FORT BRAGG, California — Visitors to MacKerricher State Park this October should check their destination before making the short trip north of Fort Bragg. The state park is open with restrictions, but the official notice identifies a temporary closure affecting Laguna Point parking through October 21, 2026.
What the closure notice says
As checked on October 16, California State Parks’ current restrictions page states that Laguna Point parking is closed October 1–21 because of road repairs in preparation for winter storms. The same notice says Cleone parking remains open. It does not say that every beach, campground and trail in MacKerricher State Park is closed.
Because repair schedules and access conditions can change, visitors should recheck the state page shortly before traveling, particularly after storms or if they require accessible parking at a specific trailhead.
Why Laguna Point matters
The park’s accessibility information describes the Laguna Point Boardwalk as a roughly 0.5-mile accessible loop on coastal bluffs, with platforms for whale watching and viewing harbor seals from a respectful distance. It ordinarily has accessible parking, picnic facilities and restrooms near the trailhead. During the current parking repair, do not assume these normal amenities are reachable by the usual route.
Other park options include segments of the old Haul Road Trail, although the state emphasizes that accessible connections between some sections are not available. The park spans beaches, headlands, dunes, forest and wetlands, so facilities differ from access point to access point.
Park hours and fees
State Parks currently lists MacKerricher hours as 6 a.m. to sunset, a posted $8 vehicle day-use fee where applicable, and telephone 707-964-9112. The park entrance is in the Cleone area roughly three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1. The current page also lists dog restrictions at places including the seal rookery, Virgin Creek Beach and Ten Mile Beach/Dunes. Do not assume general permission for dogs applies at wildlife-sensitive areas.
Before traveling
- Check whether Laguna Point parking has reopened; October 21 is the scheduled end of the restriction, not a guarantee.
- Use the posted Cleone parking alternative only where access is authorized.
- Confirm beach, trail, restroom and accessible parking conditions separately.
- Observe seal-rookery boundaries and keep pets away from wildlife.
- Carry coastal layers and keep a safe distance from unstable bluff edges and ocean surf.
Official sources: California State Parks — MacKerricher State Park and Current Restrictions; Park Accessibility Details.
Related Fort Bragg reporting: City’s Bainbridge Park improvement contract. Visit Fort Bragg News.
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