Lake Cleone Loop

The Lake Cleone Loop circles a sheltered freshwater lake at MacKerricher State Park that sits just steps from the Pacific Ocean, separated from the sea by a narrow band of coastal dunes that create a remarkable ecological transition between marine and freshwater environments. Lake Cleone is a former tidal lagoon that was cut off from the ocean by dune accretion, and its calm freshwater surface hosts over 90 bird species throughout the year, making it one of the most productive birdwatching locations on the Mendocino coast. The lake consistently holds populations of diving ducks including lesser scaup, bufflehead, and ring-necked ducks during winter months, while red-necked grebes and western grebes fish the deeper central waters. Great blue herons and great egrets stalk the shallow margins, and belted kingfishers perch on snags overhanging the water in active ambush posture. The surrounding dune vegetation supports a specialized plant community including beach strawberry, sea rocket, and yellow sand verbena that stabilizes the shifting dunes and provides nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds. The loop trail uses boardwalk sections over sensitive wetland margins and packed gravel around the perimeter, keeping the route accessible in all weather conditions. The lake reflects the surrounding pine-covered dunes and coastal sky in its glassy surface on calm mornings, creating mirror images that make for exceptional photography. The campground adjacent to the lake provides convenient base camp access for multi-day exploration of the full MacKerricher coastal trail network.