Big River

Big River

Mendocino, California, USA
MapWhere to Stay

Wave Quality

Normal

Wave Type

Rivermouth

Swell Direction

NorthWest, West, SouthWest

Best Wind

NorthEast

Best Tide

Mid and high tide

Big River Weather Forecast

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About

Big River, nestled in the heart of Mendocino, California, offers a unique blend of right and left-hand waves breaking at a sandy bottom interspersed with rocks. The river mouth generally produces mushy waves, ideal for those who favor a more relaxed ride, with optimal swell sizes starting at 1.0m and peaking at over 3m during mid to high tides. Best approached on a rising tide, this spot thrives on northwesterly to southwestern swells, while northeast winds can enhance the experience. The rugged beauty of the surrounding cliffs and the warm embrace of the river make it a serene yet exhilarating destination for surfers chasing waves away from the ocean.

Wave Characteristics

Wave QualityNormal
Wave TypeRivermouth
Wave DirectionRight and left
Wave Powermushball
BottomSand with rock
Swell SizeStarts working at 1.0m-1.5m / 3ft-5ft and holds up to 3m+ / 10ft+

Ideal Conditions

Swell DirectionNorthWest, West, SouthWest
Best WindNorthEast
Best Tide PositionMid and high tide
Best Tide MovementRising tide

Location & Access

AddressBig River, Mendocino, CA 95460, USA
City / AreaMendocino
Zip Code95460
StateCalifornia
CountryUSA

Data validated from official sources and surf reports but may be incomplete or outdated. Always verify local conditions before heading out.

Where to stay

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FAQ

Big River Questions

What kind of wave is Big River?

Big River is a rivermouth break with right and left waves over a sand with rock bottom.

How good is the surf at Big River?

Big River is rated normal for wave quality.

What swell works best at Big River?

Big River works best on a northwest, west, southwest swell. Swell size: starts working at 1.0m-1.5m / 3ft-5ft and holds up to 3m+ / 10ft+.

What wind is best for Big River?

The best wind for Big River is northeast.

What tide is best for surfing Big River?

Big River works best at mid and high tide on rising tide.

Where can I stay near Big River?

The lodging map on this page shows hotels and vacation rentals near Big River, with prices for your dates.

Where is Big River?

Big River is a surf spot in Mendocino, California, USA.