Can you swim here today?
Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park
Mendocino, California · River
Live flow only — judge the water in person
Use cautionAs of October 20, 2026, USGS gauge 11468500, 9.1 miles away, reports a streamflow of 3 ft³/s near Big River Beach at Mendocino Headlands State Park but no water-temperature reading.
Live flow only — judge the water in person: live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby.
- Live streamflow is available but no water-temperature sensor is nearby. — USGS gauge 11468500, as of Oct 20, 12:15 AM gauge-local time
- No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
- Flow is below the 25th percentile for Oct 20 (median 7 ft³/s over 75 years). — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 12:15 AM gauge-local time
Flow is low for this date — below the 25th percentile for Oct 20 (median 7 ft³/s over 75 years).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Live, provisional data from USGS gauge NOYO R NR FORT BRAGG CA (9.1 mi away), as of Oct 20, 12:15 AM gauge-local time.
Before you get in
- Never swim alone — and keep weaker swimmers within arm's reach.
- Scout depth and entry/exit points before you get in.
- Read the current: avoid fast, rising, or murky water.
- Check the forecast — get out well before storms or lightning.
- Obey posted signs, flags, and lifeguard guidance.
Read next
Conditions are for general information only and can change quickly. Always judge the water in person and follow posted advisories and local guidance before swimming or paddling.