Kayaking on the Big River in Mendocino California

The Big River estuary in Mendocino Headlands State Park is a tidal river which goes under Highway 1 to flow out into the ocean at a rocky beach with lots of sand.

The first eight miles of river are tidal, so you'll want to leave at low tide to have the incoming high tide help carry you upriver.

The upriver portion goes through the Redwood forest. About a half mile up the river there are some islands to paddle around.

If you're lucky, you'll see a river otter and birds like herons and cormorants (we did!).