In 2002, Mendocino Land Trust completed the purchase and transfer of 7,334 acres around Big River to California State Parks. This transfer created access to a wonderful haul road that travels about 10 miles east, connecting Big River Beach with Mendocino Woodlands State Park. Much of this haul road is multi-use and available to equestrians, bikers, hikers, runners, and people in wheelchairs, which means you’ll likely encounter a mix of visitors during peak hours.

The trail itself follows the Big River estuary, and the views are genuinely peaceful. You’ll see birds, seals, otters, and other wildlife if you’re patient and quiet. The path is wide enough that you and your dog can walk comfortably beside friends and family without feeling crowded, and the terrain is mostly gentle and forgiving underfoot.

The estuary section is particularly nice in the early morning when wildlife is most active and fewer people are around. The river reflects the surrounding redwoods and coastal scrub, and there’s something about the quiet that makes you want to walk slower and notice more. Dogs seem to really enjoy the combination of water views and earth smells here.

Getting there is straightforward. Coming from Mendocino, turn left just before Highway 1 crosses the bridge over Big River. The road slopes down to a large dirt parking lot. If you want quick access to the beach, turn right at the bottom of the hill. But if you prefer to park closer to the actual trailhead and start your walk from the estuary side, go left and follow the dirt road upriver until you reach the restrooms. That left fork gets you closer to the quieter sections of trail and keeps you away from the beach traffic.

Bring water for both of you, especially on warm days—there’s no shade for long stretches once you get going inland.