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About Hearn Gulch Beach in Point Arena, California

Hearn Gulch Beach in Mendocino County is in the deep protected cove called Saunders Landing, an old schooner mooring spot for lumber shipments back in the 1800’s. The beach is a hidden gem with heather-covered bluffs behind it and lava rock walls on both sides of the cove. A large rock in the water has a rock arch tunnel through it which can be best viewed from the left (south) side of the beach.

The Redwood Coast Land Conservancy purchased land around the beach and is dedicated to keeping open a public access route to it. Locals already have found their way into this hidden pocket cove, but few others know about it. Saunders Reef is about a half-mile off shore for scuba divers and sea kayakers to explore when conditions are right.

There is a pull-out dirt parking area along Highway 1 south of the cove and just north of Iversen Point Road (see our map). From this parking spot you can find footpaths that lead out to excellent ocean overlooks above steep cliffs (stay back from the edge). These same trails lead north to a steep path that drops into Hearn Gulch / Saunders Landing. Signs warn of the dangers of this steep access and say “proceed at own risk” so be very careful if you go down to this beach. North of the cove there is a paved road that leads to a circular parking lot with equally stunning views that don’t require a hike to see them.

We really enjoyed discovering Hearn Gulch Beach and we hope you do too.

Address
29770 CA-1
Point Arena, CA 95468
Phone
707-884-4426
Park Name
Saunders Reef State Marine Conservation Area
Other Names
Saunders Landing, Hearn Gulch Coastal Access
Owner
Conservancy
Pet Details
Dogs allowed on leash
Fees
Free parking, day-use only
Activities
Kayaking, Beach Exploration, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching, Hiking
Amenities
Rock Arch, Trails, Viewpoints, No Facilities
Map of Hearn Gulch Beach
The Sea Ranch, US
9:44 pm, March 28, 2024
temperature icon 48°F
L: 48° H: 54°
Feels like 46.51 °F overcast clouds
Wind gusts: 2 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0.03 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 7:04 am
Sunset: 7:34 pm
Humidity 95 %
Pressure1016 mb
Wind 2 m/s

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Nearby Attractions

Nearby Lodging

Reviews

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5
2 review(s)
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Rated 4.0 out of 5
September 3, 2023

John Smith, I’m not so sure. could you please cite your sources please? theres much too much sand and on one side everything’s soaked! the water’s not even drinkable! came back cold, wet, and sand everywhere. i tried to sleep the experience off but now there’s sand all in my bed!

and what do you mean “its definitely a beach” john? despite the fact that this is listed on california beaches i could find nothing on the internet that suggests this is a beach!

Anyway, would not recommend 😉

Marantha Ocbow
Rated 5.0 out of 5
September 3, 2023

its definitely a beach!

john smith