ADDRESS

Just South of Mile Marker 14.00
Point Arena, CA 95468

HOURS

Dawn until Dusk

CONTACT

(707) 962-0470
Pelican Bluffs

AMENITIES

Picnic Facilities, Trails, Wheelchair Accessible

This stunning preserve, south of Point Arena, is now open to the public. Mendocino Land Trust (MLT) completed construction of a parking lot and 2.2-miles of trail in 2017. This 73-acre preserve is home to the endangered Point Arena Mountain Beaver and several rare plants, as well as a creek (which is recovering from cattle grazing) and Bishop pine forest. There are spectacular ocean views from very high white cliffs on the property- these cliffs are very steep, making it essential to stay on the trail. Now that the trail is open to the public, MLT will host monthly volunteer stewardship workdays to maintain the trail, pick up trash, and remove invasive plant species.

WHERE THE WHALES ARE

Pelican Bluffs offers many vantage points for whale viewing. For the most expansive view of the ocean, we recommend observers hike northwest from the parking lot on Pelican Bluffs Trail. After a brief hike, visitors will come across a bench with a beautiful view on the ocean. To get closer views, visitors can continue down the stairs before turning southeast. When presented with a trail intersection, visitors can head back through the bishop pine forest, or continue straight towards the public access easement. The public access easement provides the closest views of the ocean and the beautiful geological formations–and ideal spot for whale watching.

GET INVOLVED

If you would like to help out, please contact MLT, or check out this beautiful video of the property before your visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN7vDu0JWss.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

TRAVEL TIPS

This is a remote location with no trash cans or running water. There is minimal cell reception in the area. Pack it in, pack it out.

VIEWING GUIDE

View our guide on how to watch marine animals from shore.

NOMINATE A SITE

Fill out our nomination form for that amazing site.

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SUPPORT US

The Whale Trail depends on your support. Get involved!