Paddle Redwood Outrigger Canoes up Big River

Mendocino, California

Description

Gorgeous north coast wildlife and scenery in the heart of Mendocino County!

Big River is a 40 mile or so river in the heart of Mendocino and its first 8 miles form the largest undeveloped estuary remaining in California. It is home to some amazing wildlife from seals to jellyfish to the endangered California Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead Trout. If you are lucky you may spot a sea otter or the endangered California Golden Beaver.

The best places to put in at the river are right by Mendocino in Big River Beach or across the river at Catch a Canoe where you can even rent a classic California Redwood Outrigger Canoe

Outrigger canoes are really narrow but with the pontoons coming out on either side, you would have to work pretty hard to flip one of these over.

Winter can be rainy and chilly, but you don't get wet if you don't want to. So as long as you stay bundled up you'll be totally fine!

Some things to think about bringing along:

Water
Jackets
Blankets
Camera
Snacks
Swim Suit (if it's warm!)

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Canoeing

Chillin

Photography

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Groups

River

Romantic

Wildlife

Paddle Redwood Outrigger Canoes up Big River Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Kayak Mendocino's Big River

The Big River estuary in Mendocino Headlands State Park is one of those best of both worlds scenarios where dense Redwood forest and fresh, lazy river water meet rocky beaches and the mighty Pacific. If you're really lucky, you can swim with river otters and harbor seals at the same time. Paddle up the river and pull over to explore the Redwood forest - there are plenty of small trails winding ...

Explore Big River Beach

Make your way around the back of the Chevron on Main st. in town and just keep following the stairs down to the little trail that leads to the beach. The beach is beautiful with soft sand. Dogs are allowed but please note they are supposed to be on leash. Obviously our group wasn't too upset by being greeted by little Cricket. Great place to relax and read a book, walk along the shoreline, or...

Mendocino Headlands Trail

Mendocino Cliffs Trail

The town of Mendocino is as charming and quaint as one can find. It is no wonder why it was pegged as the perfect location spot to film the series Murder She Wrote. While the series heroine Jessica Fletcher's home can still be visited, it is the bay itself that will draw your attention. Starting in the southwest corner of the town, Main Street ends where the Mendocino Cliffs Trail begins. Whi...

Fern Canyon Scenic Trail

The Fern Canyon Trail system is the main hiking vein of Van Damme State Park. This particular hike is on a mostly flat, wide trail through dense, green forest of California Redwoods, Cypress, Pines, and giant ferns. The trail is paved but typically carpeted in soft pine needles. Come in the rainy season for an overwhelmingly green experience. Dogs are not allowed on trails or dirt roads or in h...

Camp at Russian Gulch State Park

Just two miles north of Mendocino, you'll find this beautiful, well-maintained park that features a little bit of everything. The campsite is situated between a rugged beach and a stunning 36-ft waterfall, giving you plenty of easy and fun options.This park is most well known for the heavily forested Russian Gulch Creek Canyon, and a headland that features the Devil’s Punch Bowl (a large, colla...