LOCATION: Mendocino County, California
MACKERRICHER STATE PARK: The Park is three miles north of Fort
Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone. The park includes
much of the land west of Cleone and a strip of beach between Fort
Bragg and Ten Mile River. MacKerricher State Park has a variety
of habitats; beach, bluff headland, dune, forest and wetland.
Tide pools are along the shore. Seals live on the rocks off the
park’s Mendocino coast. More than 90 species of birds visit
or live near Cleone Lake, a formal tidal lagoon. During winter
and spring, the nearby headland has a good lookout for whale watching.
The park is popular with hikers, joggers, equestrians and bicyclists.
California fishing is also a popular pastime, with trout in two
fresh-water lakes. One bonus for the disabled, the park also has
a wheelchair accessible nature trail.
HISTORY: 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.
CLIMATE: As with any of the coastal areas in Northern California,
climates often vary and layered clothing is advisable.
PARK FEATURES:
Wheel chair accessible
Campers (Max. Length 35’)
Trailers (Max. Length 35’)
Picnic Areas
Restrooms
RV Dump Station
Showers
Visitor Center
Vista Point
ACTIVITIES:
Bike Trails
Family Camping
Fishing
Group Campsites
Hiking Trails
Horseback Trails
Scuba Diving
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Nature Trails
Guided Tours
Hike or Bike Campsites
*Reservations Recommended: Telephone: 707-964-9112
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS: Fort Bragg is the closest town to MacKerricher
and is located on the scenic Mendocino coast, surrounded by beautiful
redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean, Fort Bragg offers a unique
blend of natural resources, recreation, and scenery. Fishing,
wood products, and tourism are the primary industries of this
North Coast city. Situated approximately half-way between Eureka
and San Francisco, Fort Bragg is an ideal place for vacation getaways
or small business retreats.
ADDITIONAL LODGING:
Atrium Bed & Breakfast: http://www.atriumbnb.com/
The Colonial Inn Bed & Breakfast: http://www.colonialinnfortbragg.com/
The Country Inn Bed & Breakfast: http://www.beourguests.com/
The Beach House Inn (AAA Approved): http://www.beachinn.com/
Beach Comber Motel: http://www.thebeachcombermotel.com/
Emerald Dolphin Inn (AAA Approved): http://www.emeralddolphin.com/
©2006Copyright Carla Iacovetti
