MacKerricher State Park

MacKerricher State Park is 3 mi. n. via MacKerricher Park Rd. to Mill Creek Rd. The park extends approximately 9 miles along the Pacific. The southern portion comprises a series of rocky headlands separated by small coves; the northern half consists of sandy, gently sloping beaches.

An overpass leading to the Laguna Point boardwalk crosses freshwater Lake Cleone. This haul road once carried steam-driven trains to the Union Lumber Company mill in Fort Bragg; today walkers, joggers, cyclists and horseback riders use it. The boardwalk runs along the shoreline for about a mile. Harbor seals bask in the sun on rocks near the point, and from mid-December to early April the boardwalk overlooks are prime spots for spotting gray whales as they migrate from the Bering Sea south to Baja California.

A forest of Bishop pine and Douglas fir grows in the vicinity of the lake and park campgrounds, and a variety of coastal plants like sand verbena and beach morning glory blanket the dunes along the beaches. The Ten Mile Beach Trail from Laguna Point to Ten Mile River offers hikers the opportunity to explore headlands, wetlands, tide pools, sand dunes and meadows.

Pet friendly (call for restrictions/fees.). Recreational activities are permitted. Camping is permitted. Picnicking is permitted. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.