We stopped here briefly to use the bathroom and found a cool whale skeleton. This day they had free day use. They also have camping grounds. I didn't check out much else but definitely seems worth exploring more if im in the area again read more

Free access day today. Beautiful, well maintained, clean restrooms, accessible to all levels of mobility, leashed dogs welcome, gift shop. Plenty of trash receptacles. Wood sidewalk/path plus smooth trails. Cool whale skeleton and information. Something for a everyone whether you want to camp or day use. Clean beaches, flowers, plants, birds, greenery, deer. Friendly staff members read more

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This is for the campground. Campground is ok and location is close to the beach. Pros - very clean bathroom and showers... the cleanest so far out of the state parks I visited - great location and great beach Cons- staff were rude, unfriendly and unprofessional read more

This park has recently updated half of it's bathrooms in the park, a great improvement from the prior bathrooms - besides the showers. I purposely go to the older bathrooms to shower because the new ones have such terrible water pressure. The beach is amazing as it always is, but another downside was the ranger at the entrance with dark long hair. He was one of the rudest rangers ive met at the park, showed no care or friendliness to us at all. The funny thing is, when more of our group came in they complained about the same exact man! Besides these issues, I had a great trip! read more

Another great park for big group activities and activities that need room for all your big groups and more

West Pinewood sites along coastal trail were great. Showers were not hot but clean. Laguna Point is a great place to explore.

Absolutely love this beach. There plenty of high trials to walk on and catch the sunset with a great view. read more

MacKerricher State Park - Sunset at MacKerricher State Park - Parks Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

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We love visiting this park. Everytime a relative comes to visit they always find this place fascinating. So much nature and beauty.

Very beautiful state campground, with access to the beach, a lake and an awesome paved bike trail which you can take into town. My favorite thing, though, was the boardwalk loop trail that had several coastal viewpoints and a trail down to the tide pools. We were lucky enough to stay 5 nights, all very quiet with the sound of the ocean in the background. Our campsite was spacious and private. No hookups, but there is a dump station available. The bathrooms and coin operated showers were clean. This will definitely be added to my list of "favorite campgrounds". read more

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Just immaculate! This is Fort Bragg at its' absolute finest, ladies and gents. If you're looking to completely immerse yourself into the beauty of the Mendocino coastline, this is where it's at. This is your baby. Wooow. I'm speechless! This park has me at a loss for words. MacKerricher State Park is beyond beautiful. I hiked from Mackerricher to Glass Beach and back, and I was in awe the entire time. I mean, who can resist the numbing sights and sounds of this insanely gorgeous coastline?! This was definitely an experience to remember. There's a beautiful pathway that starts near the parking lot. This path runs through the park and connects to a coastal trail and the paved Haul Road trail. The coastal trail leads to several beaches, hidden coves, and tide pools. The views are absolutely amazing. If you're the explorer type, then you will have so much fun exploring all that this park has to offer. You can literally spend hours here hiking down to secret coves and playing in the secluded beaches. Most of the trails are exposed but there are some sections that run through small groves filled with berries and wildflowers. Although there isn't much shade, the wind from the ocean will keep you cool. It gets chilly in the evening, so layers are a must. Literally everywhere you turn on the coastal trail presents the most breathtaking views! The coastal trail runs parallel to Haul Road, so if you want to stop at the Boardwalk while you're on the trail, you can definitely do so. The coastal trail is a bit more rugged in terrain than Haul Road, but you'll literally be hiking on the edge of the coast. Haul Road is a good option for those who have small children, bikes, and/or strollers. Haul Road is also handicap accessible, making it the ultimate universal trail. There's plenty of parking, lots of restrooms, and tons of access points throughout the park. I love that there are so many different beaches to choose from! Bring your lunch and take a walk or hike through this beauty! There are plenty of places to stop off and enjoy. read more

