LOCATION: Mendocino County, California
WESTPORT-UNION LANDING STATE BEACH: Westport Union-Landing State
Beach covers over 3 miles of jagged and scenic coastline. It is
only 2 miles from Westport and 19 miles north of Fort Bragg on
Highway One. There are 100 campsites on the bluff overlooking
the Pacific Ocean. Mendocino beaches are rugged, dramatic and
beautiful. There are numerous rocky headlands and hidden coves
along this section of the Northern California coastline, with
miles of hiking trails to explore. The outstanding vistas, sunsets
and tree covered mountains in the background provide inspiring
challenges to both amateur and professional photographers. It
is a photographers dream. The park was named for two early day
communities. Westport, a sawmill town, is still in existence and
Union Landing now consists of only a few buildings. Both of these
settlements were famous for supplying lumber and railroad ties,
and Tan Oak bark to the schooners which anchored off shore. The
schooners were then loaded with forest products by means of complex
cable tramways and chutes from the bluffs.
*Note: It is advised to call Westport-Union Landing State Beach
prior to arriving.
BEACH ACTIVITIES: California fishing, hiking, abalone hunting,
and primitive camping. The beach has restroom facilities and picnic
tables. Several small sandy beaches and one large beach located
at the mouth of Howard Creek offer some good sport for fishermen;
the Surf Smelt (Hyomesus pretiosus) come in near shore to spawn
in the surf during the day. Night Smelt (Spirinchus Starksi) come
in to spawn at night. Several kinds of rock fish and abalone are
taken when tides and ocean conditions are right.
BEACH CLIMATE: As with most Northern California beaches, the
weather can be changeable and layered clothing is highly recommended.
BEACH LODGING:
The Inn at Schoolhouse Creek - http://www.schoolhousecreek.com/
Brewery Gulch Inn - http://www.brewerygulchinn.com/
Howard Creek Ranch - http://www.bbonline.com/ca/howardcreek/index.html
DeHaven Valley Farm and Country Inn - http://www.bbonline.com/ca/dehaven/index.html
Grey Whale Inn - http://www.bbonline.com/ca/greywhale/index.html#contact
©2006 Carla Iacovetti
