Exploring Mattole Beach and River Mouth

Mattole Beach and River Mouth sits along the northern end of the remote and rugged Lost Coast in California. This area is not only rich in natural beauty but also holds significant cultural and historical importance. This guide explores the natural history, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities of Mattole Beach and River Mouth.

Natural History

Mattole Canyon SMR, which includes part of a deep submarine canyon, is an area of geological and biological diversity. The canyon was carved by swift ocean currents over a long period of time, creating a unique habitat for various marine life forms. The sandy seafloor is interspersed with patches of rocky reef, providing shelter for canary rockfish, lingcod, and quillback rockfish. Despite the lack of mounds and holes typically created by marine creatures, the canyon remains a thriving ecosystem.

Submarine canyons like Mattole Canyon support a wide range of marine life, including soft corals, crustaceans, and deep-sea octopuses. The constant erosion and unpredictable currents in the area have also resulted in numerous shipwrecks along the Lost Coast, adding to the rich natural history of Mattole Beach and River Mouth.

Cultural History

Mattole Canyon is named after the Mattole, the indigenous people native to this stretch of the coast. For centuries, Indigenous groups local to this area in California relied on marine and coastal resources, including salmon and mollusks. However, with the arrival of European settlers and the subsequent gold rush, many groups were displaced or destroyed, and their traditional marine stewardship disrupted.

Today, the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, with roots in the Cape Mendocino area, is a federally recognized tribe that maintains a connection to the coast and continues to harvest marine resources within their ancestral territories. The cultural significance of Mattole Beach and River Mouth to the indigenous people of California cannot be understated.

Recreation

Mattole Beach and River Mouth offer a wide range of recreational opportunities for visitors. The area is a popular starting point for the Lost Coast Trail, a 25-mile trek through dramatic coastal landscapes. The Mattole Trailhead, located at the mouth of the Mattole River, serves as the northern entrance to this epic trail.

While fishing is prohibited within the Mattole Canyon State Marine Reserve, catch-and-release fishing for salmon and steelhead trout is popular in the nearby Mattole River. Recreational fishermen can also venture outside the reserve's boundaries to catch Dungeness crab, albacore, lingcod, and cabezon in the turbulent seas.

For those looking to stay overnight, a BLM campground right on Mattole Beach provides a convenient option. Access to the campground is via Lighthouse Road, which branches off from Mattole Road.This is a dry campground so bring your own water.

Wildlife

Mattole Beach and River Mouth are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The marine reserve area provides protection for various species, including canary rockfish, lingcod, and quillback rockfish. These fish species find shelter in the rocky reef areas, which offer protection from the strong ocean currents.

In addition to fish, the area is also frequented by marine mammals such as seals and sea lions. Visitors may be fortunate enough to spot these fascinating creatures along the coastline.

The coastline is habitat to bears, mountain lions, elk, and many other animals.

Geology

The geological features of Mattole Beach and River Mouth are shaped by the forces of erosion and ocean currents. The deep submarine canyon, Mattole Canyon, was carved out by swift ocean currents over an extended period. This unique geological formation creates a diverse habitat for marine life and contributes to the overall beauty of the area.

The sandy seafloor interspersed with rocky reef patches showcases the dynamic nature of the underwater environment. The lack of typical mounds and holes created by marine creatures is attributed to the rapid currents that sweep through the canyon, smoothing out the sediments.

Historic Significance

The history of Mattole Beach and River Mouth is intertwined with the Punta Gorda Light Station, which was established in 1912. The remote and rugged location posed challenges during the construction of the light station, with limited access due to the lack of roads. The U.S. Coast Guard eventually assumed command of the Punta Gorda Light Station, constructing a rough beach road in 1935 to improve accessibility.

In 1951, the Coast Guard decommissioned the light station and placed a lighted whistle buoy offshore. Control of the Punta Gorda Light Station was later transferred to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). However, the wooden structures of the light station were eventually burned down due to the presence of squatters in the 1960s. Today, only the concrete lighthouse, oil house, and a few concrete pads remain as a testament to the historic significance of Mattole Beach and River Mouth.

Conservation Efforts

To protect the unique marine ecosystem and preserve the cultural heritage of Mattole Beach and River Mouth, the Mattole Canyon State Marine Reserve was established. This no-take marine reserve prohibits fishing within its boundaries, allowing marine life to thrive undisturbed.

Conservation efforts are crucial to maintain the delicate balance of the underwater ecosystem and ensure the preservation of indigenous cultural traditions. Visitors to Mattole Beach and River Mouth are encouraged to respect the regulations in place and appreciate the natural and cultural wonders of this remarkable area.

A Wild Coast

Mattole Beach and River Mouth offer a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities. This remote and rugged area showcases the resilience of nature and the enduring connection between humans and the coast. Whether you are embarking on the Lost Coast Trail, exploring the underwater world, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Mattole Beach and River Mouth are sure to leave a lasting impression.