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We stayed here for 3 nights recently.Having the beach nearby was so nice. Our stay would have been perfect if not for the large noisy group also camping with a big dog who barked constantly echoing all through the park. Loud parties with music from a loud speaker late into every night. The camp host was never available even though they were there most of the time. The park ranger had an out of service sign on his truck. So no one to enforce the rules about those issues. Very disappointed in the ones who are in charge and the people who have no manners or respect for people around them. read more

I found this spot on the visit Fort Bragg website, otherwise I had never heard of it, despite visiting the area several times. So glad I found it! The rangers were exceptionally friendly and briefly showed us their whale Skeleton, before we headed into the park. We found parking fairly easily at 10 am, and chose to hike the boardwalk trail to Laguna Point which is flat, wide, and accessible to most all. We were surprised to see how far it went and we walked for over an hour. (didn't track distance). Only downside of this experience was that we were greeted with really stinky outhouses at the trailhead... Afterwards we had snacks at a picnic bench overlooking the ocean, which we appreciated because we wanted the beach experience without trekking down into the sand. We saw seals playing in the surf. We also quickly checked out the coastal bluff trail which is a little north, nice views and well-kept trail. I cant say too much as we only went a little ways on the trail. Campgrounds seemed active and full of families from what we could see in this Late July visit. Love to see it! There are tons of little ground squirrels in this state park, some seem emboldened to come right up to you seeking food. Remember, dont feed wildlife! Squirrels included. read more

Hidden gem? Idk why this place is not more popular, it's GREAT! It's got camping, beaches, tide pools, boardwalk, so much! We've seen seals and whales and always have a fun day there. read more

This is mostly for the visitor center, but also for the day use area and trail. The visitor center is somehow not on google maps and easy to miss but you just pull into the parking lot just past the shed when you turn left. The visitor center is to the right of the shed and has a whale skeleton(s?) outside. The visitor center had a lot of pelts to pet, taxidermy, and skulls. I'm told most add natural deaths, I'm assuming the others may have been reclaimed or had to be killed in self defense, doesn't seem like the place to hunt. I've never touched a bobcat, skunk, civet, both kinds of others, a badger, a mountain lion, or even a gray wolf but now I have! The lady running it was exceptionally nice to me, 10/10 make a stop there. The boardwalk at the day use center was really nice, i only really saw anemones in the tide pool that time, but i did see the seals! Bring binoculars if you want a good look at the harbor seals. They also have a long sand beach and a big parking lot before the regular one, assuming that's for longer vehicles read more

Mackerricher SP is an excellent location for a short visit to the beach or a multi-day car camping trip. There's every type of beach you could want: firm and sandy and shallow for playing in the surf; surfable breaks just off shore; rocks for tide pooling; and miles and miles of sand for strolling. The surf fishing is fine as well. My favorite activity is to walk north to the end of the haul road, then descending to the beach and walking north along ten mile beach until it feels like you're the only person on the only beach in the universe. read more

Lucking out and managing to snag a last-minute cancellation, my husband and I (and our two dogs) went camping at MacKerricher State Park for the weekend. Our spot was nice, although not one of the sites closest to the beach. Plenty of trees (for privacy from the other sites), a water spout at the edge of our site, and walkable to the nearest bathroom. We loved that dogs were allowed on some beaches (on leash) and were welcome at the campsite. It was wonderful to be on the coast and away from the wildfire smoke in the valley. read more

Simply Gorgeous!! MacKerricher State Park is a beauty!! My lovely wife and I truly enjoy the Northern California coastline. We've been up and down it numerous times. Recently, though, we were introduced to MacKerricher State Park. So sad that we only had about 60 minutes to stay here. Time was very limited on this road trip with the extended family. What we did see and experience in 60 minutes was absolutely wonderful. From the parking lot, we walked along the boardwalk. This trail led to stunning views of the coastline. Everywhere you turned was a photo opp, and we took a lot of family photos!! Fortunately, there were no one else around when we made our visit early in the morning. We got to enjoy the experience all to ourselves! Sorry that came out a little selfishly, but I do not like crowds! Lol Now that we know about MacKerricher State Park close to Fort Bragg, CA, we will always make it part of future trips to Northern Cal. Look forward to exploring the place more! Maybe we will get lucky and see some whales because this is supposed to be a great place to do whale watching. read more

