Mendocino Headlands State Park

Introduction of Mendocino Headlands State Park

Mendocino Headlands State Park is a 347-acre park that surrounds the Mendocino village. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination, with spectacular trails and nearby amenities. Remember to bring your binoculars because whales and birds can be seen all year. Stop by the Ford House visitor centre on the southern headlands to learn more about Mendocino’s natural and human history.

The Mendocino Headlands feature 70-foot bluffs with views of offshore rocky islands, tidepools, and sandy beaches. Allow at least an hour to walk the wonderful Mendocino Headlands “loop.” Never turn your back on the ocean because you could be swept away. A path at the west end of Main Street leads to a promontory with a blowhole/punchbowl and steps leading down to Portuguese Beach. Goat Island, a large flat offshore rock north of the west end of Little Lake Street, is part of the California Coastal National Monument. On this rock, you can see a wide variety of shorebirds and seabirds.

Mendocino Headlands State Park Camping

Russian Gulch State Park is located about three miles north of Mendocino. Along Russian Gulch Creek, the campsites are hidden among the trees. There are also group sites, hike and bike sites, and a horse camp, in addition to standard campsites.

The tent-only group site can accommodate between 9 and 40 people. There are ten parking spaces, three fire pits, and a large grill. Visitors’ favourite family campsites are numbers 1 through 12 (due to their location away from the main road) and sites 25 through 30.

Mendocino Headlands State Park Activities

Hiking

Hike along the rugged coast at the top of the headlands before descending to Big River Beach for some wave action.

Boating

Obtain a Canoe and Bicycles You can also rent a canoe or kayak and paddle up Big River for more than 8 miles. The lovely river canyon is undeveloped and teeming with wildlife.

Biking

Bikes are also available at Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too. The river is followed by a gentle trail into a redwood canyon.

Mendocino Headlands State Park Location

The Mendocino Headlands are located off Highway 1 in Mendocino, south of Fort Bragg and north of Jenner.

For those travelling from east of Mendocino. Highway 20 is accessible from Interstate 5 and Highway 101 in Willits. Once on the coast, take Highway 1 south.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available