In November 2007, California State Parks
completed the restoration of the historic Pudding Creek Trestle north of Fort Bragg for
use by hikers and cyclists, thus providing a
trail link from the north end of Fort Bragg to
MacKerricher State Park. Spring visitors to the
Mendocino Coast can now enjoy new views of
Pudding Creek Beach and the coast to the north
and Bald Hill to the east.
Originally a railroad trestle for the Ten Mile
Railroad, which hauled logs from the Ten Mile
River timberlands to the Union Lumber Company mill on the
coast west of Fort Bragg, the Pudding Creek Trestle was completed in January 1917. In 1949, the railroad was converted to a
truck road, which could handle off-road trucks not permitted on
public highways. Use of the trestle by log trucks ceased after the
Haul Road was damaged in 1983 by high waves, which washed
out a segment 4 miles north of Fort Bragg.
NANCY BARTH
Parking for trestle walkers and cyclists is available at the north
end of Glass Beach Drive near the south end of the trestle and
the Haul road parking lot just north of the Beachcomber Motel.
Future proposed improvements to this segment of the coastal trail
include repaving of the Haul Road north of the trestle, a bicycle
and pedestrian trail along Glass Beach Drive and, eventually, a
coastal trail on the former G-P Mill Site.
Nancy Barth
Stay Safe While Enjoying The Water
Winter and spring attract coastal visitors who may not be
familiar with the unpredictability and power of the Pacific Ocean
and the strong currents of Mendocino County’s rain swollen
rivers. Even coastal residents, who should be familiar with the
hazards posed by the ocean, may get careless at times. After several
tragic drownings, State Agencies, the Coast Guard, Surfriders,
and concerned community groups and individuals came together
to form the Mendocino Water Safety Coalition.
Winter visitors often enjoy watching storms when the surf
is high. Storm watchers should stay well back from the water
because “rogue” waves may catch them unaware. Young children
and non-swimmers are especially vulnerable to being knocked
down and swept off beaches. While some Mendocino beaches and
rivers are posted with warnings about hazards, many are not.
Storm watchers are also advised to be careful while watch-
ing from bluffs, as edges of rain soaked bluffs may be unstable.
Just a hint – both Pomo Bluffs Park south of Fort Bragg and the
recently restored Pudding Creek Trestle north of Fort Bragg are
safe places for storm watching.
From the Mendocino County Water Safety Coalition brochure
in the largest type is their most important recommendations:
Never turn your back on the ocean and if you see someone
swept into the ocean, do not go in yourself. Throw a floatable
object if it is close by. Go for help. Call 911.
Anyone who wants to help or donate to MCWSC can call the
Mendocino Area Parks Association at (707) 937-5397 or send
contributions to MAPA – Water Safety Education, P. O. Box
1387, Mendocino. CA 95460.
Be swept away by the beauty, NOT by the sea!
Nancy Barth
RUBICON ADVENTURES
FIND YOUR DREAM!
mendocinorealestateguide.com
WHITEWATER RAFTING
Leading trips on the Eel and other
Mendocino rivers for over 30 years.