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Easy walk to the beach. Quiet campground! Large camp sites for two campers or cars. Friendly workers, clean showers and toilets. Must book early, often full and difficult to get a site! Prices are a bit steep and discounts slim. Bike trails go south into Fort Bragg and further! Also wonderful walk on a boardwalk with stops to watch the ocean. read more

Wonderful campsite and lovely views. However. A few sites away there were at least 16 people in one site and 7 tents. This is not a group campsite. They were loud; little kids running through our site and these people didn't even know they lost them. We actually took back their infant kids twice. State park gentlemen came, nothing came of it. I'm upset a state park wouldn't have more restrictions on these kinds of things. It's my understanding each site is eight people max, three vehicles that includes a trailer. And they have definitely exceeded this.Very annoyed Side note. I don't care about the way they are camping; the amount of cars or people... this genuinely comes down to no respect for rules. And a lack of boundaries. And lack of state parks involvement. read more

MacKerricher State Park - Parks Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

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I really enjoyed this camping spot! My family and I went to this park for the first time this year. The weather was perfect (however I know the weather can also be horrible.) our spot was right near the boardwalk that leads right to the ocean (best thing ever!) I didn't not pick a good camping site, however, nothing wrong since I picked this spot not knowing what it would be like. The bathrooms were clean but since it was busier it ran out of toilet paper quickly. I really enjoyed this place for the first time! I would recommend this spot if you are looking for cooler weather and a good time. read more

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Our family had a great time at the tide pool here. We saw tons of hermit crabs and sea anemones, and even caught a glimpse of a crab, starfish and sea urchin. read more

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The north coast (aka the "Lost Coast") is a thing of endless beauty, and few of the parks along the coast match the beauty and variety that is offered within MacKerricher State Park. I've been here numerous times over the years and each time there are new discoveries. Most head directly to the beach, where there are massive tidepools that offer the patient observer views of teeming sea life. My son loved it here and we spent hours poking sea anemones, collecting driftwood and chasing crabs. Further on is a point along a well-maintained walkway where you could view harbor seals and just the general splendor of the ocean. Between these two places it's easy to see why this is preserved as a park. But there's more. The park rangers at the front station were wonderful - they gave my son a great Junior Rangers book and there is a cool whale skeleton you can pose with. We even saw a couple deer and got some very up close pictures of them chomping away. The camp sites are all well-maintained and we made a vow that when we next return we are going to make it a camping trip. Plenty of spots for both tent camping and RVs, plus a special walkin campers only designated area. read more

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I would never have discovered the MacKerricher State Park if I wasn't looking for gray whales. During whale migration season, they have free whale talks before giving guests directions of the best spots to try to spot them. We missed the talk but did drive to the wheelchair accessible Laguna Point Boardwalk to some overlooks in hopes of being rewarded with some tail slaps or breaches. Unfortunately it was not to be but the easy hike along the ocean side pass some viewing platforms with informative panels and a tide pool area was a nice consolation. The trail is a loop where you can experience both the ocean views and the grasslands or you can choose to go out and back the same way along the ocean. To get to the trailhead, from Highway One, three miles north of Fort Bragg, turn west at the MacKerricher State Park entrance sign onto MacKerricher State Park Road. After you pass the entrance station turn left at Mill Creek Road to the trailhead at road's end where there is a parking lot. read more

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i didn't get to stay here very long, since i was just running through on the ft. bragg coastal trail, but this vista point is beautiful! located a few miles north of downtown ft. bragg, this area is right along the water. you can bring a picnic lunch, sit at a table or bring your own blanket to sit on the grassy area and hang out here for a few hours, enjoying the view. there is a walking trail that runs north to the 10 mile beach, or you can take the ft. bragg coastal trail and walk south 6 miles. the parking lot is not that big but there's a couple other parking lots nearby, you just have to walk a bit. restroom structures on site - didn't use so unsure of their condition/amenities. great place to go camping as we saw lots of campers with rvs and tents. read more

