Mackerricher state park

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

MacKerricher State Park. Photo by Don Kawahigashi.

Adhering to leash restrictions is a small price to pay for reveling in the beauty of this Mendocino County gem with numerous dog-friendly trails and beaches. MacKerricher State Park is diverse, with habitats ranging from bluffs to beaches, headlands, tide pools, forests, wetlands and one of California’s longest coastal dune systems. Take a stroll on the southern part of the old logging haul road running the length of Ten Mile Beach (dogs aren’t allowed on the northern end). Explore the tide pools at Laguna Point, watch for whales from a vantage point along the bluffs—you won’t run out of things to do.

The park’s three pet-friendly campgrounds are extremely popular, so make reservations in advance or snag a room in Fort Bragg, just three miles away.