Mad River Beach County Park
McKinleyville, CA
Mad River Beach County Park sits where the Mad River empties into the Pacific just outside McKinleyville, giving it both a river mouth and an open beach in one stop. A boat launch serves anglers working the river side, while the ocean beach runs wide and flat to the north and south.
The river and ocean combination genuinely sets it apart from a standard beach stop, though it lacks the scenery of the rockier beaches further north.
How we score beachesThe river mouth itself shifts with the season, so check current conditions if you're planning to wade across rather than just walk the beach.
Free parking is available at the park.
A path connects the parking area to the beach; the terrain is flat.
Dogs are welcome; check posted signage for specific leash rules.
Fall brings the best fishing as salmon return to the river, while summer keeps the typical foggy mornings of this coast.
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