Virgin Creek
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39°28′17″N 123°48′15″W / 39.4714°N 123.8042°W
| Virgin Creek | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 2.9 mi (4.7 km) |
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]
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]