MacKerricher State Park stretches for miles along the coast north of Fort Bragg, from Glass Beach past the tiny community of Cleone to the Ten Mile River. It takes in headlands, tide pools, a freshwater lake, wetlands and one of California’s more intact dune systems.
For most visitors the highlight is Laguna Point, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform over rocks used by harbor seals.
What to see at MacKerricher State Park & Laguna Point
Laguna Point boardwalk
A short accessible boardwalk leads to the seal-watching platform. In winter and spring it is also a fine place to look for gray whales.
Tide pooling
At low tide, look for anemones, sea stars and crabs around the rocky points. Watch your step and leave everything in place.
Cycle or walk the Haul Road
The old logging road runs north along the shore, partly paved and partly reclaimed by sand, toward the Ten Mile Dunes.
Horseback ride on the beach
A stable across from the park leads rides on Ten Mile Beach. GetYourGuide lists a ride too, so compare it with booking directly.
Getting to MacKerricher State Park & Laguna Point
- By car: the main entrance is off Highway 1 at Cleone, about 3 miles north of Fort Bragg.
- Other access: Pudding Creek and Ward Avenue give access to the shoreline further along.
Tips before you go
- Keep well back from seals, especially pups. Disturbing them is illegal.
- Dogs are limited in sensitive areas, including the dunes during plover nesting.
- The campground fills on summer weekends, so reserve early through California State Parks.
Tours to pair with MacKerricher State Park & Laguna Point
GetYourGuide has few products here. These pair well with a visit to MacKerricher State Park & Laguna Point:
Railbike tour from $265 per group Mendocino County: Pudding Creek Railbikes
Ride a small railbike up the old logging line along Pudding Creek, with a long stop among the redwoods at Glen Blair Junction. The price is per bike for up to two. Some reviewers find the riding time short for the price, so go for the setting.
- Pedal the rails through redwood forest
- Crosses wooden trestle bridges
- Layover of about 50 minutes at Glen Blair Junction
Evening railbike tour from $349 per group Mendocino County: Moonlight Railbike Tour
An evening ride along the Pudding Creek estuary to a fire at Glen Blair Junction, returning in the dark. It has few reviews and they are mixed, with complaints about value, so we rank it last.
- Starts about 90 minutes before sunset
- Electric-assist bikes with LED lights
- Campfire stop at Glen Blair Junction
