While DogTrekker regularly updates off-leash rules, it is important to check to be sure that this area still allows voice control prior to removing your dog’s leash.
Mad River County Park is one of the Redwood Coast’s best beaches for picnics, beachcombing and fishing.
This is actually two parks. One is the beach, with coastal dunes and grasses behind the wave slope, perfect for that long walk on the beach or hike around in the secret world of the dunes. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if under complete voice control.
The other is a large parking area, restroom and a boat ramp into the Mad River, just a couple of miles from where it joins the Pacific. The river here has a strong tidal influence, but even at low tide is deep enough for paddling canoes and kayaks either up or down-stream.
To get there, exit west onto the Giuntoli Lane interchange off Hwy 101 north of Arcata proper, then turn north onto Heindon Road. At 0.4 miles on Heindon, turn left (west) onto Miller Road. At 0.8 mile on Miller Road, turn right (north) on Mad River Road. At 2.7 miles turn right into a large parking lot (with boat ramp and Mad River access), or continue straight ahead till you reach the beach parking area.