At this state park beach gun place to visit great visitors center great day nice walk read more

MacKerricher State Park - At this state park beach - Parks Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

On a recent mini-vacay to the area, we spent part of a day here and it was so lovely. Amazing ocean views, clean bathrooms, great boardwalk type pathway (would be easy for a wheelchair) and several picnic tables which we took advantage of. It is well worth a stop! read more

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I live here, so I come here often. Most definitely a beautiful place. A must see place to stop at if you're from out of town. Only downside is the restrooms are always smelling gross. it'd be nice if they changed out the restrooms to flushing toilet, and men's and women's restrooms and sinks to wash hands. read more

I love it there! The sunsets are always nice and clear and most of the time there's not very many people except when it's tourist season .

Before wrapping up our Fort Bragg get away, we needed one last walk on the beach. Without any plans we've Yelped and we ended up here. Glad we did! There was no entrance fee since we weren't staying overnight. Majority of the foot traffic to my surprise was not on the beach. Everyone was more fascinated walking the trail platforms. As we exited the park, I've come to realized I should've prepared for an overnight stay. I have this park slotted on my future camping trips. Hope to make a return in the near future. read more

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For most state parks I am in, I give a high rating. This is also a beautiful park as well. Get your camera out as there are some beautiful sites here. They could improve the walking trails and perhaps widen them though. Some are extremely close to the edge. read more

MacKerricher State Park - My blood pressure is getting lower and lower... - Parks Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

The park ranger was nice. The park is clean, plenty of parking and the beaches are beautiful. Take a stroll and just walk the coast for breath taking views. One less star for the long drive there. I dont get car sick easily, but I didnt feel too great going there and coming back. Don't forget to pack a barf bag. read more

MacKerricher State Park - Parks Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

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Absolutely gorgeous! You've got a clean wooden path just steps away from the parking lot, nearby bathrooms, a staircase to go down to the low tides, and tons of photo-worthy spots! We spotted sea anemones, starfish, mussels, and sea urchin! You get to learn all about the sea animals and history of the area. A must see when you're visiting Fort Bragg! read more

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I only had the chance to explore a small portion of MacKerricher State Park but enjoyed what I did experience. Located about 4 miles north of Fort Bragg, there is both camping facilities and day use areas. My review is simply for the day use. Upon entering you will see a small visitor's center and a whale skeleton. It was after closing time for the visitor center but there were still rangers manning the kiosk at 5 pm on an April weekday. I had my CA Parks pass and they waved me through (didn't notice what the fees were.) For beach and the wooden boardwalk that crosses through the meadows, I followed the signs to the left for beach access and drove all the way to the end lot. There is a large wide beach to the right and then to the left the boardwalk and then various overlooks around the bluffs. I also had a chance to follow a staircase down to some tide pools and lucked out with low tide. The boardwalk led to Laguna Point where harbor seals were lounging on the rocks. Overall it was a pleasant way to spend an hour or two. Scenic coastal park that's a worthwhile stop along the North Coast. read more

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This past week we had the pleasure of visiting the boardwalk part of this park- truly amazing. Just us and a few others early morning mid-week and it's dog friendly on leash. read more

Beach and trestle... and Puddle Creek! My first visit to Fort Bragg was 5-1/2 years ago in March 2011... the weather was kind of weird... windy and a bit of rain here and there but mostly winds and the waves on the ocean were rough and angry. Six days later on March 11, there was a magnitude-8.9 earthquake that shook northeastern Japan (remember that?), unleashing a savage tsunami. Although it was felt mainly in U.S. West Coast like Oregon, California suffered damages to docks and boats as well. There was no calm in the ocean. Fast forward to Labor Day 2016, came back to visit Fort Bragg and enjoyed a beautiful 80°F weather spending most of our time on the northern coastline on the sloping beach. Had a nice time walking and digging our toes in the warm fine sand. Daughter didn't want to leave. We didn't make it to the southern part of the park, though, where rocky cliffs and flats separate smaller strips of beach. MacKerricher State Park has all sorts of everything including habitats; beach, freshwater lake, bluff, headlands that are covered in grasses and wildflowers, dune, tide pools, forest, coves, wetland and the Pudding Creek trestle where one can enjoy walks from one end to the other on the bridge. There is an interpretive sign at one end of the trestle where it states the history of the trestle. Would like to come back between December and April to watch the annual migration of the gray whales which is visible to watch from the shore. Review #0579 read more

