Pudding Creek Trestle
Walk across a historic wooden trestle, explore a family-friendly beach, or glide through redwoods on an electric railbike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Pudding Creek Trestle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk across a historic wooden trestle, explore a family-friendly beach, or glide through redwoods on an electric railbike.
"One of the coolest beaches for kids to play in the creek that runs to the ocean."
Book Railbikes Early
Electric railbike tours are popular! Reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to explore! Comfortable footwear is a must for walking the trestle and beach. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pudding Creek Trestle
Fort Bragg, California
Iconic wooden trestle bridge offering panoramic ocean and creek views. A historic landmark perfect for photos and strolls.
Electric Railbike Ride
Along Pudding Creek
Glide through redwood forests on a two-person electric railbike, crossing trestles and enjoying serene nature.
Pudding Creek Beach
Adjacent to the Trestle
A family-friendly beach where the creek meets the ocean, ideal for gentle play and exploring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Railbike Adventure Awaits
Trestle Views & Beach Access
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Railbikes Early
Electric railbike tours are popular! Reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to explore! Comfortable footwear is a must for walking the trestle and beach. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The trestle and surrounding nature offer stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Check Tide Pools
Explore the creek and ocean edge for small marine life, especially at low tide. :shell:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Railbikes Early
Electric railbike tours are popular! Reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want to explore! Comfortable footwear is a must for walking the trestle and beach. :athletic_shoe:
Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The trestle and surrounding nature offer stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Check Tide Pools
Explore the creek and ocean edge for small marine life, especially at low tide. :shell:
Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach and around the trestle. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pudding Creek Trestle for its scenic beauty and historical charm, offering a peaceful walk with ocean and creek views. It's a hit with families due to the safe, shallow creek for play and its accessibility. Some find the railbike tours a highlight, though they come at a cost.
"Nice short walk over the trestle. Overlooks the ocean and connects the hotel and the other side. Boards along the walk describe done of the history."
Jonathan
"I've lived in California my whole life and honestly this is one of the coolest beaches ⛱️ for kids to play the creek that runs to the ocean has a steady flow so it stays clean but doesn't have a fast current. Perfect for littles to play in the water and it wasn't that cold. Fin place to explore. We will 1,000% be coming back."
nichole Sligar
"I love this little cove! I can take my dog down and play in the stream of water leading to ocean or take her under tressel to the ocean."
Camille Teel-Costello
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Highway 101, take Highway 20 West towards Fort Bragg. Continue on Highway 20 until it merges with Highway 1 South. Follow Highway 1 South into Fort Bragg. The Pudding Creek Trestle is located just north of town, easily accessible from Highway 1.
Yes, there is typically free parking available near the Pudding Creek Trestle. It's often convenient for accessing the beach and the trestle itself.
Many hotels in Fort Bragg, like the Best Western, are within walking distance of the Pudding Creek Trestle, making it a convenient spot for an evening stroll.
The trestle itself is generally flat and walkable, making it accessible for strollers. However, the beach area may have softer sand, which can be more challenging.
For a scenic drive with children, taking Highway 20 to Highway 1 is often recommended as it can be a more relaxed route than Highway 128.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Pudding Creek Trestle and its adjacent beach is free of charge. There are no admission fees.
The trestle and beach are open to the public year-round during daylight hours. There are no set operating hours.
The cost for the electric railbike tours can vary. It's best to check the official Skunk Train website or the railbike tour operator's site for current pricing and booking information.
It is highly recommended to book railbike tours in advance, as they can sell out, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
Pudding Creek Beach is a public beach and does not have any entrance fees. You can enjoy the beach and creek freely.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the historic trestle for scenic views, explore Pudding Creek Beach, watch for wildlife like birds and otters, and enjoy a picnic. The electric railbike tour is a popular activity.
Yes, Pudding Creek Beach is excellent for families. The creek has a gentle flow, making it safe for children to play in the water without a strong current.
Visitors often spot herons, ospreys, turtles, and river otters in and around Pudding Creek. Birds are a common sight.
Walking across the Pudding Creek Trestle is a short experience, typically taking just a few minutes. It's a great spot for a quick photo opportunity.
You can play in Pudding Creek, which is generally shallow and calm. Swimming in the ocean is possible but depends on wave conditions and personal comfort.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography at the trestle and beach. Evenings are often less crowded.
The trestle's wooden structure, its scenic location over Pudding Creek with ocean views, and the surrounding redwood trees make it highly photogenic.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone in the area.
Besides the trestle itself, the beach offers unique angles, and the creek provides reflections. The view from across the street near hotels is also popular.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture photos of the various birds and other wildlife that frequent the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking is generally easy and free, and the trestle walk is short and manageable. It's a great spot to combine with a visit to nearby Glass Beach. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for families looking for a pleasant day out.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
+1While the electric railbike tours have a cost, they offer a unique experience that many find worth the investment for a special treat. For a truly budget-friendly experience, focus on exploring the trestle, beach, and surrounding natural beauty. Pack a picnic to enjoy with the ocean views, saving money on dining out.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Aim for golden hour during sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting and fewer crowds. The interplay of the creek, ocean, and trestle offers unique perspectives. For videographers, the electric railbike tours offer dynamic footage as you glide through the redwoods.
Drone footage can capture the grand scale of the trestle and its surroundings, but always check local regulations first. Don't forget to capture the wildlife that frequents the area, from seabirds to river otters. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Pudding Creek Trestle
+1Visitors can walk across the trestle, enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Pudding Creek. Informative boards along the walkway often detail the history of the trestle and the surrounding area, adding an educational element to the experience. Its proximity to hotels and other attractions like Glass Beach makes it an easily accessible point of interest for tourists exploring the Mendocino coast.
Experiencing the Redwoods via Railbike
+1This experience offers an intimate way to connect with nature, gliding silently through the towering trees and breathing in the fresh forest air. Depending on the season, you might spot local wildlife such as herons, ospreys, or even river otters. Some tours may include stops at scenic points like Glen Blair Junction, where you can enjoy a picnic amidst the ancient giants. It's a perfect blend of gentle activity and immersive natural beauty, appealing to those seeking a memorable way to explore Mendocino County's stunning landscapes.
+1Pudding Creek Beach: A Family Haven
Beyond the creek, the beach itself offers soft sand for building sandcastles or simply relaxing. Visitors can explore the area where the creek meets the ocean, or venture under the trestle for different perspectives. It's also a pet-friendly location, allowing leashed dogs to join in the fun. The combination of calm waters, scenic views, and accessibility makes Pudding Creek Beach a highly recommended destination for a relaxed family outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit