestrians and bicyclists. The park has a wheelchair accessible nature trail.
Location/Directions
The park is three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone. The park encompasses much of the land west of Cleone and a strip of beach between Fort Bragg and Ten Mile River.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
About the Park
The park is the only one in the park system that was at one time part of the Mendocino Indian Reservation.
It is the only park unit that was part of the Union Lumber Company's vast timber and shipping holdings in northern Mendocino County. A small, independent logging and shipping operation began here, and then was absorbed by the larger corporation. MacKerricher, known historically as Cleone, thus followed a pattern common to many of the small areas in the region. The park was officially opened in 1952; land was added along the Ten Mile beach until 1977.
Accessibility
Several accessible facilities at MacKerricher include a boardwalk at Laguna Point and Haul Road.
Assistance may be needed with restroom, shower, and other facilities. A beach wheelchair is available for use by calling (707) 937-5721 to reserve it at least seven days in advance. Accessibility at the park is continually improving.
Camping
Six campsites are accessible (#67, #74, #83, #118, #120, #143). Routes of travel to restrooms are generally accessible. Restrooms with showers near campsites 26 and 74 are generally accessible.
The campfire center has wheelchair accessible and companion seating available. Parking, and a 300-foot boardwalk leading to the campfire center, is accessible.
Picnic Area
Two accessible picnic areas are located in the Laguna Point parking lot. Parking, routes, and nearby vault restrooms are accessible. An accessible water station is located near the restrooms.
Trails
The Laguna Point Interpretive Trail is a 0.60 mile accessible boardwalk loop trail, set atop the bluffs, which offers sweeping vistas from Fort Bragg to the Lost Coast. Overlook platforms along the boardwalk loop allow whale and harbor seal watching, and contain educational exhibits. The trailhead, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms are located at the Laguna Point parking lot.
The Haul Road Trail is an old paved road that is used as a multi-use trail that provides sweeping vistas of ocean beaches, dunes, and cliffs. The trail is generally accessible. Portions of the trail may at times not be fully accessible due to forces of nature. The Haul Road consists of three sections. Visitors can travel from one section to another, but accessible connection between the sections is not possible. The Silvergate Section of the trail is a flat ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 0.87 miles total each way. The trail extends to the south 0.1 miles and 0.77 miles to the north. The surface is asphalt. Accessible parking and restroom are located in the parking lot next to the Beachcomber Motel. The Laguna Point Section of the trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that is 1.29 miles each way. The surface is aggregate and asphalt. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with one section for 24 feet at 7% slope. Accessible parking, picnic areas, and restrooms are located in the Laguna Point day-use area. The Ward Avenue Section of the trail is an ‘out-and-back accessible trail that is 0.83 miles each way. The surface is asphalt. The trail section is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. Accessible parking is located in a parking area off of Ward Avenue.
Beach/Shore Access
A beach wheelchair is available upon request for use at California State Park beaches in the Mendocino coast area.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor center: One van-accessible parking space is located near the kiosk and visitor center. The small visitor center has a usable ramp. The exhibits in the visitor center are accessible.