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This park was not on our "to visit" list. Having said that we couldn't resist a quick "look see" since its only three miles away from Mendocino where we were staying for the weekend. The drive alone is a sweet one. All coast and all green. Lovely. MacKerricher State park offers a variety of habitats: beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest and wetland. Tide pools are along the shore. We got lucky it was low tide when we dropped by. Im all up to experiencing low tide marvel any time i get the chance. Its the best. If it doesn't bring out the kid in you then maybe it should bring out your curious George side. ONE MUST COME OUT. Otherwise I'd say you're dead inside :) 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. What almost stunned me was this: The wheelchair accessible nature trail. I call it the nature highway. It's enough but not enough. I want more of it. Like all over the park. It's lifted off the ground. About two feet? It starts from the side of the public bathroom and runs the coast line with about 4-5 areas where you can stop and read or sit. I can only say i wish all parks next to the shore has a nature trail. It's awesome for wheelchairs but awesome also great to run on. I was in heaven. read more

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I had no idea that the view from our balcony at the Ocean View Lodge (http://www.yelp.com/biz/ocean-view-lodge-fort-bragg#hrid:dLnfH2Qlz0KyQhBW8ue5yg) was of MacKerricher State Park or that the Glass Beach is part of it as well. It's an expansive piece of greenery that hugs this part of the coast and offers all sorts of rugged, windswept beauty as well as views of all sorts of sea life - armies of seals on the rocks, colorful starfish in the tide pools, peaceful albeit plump seagulls on the nearly grassland. On this trip, we drove up about three miles north to the main entrance and enjoyed strolling the boardwalk to Laguna Point (see photos). Along the way, you step down into a cove covered with red seaweed and see the tide pools up close. Jamie W. and I think we saw the spout of a gray whale in the distance, but we may have been hallucinating. No, we're not into 'shrooms... t'is the spell of the sea, laddie. I feel like I should play a squeezebox and sing a sea chantey. But I won't...I'll simply recall the gorgeous views. read more

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Great park with a boardwalk with great views of the ocean and free to enter for day use. Supposedly you can seals but when we visited there were huge numbers of playful chipmunks on either side of the boardwalk which added to the fun. Easy for older adults to walk and boardwalk loops back to the parking lot. Will be back. read more

There isn't much to do at this park to be honest but it is so so so BEAUTIFUL. So beautiful we came back again before we left for home. The views are just breathtaking. The way the sun hits the park makes it even more amazing. At sunset, the whole place looks like a fairytale. There are picnic areas and scenic areas where you can take pictures. Parking and entrance to the park is free. There are people at the kiosk if you have any questions. I would definitely come back again if I'm in the area. read more

MacKerricher State Park - Beautiful sunset - Parks Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

What a beautiful park this is, The wooden walking path taking us to various points was super nice. We learned a lot about the history, and gained an understanding of how the area was formed. As the waves were crashing, you really experience how powerful the sea can be. We timed it just right and hit the low tide in the afternoon. It was great to explore all the tide pools, and the living creatures attached to the rocks. So cool! I highly recommend taking the kids to the tide pools at low tide. There are a zillion shells, and interesting sea life to explore. There are about 90 types of birds that live, or migrate through. Of course there are sea lions, and harbor seals to watch too. If you are lucky you may catch a whale going by. Pack a lunch, bundle up, and you can explore for hours. Good time and educational for all...and Free! read more

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