The best walks and hikes in Mackerricher State Park
4.6
(10)
136
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking in Mackerricher State Park offers diverse terrain across nine miles of coastline in Mendocino County. The park features a combination of beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest, and wetland environments. Trails often follow the historic Haul Road, a multi-use path along the Pacific coast, or explore areas around Lake Cleone and Laguna Point. The landscape includes rocky shores, sandy beaches, and coastal bluffs.
Best hiking trails in Mackerricher State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Pudding Creek Beach &β¦
Last updated: May 12, 2026
2
hikers
3.19km
00:50
20m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19.7km
05:22
290m
290m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.5
(2)
11
hikers
13.1km
03:21
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
2.21km
00:34
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
17
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This multi-use trail runs along the bed of an old logging haul road and railroad, along the majestic coastal bluffs of the Pacific, and is one of the longest continuous whale-watching locations on the West Coast. It's a spectacular stretch of coastline worthy of stopping to capture some fantastic photos.
0
0
Noyo Headlands Park is a popular park that is over 104 acres along coastal cliffs. There is a multiuse trail (Ka Kahlen Trail) that cuts through the park.
0
0
There's not much glass left on "Glass Beach." It seems to have been collected by eager tourists. You have to look very closely to see even a few shards of glass. Despite the ban, the only activity tourists seem to be doing there is collecting the last pieces of glass. It was absolutely not worth it.
0
0
This multi-use trail runs along the bed of an old logging haul road and railroad, along the majestic coastal bluffs of the Pacific, and is one of the longest continuous whale-watching locations on the West Coast. It's a spectacular stretch of coastline worthy of stopping to capture some fantastic photos.
0
0
After crossing the famous Pudding Creek Trestle - a famous and historic trestle bridge - you reach Pudding Creek Beach. This beautiful beach is a great place to relax, sunbathe, take in the truly stunning views, and walk on the famous βsqueaky sand."
0
0
Glass Beach, located in Fort Bragg, California, is a unique coastal destination known for its abundance of sea glass. The beach's distinctive feature comes from years of discarding glass bottles, ceramics, and other types of trash into the ocean. Over time, the relentless pounding of the waves smoothed and polished the glass shards, which now cover the beach in a colorful array, predominantly blues, greens, and browns. While collecting sea glass is discouraged to preserve the beach's natural beauty, the area remains a popular attraction for its scenic views, historical interest, and ecological resilience, showcasing how nature can transform human waste into something unexpectedly beautiful. There are also tide pools that are fun to explore when the tides are low.
0
0
From this spot at the very end of the Laguna Point Boardwalk, you get amazing, sweeping views from Laguna Point of the dramatic cliffs and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for migrating whales, seals, sea lions, and birds. This is a great spot for catching the sunset as well.
0
0
The Laguna Point Boardwalk in MacKerricher State Park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky coastlines, and coastal bluffs. The flat, well-maintained surface of the boardwalk is designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs or strollers. Educational signage along the trail provides insights into the local flora, fauna, and geology. This is a great spot to enjoy wildlife watching, including seals, sea lions, various bird species, and, at times, migrating whales. At low tide, tide pools are revealed; they teem with marine life such as starfish, crabs, and anemones. Please stay on the boardwalk and designated trail to help protect the fragile coastal environment.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Mackerricher State Park?
Mackerricher State Park offers a variety of hiking trails, with over 15 routes documented on komoot. These include 10 easy trails perfect for a leisurely stroll and 7 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Mackerricher State Park?
The park features incredibly diverse terrain, spanning nine miles of coastline. You'll find a mix of beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest, and wetland environments. Many trails follow the historic Haul Road, offering flat, coastal paths, while others explore rocky shores, sandy beaches, and coastal bluffs.
Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers in Mackerricher State Park?
Yes, Mackerricher State Park is known for its accessible options. Sections of the historic Haul Road are wheelchair accessible, providing a smooth path along the Pacific coast. Additionally, the Laguna Point Boardwalk loop is a 0.6-mile accessible trail with interpretive panels and coastal views.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Mackerricher State Park?
Dogs are generally permitted on paved roads, in campgrounds, and on most trails in Mackerricher State Park, provided they are on a leash no longer than six feet. However, some sensitive natural areas, like the Inglenook Fen-Ten Mile Dunes Natural Preserve, may have restrictions. Always check signage at trailheads for specific rules.
What are some good trails for families with children in Mackerricher State Park?
For families, the easy and scenic Laguna Point Boardwalk loop is an excellent choice, offering marine life viewing and benches. The flat sections of the Haul Road, such as the Pudding Creek Beach β Glass Beach loop from Fort Bragg, are also suitable for children, providing easy walking and interesting sights like Glass Beach.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along the hiking trails?
Hiking in Mackerricher State Park offers many points of interest. You can visit Pudding Creek Beach and the famous Glass Beach. The Pudding Creek Trestle is another notable landmark. The Laguna Point Boardwalk provides interpretive panels about marine life and access to tide pools at low tide.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Mackerricher State Park?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. A popular option is the Laguna Point Boardwalk loop. Another great choice is the Pudding Creek Beach β MacKerricher Haul Road loop from Fort Bragg, which takes you along coastal bluffs and the Haul Road.
What is the best time of year to hike in Mackerricher State Park?
Mackerricher State Park is enjoyable year-round due to its mild coastal climate. Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers and whale watching opportunities. Summer (June-August) is popular for beach activities. Fall (September-November) provides clear skies, and winter (December-February) is excellent for storm watching and further whale migration viewing, though trails can be wet.
What wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in the park?
The park is a haven for wildlife. At Laguna Point, you can observe a year-round harbor seal colony. During winter and spring (December to April), the headlands are ideal for spotting gray whales during their migration. Lake Cleone is home to over 90 bird species, and river otters can be seen in the estuary. Black-tailed deer, raccoons, and gray foxes are also common.
Are there good viewpoints or scenic spots in Mackerricher State Park?
Absolutely. The entire nine miles of coastline offer stunning views. Laguna Point provides sweeping coastal vistas, especially from its boardwalk. The headlands throughout the park are excellent for panoramic ocean views and whale watching. The historic Haul Road also runs along the Pacific coast, offering picturesque ocean scenery for much of its length.
Where can I park when visiting Mackerricher State Park for a hike?
Mackerricher State Park has several designated parking areas. You'll find parking lots conveniently located near popular trailheads and attractions, including access points for the Haul Road, Laguna Point, and Lake Cleone. Specific parking details can often be found on park maps or at visitor information points.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Mackerricher State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 7 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the park's diverse coastal landscapes, the ease of access to stunning ocean views, and the variety of trails suitable for different skill levels, from the accessible boardwalks to longer coastal loops.
Most popular routes in Mackerricher State Park
Most popular attractions in Mackerricher State Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
