MacKerricher State Park
Use the park page to learn about local hiking, nature, trailheads, trail and route maps, and groups that meet here. If you know something about this area. Please feel welcome to write about it here.
General Information
MacKerricher State Park is located in Northern California, approximately 2-3 hours north of San Francisco and just north-west of Jackson State Forest. MacKerricher park is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, which makes for some really fun beach hikes or walks.
The terrain and habitats of the park are quite varied. There are beach areas, bluffs, headlands, dune, forested areas and wetlands.
Trailheads
We currently do not have any record of trailheads in this park.
Routes and Trails You Can Travel
We currently do not have any record of good routes in this park.
Hiking
The park has trails and beach walks that are shared by hikers, joggers, equestrians and bicyclists. Hikers don't often like to share trails with cyclists and equestrians because it takes away from the solitude if you have rushing bikers speeding behind you.
Nevertheless, the hikes and walks here are very scenic and unique thanks to the water-based wildlife that can be spotted, and the vistas that open up when you are hiking along bluffs and overlook the ocean.
Trails
A very popular trail at the park is the Ten Mile Beach Trail which is a 10-mile loop that takes you from Laguna Point to Ten Mile River.
Climate and Weather
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History
Prior to westerners moving the the land that is now Northern California, this area was once the home of native Indian people. During the Gold Rush, as westerners began pouring into this land, they began taking the land from the native people in one way or another.
In the case of this park, it gets its name from a Scottish immigrant Duncan MacKerricher who paid $1.25 an acre for land in this area, to buy it from the native people. The MacKerricher family owned the land for about 80 years until they gave it to the state.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s there was a lot of cutting down of the once plentiful redwood forests in the area.
Wildlife
A perk of being next to the Pacific Ocean is the variety of ocean-based wildlife that can be spotted here. This park is a popular hangout among seals who like to sprawl out on the rocks sticking out of the water all along the ocean. And when there are seals, there are also bigger animals who like to eat seals.
If you want a real treat, you may want to visit this park during winter or spring, when there are whales in the area that can be spotted from some of the higher elevations of the park.
Birds
According to the official park website, there are more than 90 species of birds who either live in the area all year, or visit the area on their migration paths. Cleone Lake, which is a tidal lagoon is a popular destination for birds and bird-watchers.
Trees
Flowers
Other Plants
Camping Possibilities
Camping is available at the park. The camp grounds are well-maintained and accessible by car. There are picnic tables at the camp sites, and coin showers are available.
One good thing about camping here is that it is safe. There are no bears in the area, which is a risk you take if you camp at larger parks or forests.
Other Information
Fishing is a very popular activity at Cleone lake.
Parking
Driving Directions
The park is easily accessible from Highway 101. It is approximately 2-3 hour drive north of San Francisco.
24100 MacKerricher Park Road
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Park Map
Photos From This Park
So far there are no photos which have been uploaded from this park. You can be the first!
Hiking or Walking Groups Nearby
Group Name: BPLrs of Humboldt
Group Description: Looking for others to hike with that are interested in lightweight/ultralight backpacking, and participate online at Backpackinglight.com 8-15 mile days. Lost Coast, King Range, Trinity Alps and beyond.
Group Name: Sonoma County Wanderers
Group Description: This is a hiking group for the intermediate hiker! For a hiker that enjoys a relaxed pace, conversation, picture taking and the journey as much as the destination. We usually do between 4 and 10 miles with moderate elevation gain.
Come join us!
Upcoming Hikes
There are no upcoming hikes. Be the first to start one!
Past Hikes
Backpack Photography Trip to Snow Mtn.Wilderness 6/17-18-19 | 56 km away
Date: Friday, 6-17-2011
Description: Weather-permitting we will see abundant wildflowers, star-filled night skies, full moon.\\r\\nHike from Summit Spring Trailhead in the Mendocino National Forest through the Snow Mountain Wilderness. 4 miles and about 2,000 feet elevation gain to the Summit Basin campsite. About 2 more miles and a few hundred more feet elevation to reach the East summit. Friday night - night sky photo opportunity. Saturday explore the mountain and photograph the wildflowers. Break camp about 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning to be back in the Bay Area before dark.
