Tag Archives: San Andreas fault

Alder Creek is at the northern border of Manchester State Park. It is also where the San Andreas earthquake fault heads out to sea. Bonney Ely recently photographed the creek, full with all the rains we have had this year.

Alder Creek Road used to be our public access road to the north end of the park, but it washed out some years ago. I sincerely hope the County of Mendocino will consider rebuilding this road, but currently it seems to have been abandoned. Here is a photo Mary Sue Ittner took of the abandoned road.

Yes, you can walk in from Highway 1, but it is a long hike. Ceanothus, wild lilac, is blooming on the left.

Thanks to Bonney and Mary Sue for allowing me to share their photos with you  here.

Alder Creek is at the northern boundary of Manchester State Park. It is where the San Andreas fault heads out to sea. Mel Smith was recently hiking on the bluffs there and got this photo.

Alder Creek by Mel Smith

It looks like the creek is currently closed to the Pacific Ocean by that big sandbar.

If you'd like directions to this spot, this website has good ones: http://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/alder-creek-beach-Manchester/  It's a good mile in by foot, as the road has crumbled away in parts and is closed to cars. I dearly miss this public access spot which gave access to the northern part of Manchester State Park.

Thanks to Mel for allowing me to share his photo with you here.