OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Mad River County Park is located 5 miles north of Arcata where Mad River approaches the ocean a couple miles south of the actual river mouth. This is actually two parks. One is the beach, with coastal dunes and grasses behind the wave slope. The other is a large parking area, restroom and a boat ramp into the Mad River, just a couple of miles from where it joins the Pacific. The river here has a strong tidal influence, but even at low tide is deep enough for paddling canoes and kayaks either up or down-stream. Exit west onto the Giuntoli Lane interchange off Hwy 101 north of Arcata proper, then turn north onto Heindon Road. At 0.4 miles on Heindon, turn left (west) onto Miller Road. At 0.8 mile on Miller Road, turn right (north) on Mad River Road. At 2.7 miles turn right into a large parking lot (with boat ramp and Mad River access), or continue straight ahead till you reach the beach parking area. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach as long as they under complete control of the owner. Dogs must be leashed in parking areas.
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