Virgin Creek

Virgin Creek is a small stream in Mendocino County, California north of Fort Bragg. It is approximately 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long, with no tributaries, and drains a watershed area of approximately 4.2 square miles (11 km2). It passes from forested areas near its headwaters, at an elevation of 320 feet (98 m), through residential developments, to a sandy beach on the Pacific Ocean in MacKerricher State Park at its mouth. Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the mouth, it passes over a waterfall approximately 9 feet (2.7 m) high that may form a barrier for fish; below the waterfall, young salmon have been observed.[1]

Virgin Creek lagoon and beach from the haul road

An old haul road, once used for logging and now a pedestrian and bicycle trail, crosses the creek on the west side of California State Route 1, and provides access to the beach at the mouth of the creek.[2][3] The beach is well-known as a surf break,[4] with swells up to 6 feet (1.8 m) in both directions.[5] Other beach activities include bird watching and tide pooling at low tide.[6] However pets are not allowed, even on leashes.[7]

References
  1. Stream Inventory Report: Virgin Creek, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2008, retrieved 2018-01-04
  2. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (2009), Rail-Trails West: California, Arizona, and Nevada, Wilderness Press Series, Wilderness Press, p. 148, ISBN 9780899974897
  3. California State Parks (2nd ed.), The Mountaineers Books, p. 39, ISBN 9780898869323
  4. Thornton, Stuart (2016), Moon Coastal California, Moon Handbooks, Avalon Publishing, p. 490, ISBN 9781631213267
  5. Surfer Magazine (2006), Surfer Magazine's Guide to Northern and Central California Surf Spots, Chronicle Books, p. 90, ISBN 9780811849982
  6. Green, Stewart M. (2014), Scenic Routes & Byways California's Pacific Coast (7th ed.), Rowman & Littlefield, p. 194, ISBN 9781493004751
  7. Stienstra, Tom (2015), Moon West Coast RV Camping: The Complete Guide to More Than 2,300 RV Parks and Campgrounds in Washington, Oregon, and California, Moon Outdoors, Avalon Publishing, p. 352, ISBN 9781612388083
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