Is Usal Beach good for swimming today?
Usal Beach has BeachFinder Score: 64/100. Use this as a planning signal only, then check local flags, lifeguards, closures and current beach conditions.
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US-W - US
Usal Beach
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Quick answer
Quick answer: Usal Beach today
Usal Beach is a BeachFinder spot in US-W, US. Today, compare water temperature 16°C, wind 13 km/h · W, uv 3.9, waves 2.9 m, water quality Check official advisories before leaving. BeachFinder Score: 64/100. Always check official flags, closures and lifeguard advice before swimming.
Water temperature
16°C
Wind
13 km/h · W
UV
3.9
Waves
2.9 m
Water quality
Check official advisories
Last updated: Nov 6, 01:45 PM local forecast timeBeachFinder Score: 64/100
Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts, OpenStreetMap place context and BeachFinder spot data.
This is planning information, not a safety clearance. Conditions can change quickly.
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Live conditions on the site
Surfers can check wind, wave height, currents and surf cues here before opening the full BeachFinder app.
Updated: Nov 6, 01:45 PM
Water temp
16°C
Air temp
18°C
Feels like
16°C
UV index
3.9
Wind
13 km/h · W
Gust 18 km/h
Waves
2.9 m
Current
0 km/h · E
Parking
...
Shower
...
Accessible access
...
Toilets
...
Restaurants
...
Weather and marine data: Open-Meteo
Usal Beach
Usal Beach stretches along the Californian coast of Mendocino County, about 40 kilometers south of Eureka and some 200 kilometers north of San Francisco. This stretch of North Pacific coastline is characterized by wooded cliffs that drop abruptly to the ocean, with redwood and Douglas fir forests forming an impressive vegetal barrier. The rugged relief of the hinterland contrasts with the narrow strip of black volcanic sand bordering the water, typical of this geologically young region where tectonic plates still shape the landscape. The site offers a raw and undeveloped coastal experience. Unlike Needle Rock Beach, located 16.1 kilometers to the north and known for its spectacular rock formations, Usal Beach presents a more streamlined profile, dominated by sand and the direct action of the Pacific swell. At low tide, the beach widens considerably, revealing rock pools and exploration areas. The atmosphere remains that of a wild, sparsely populated coast, where the sound of the waves and the cries of cormorants dominate; access via a narrow, winding road naturally filters visitors. No major infrastructure is present on site. The beach is not supervised and does not have Blue Flag status. Accessibility for people with reduced mobility is not provided. Visitors must anticipate their visit based on often difficult weather conditions and tide times; the absence of facilities requires complete self-sufficiency.
About this spot
The name "Usal" comes from the Usal Creek, a stream that joins the ocean nearby. This region of Mendocino County has long been one of the most isolated areas of the Californian coast, accessible only by forest tracks. In the early 20th century, the area experienced a brief period of intensive logging, with sawmills and logging roads that shaped the landscape. Today, these remnants persist in the form of overgrown roads and abandoned structures, testaments to a bygone era. For hikers and travelers seeking coastal solitude, Usal Beach remains a landmark on the Lost Coast Trail, one of California's most challenging and rewarding coastal trekking routes.
Updated 5/9/2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the water temperature at Usal Beach today?
16°C. Marine temperature is shown when forecast coverage is available for this location.
How windy is Usal Beach today?
13 km/h · W. Wind can change comfort and surface conditions, especially on exposed beaches.
What should I check before swimming at Usal Beach?
Check official safety flags, lifeguard advice, closures, water-quality advisories, UV, wind, waves and currents before entering the water.
Before you go
Conditions
Compare water temperature, air temperature, feels-like temperature, UV index, wind, waves and currents. Surf-focused data appears when a marine model covers the spot.
Amenities
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Usal Beach
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