For over a century the Fort Bragg shoreline belonged to the lumber mill, and residents had almost no access to their own coast. After the mill closed in 2002, the city built the Coastal Trail along the bluffs in stages. It is now one of the best free walks on the Mendocino Coast.
The northern end meets Glass Beach and the Pudding Creek Trestle, a tall timber railway bridge from the logging era, rebuilt as a walkway over the creek mouth and its sheltered beach.
What to see at Noyo Headlands & Pudding Creek Trestle
Walk or cycle the bluffs
The paved trail runs for several miles with benches and side paths. Interpretive signs tell the story of the Pomo people, the mill and the bluffs.
Cross the Pudding Creek Trestle
The walkway offers wide views along the coast and down to the beach, where kids paddle in the shallow creek.
Watch for whales and seabirds
In winter and spring, scan the horizon for spouts. Harbor seals and cormorants use the rocks all year.
Getting to Noyo Headlands & Pudding Creek Trestle
- Access points: the main parking areas are at the west end of Elm Street in the north and near Cypress Street in the south.
- On foot: several streets lead west from downtown; it is an easy walk.
Tips before you go
- Stay on the trail: bluff edges can be undercut and unstable.
- Parts of the former mill site remain fenced off.
- It is exposed, so bring wind protection.
Tours to pair with Noyo Headlands & Pudding Creek Trestle
GetYourGuide has few products here. These pair well with a visit to Noyo Headlands & Pudding Creek Trestle:
Heritage train from $50 Mendocino County: Skunk Train Pudding Creek Train Ride
The easy classic: a short heritage train ride from downtown Fort Bragg along the Pudding Creek estuary and into the redwoods to Glen Blair Junction and back. The right choice with children or limited time.
- About 7 miles round trip along Pudding Creek
- Departs the depot in downtown Fort Bragg
- Listing includes the model railroad museum
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