Paddle Lake Sonoma | 63.7 km away
Date: Sunday, 6-26-2011
Description: *** UPDATE: I have 20 people coming so far. *** This is a 10 mile round trip paddle, from Yorty Creek to the end of the Dry Creek Arm, where we'll pull up to a beach and have a picnic. Then we'll do a 2 mile round trip hike to the waterfall and go for a swim. You need to bring your own canoe or kayak, meet at Yorty Creek boat ramp at 9:30. There may be a launch fee. We will start paddling by 10:00. Last year it took us about 2 hrs to get to the lunch spot. No carpools since we have to transport our boats, but do catch a ride with a friend if you can. If you enjoy paddling and have your own kayak check out the Petaluma Paddlers. They are a very active and friendly bunch. Please bring lunch, plenty of water, a snack, and sun protection. Wear layers, it may be cool in the morning but it's going to warm up to 85 degrees. You'll want to go swimming, we'll probably swim in the lake and at the waterfall. Wear shoes or sandals suitable for wading and making the 2 mile round trip h ....
Table Rock Hike at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park at 8:30am | 85.7 km away
Date: Tuesday, 7-5-2011
Description: This is an easy hike to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the Napa valley. It's 4.4 miles roundtrip and an elevation gain of 500 feet. We will meet at the Robert Louis Stevenson parking lot. From Highway 29 in downtown Calistoga drive 8.5 miles northeast up the winding mountain road. The parking lot is right at the mountains summit. It is the same parking lot used for the St. Helena Hike. If anyone wants to car pool from Healdsburg. I can pick you up at 7:30 at Big Johns Supermarket. This hike is very interesting. You start through a forest and soon find yourself surrounded by natural volcanic rock sculptures..of course the end is terrific with a sweeping view. As always: •Bring plenty of water •Wear comfortable hiking shoes •Dress in layers as the hike will start off cool but warm up when we leave the forest •We will stay at the viewpoint for about 10 minutes..bring a snack if you like •Arrive early as we will head out on the trail promptly at 8:30 •Check your em ....
Armstrong Woods East Ridge Hike | 79 km away
Date: Wednesday, 10-5-2011
Description: This hike is about 5-6 miles with an elevation gain of 1400ft...the great thing about this hike is that a good portion of it is in the shade. We've done this before but it is such a favorite that we will keep on doing it on a regular basis! This hike is all about having fun and getting some exercise in a comfortable setting. We won't be setting any speed records or winning any awards! It's all about spending time with other people, getting outside for some activity and having fun. You won't be held accountable to identify all of the plant or animal life, though I hope we see an abundance of both! This hike has a few relentless hills that keep going on up but it is well worth the huffs and the puffs to get up there. To enjoy this hike you should be able to comfortably walk uphill at a steady pace for an extended period. To get to the trailhead: From downtown Guerneville on Main St. (Highway 116), drive 2.3 miles north on Armstrong Woods Road to the visitor center on the right, ....
Oat Hill Mine Road and the Palisades | 90.8 km away
Date: Saturday, 4-20-2013
Description: Introduction
The palisades are beautiful, and this hike offers gorgeous views of it and the Calistoga valley. This hike simply goes up to Robert Louis Stevenson park or Down from the park to the Pizza place at the trailhead. This makes it easy to offer several hiking options - people can simply turn around when they are tired. The grade is fairly easy on the knees but undulates across the front of the palisades.
Extra Items:
Most of this hike is exposed to the sun. We recommend doing it during winter, or on cool days <65F. Bring 3-4 22oz water bottles each for 65 degree weather. Seriously! Wear sturdy hiking boots, the palisades trail is not well worn and is rocky in places. If you have them, bring 2-way radios so the fast + slow groups can keep in touch.
Hiking options:
◾Carpool: Add 2 hours to each of these times to cover carpooling + lunch + hike intro.
◾Short hike to bald hill: 2 hours 45 mins. 5.7 miles, 1300ft gain/loss.
◾Medium hike to Pali ....