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Map Satellite A variety of habitats is found in this area which embraces the headlands by the town of Mendocino and the tidal-influenced portion of Big River. The headlands, which are part of the gently sloping marine terrace typical of this section of the coast, are dominated by coastal strand and grasslands, the latter primarily exotics. Two rare plants may be found in the area, Campanula californica and Castilleja mendocinensis. Offshore are a number of rocks and small islands. (See Goat Island)
Mendocino Bay, which shelters the river mouth and beach, supports a number of algae dominated by Macrocystis pyrifera.
In the river estuary there are mudflats and marshes, saltwater, brackish, or freshwater. Salicornia sp. is dominant in the salt marsh, giving way to Typha sp. further inland.
A forest of grand fir, Abies grandis, and redwood, Sequoia sempervirens, lines the river.
In the bay, sea urchins and abalones are abundant. Numerous pelagic, shore and other waterfowl are found here. Whales, sea lions and other marine mammals are frequently observed.
The marine terrace is composed of Cretaceous marine sediments, sandstone, shale conglomerates, and Pleistocene marine deposits. Waves, rain and wind have produced steep bluffs, caves, finger coves, blowholes and sandy beaches along the headlands.
Integrity: The headlands have been heavily grazed. Portions of the area upstream have been logged.
Use: Public portion, research, educational, observational, light recreation. Remainder, private.
September 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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