A collection of travel and adventure stories

Mendocino-Big River Kayaking

Description and Directions >>

Description:
Big River is located south of the town of Mendocino along the California Coast. Total paddle lenth varies, since this is a tidal river. However, at the right tide you may be able to paddle around 8.5 miles up river. The wildlife viewing includes river otter, harbor seals, sea lions, great blue heron, eagles and turtles. Where the river enters the Pacific Ocean, you can often see golden starfish clinging to the rock cliffs underwater.

Activities:
kayaking, picnicking, swimming, sightseeing

Directions:
From Sacramento:
Take Interstate 80 West to Highway 37 West (near Vallejo). Take Highway 37 West to Interstate 101 North. Continue on 101 past Santa Rosa to Cloverdale. Take Highway 128 West to Coast Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 North about 10 miles. Cross over the Big River bridge and take the road to the right after this.

From Mendocino:
Take Highway 1 South, where you will take the road to the left before the Big River bridge.

Story Date 9/22/2003
Publish Date 4/15/2004

Story Perspectives >>

According to Mikala: After kayaking the Mendocino sea caves the day before this trip, paddling on the Big River was a totally different experience. The water was very flat, and we easily paddled up the river for a few miles.

Along the way, we saw many different types of birds and plant life. I think we only saw a couple other people on the river the whole time we were there, so this was a very relaxing journey.

Once we had kayaked up the river for a while, we landed on a small beach to have lunch and enjoy the scenery.

We made our way back toward the ocean side, where you could sea star fish clinging to the sides of the rock walls. A very nice day.