Mendocino Bay Viewpoint

This short trail is really more of a viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the village of Mendocino from the bluffs south of the mouth of Big River.  Mendocino Bay Viewpoint, opened to the public by Mendocino Land Trust in 1996, was the first public access easement accepted and opened by a non-profit in California. Mendocino Land Trust pioneered the way for other non-profits to open and manage public access trails along the California coast.

Mendocino Bay Viewpoint is a great place for picnics, “plein-air” painting, and whale watching.  It’s also a popular wedding location. Request information about scheduling a special event here.

There are two benches overlooking Big River. One is dedicated to Grail Dawson and Betty Barber, founders and longtime supporters of Mendocino Land Trust. In 2024, we installed a second bench dedicated to Chet Anderson, for his 25 years of exceptional service on our Board of Trustees and his great love of the land and the Mendocino community.