LIMITED - MacKerricher State Park

If you and your pup enjoy leisurely strolls on the beach, then a trip to MacKerricher State Park is in order! Located 3 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, this picturesque site is pawfect for getting away from it all and spending some peaceful quality time with your furry best friend.

With its wild beauty and diverse habitats, MacKerricher never fails to draw visitors from near and far. Beach, bluff, dune, forest, headland, and wetland make up this gem on the Mendocino Coast, appealing to hikers, joggers, cyclists, and equestrians. There's definitely a lot to see here, so be sure to arrive early! 

From the main parking lot, a nice boardwalk will lead you and Fido down to a secluded rocky beach where you can check out the tide pools along the shore and view harbor seals sunning themselves near Laguna Point. If you visit during the winter or spring, you'll be able to spot migrating gray whales in the ocean as well.

MacKerricher also offers a number of hiking trails for you and your pooch to tackle, including a scenic 1.3-mile path that goes around Lake Cleone. Various wildlife species call the lake area home, so you and Fido might encounter black-tailed deer, gray foxes, raccoons, great blue herons, and mallard ducks. Remember to always keep your pupper on a leash and clean up after them! If you'd like to spend a couple of days exploring the park, there are over 140 tent and RV campsites available here. Bring clothes for layering as it gets cold at night, even in the summer.

Some parts of the state park may be off-limits to canine visitors, but it is generally a dog-friendly spot, and Fido might even get a treat from the park rangers when you arrive. Check the entrance station or ask a ranger for more information. Bring any essentials with you, such as clean-up bags and water to share with your adventurous pup.

Discover the best of the Mendocino Coast with your four-legged pal at MacKerricher State Park!