Mad River Beach County Park

Mad River Beach County Park is a public beach in California, about 3.3 miles from McKinleyville and within Mad River County Park. It's a simple, low-key stop: there are restrooms on site, no fee to visit, and dogs are allowed. Late summer is the mildest stretch here. Typical averages from the nearby Arcata Eureka Ap, CA weather station put August and September highs around 65°F, with only about six to nine wet days a month, compared with roughly 18 wet days in midwinter. Several trails sit close by if you want to stretch your legs beyond the sand. The Mad River Bluffs Trail is under a mile away, the Hiller Loop Trail is about 1.4 miles off, and the Hammond Trail is roughly 1.9 miles away. Climbers can head to Moonstone Beach, about 7 miles away.