Mussel Rock Park, a stunning stretch of rugged coastline, sits on the border of Pacifica and Daly City, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Perched below the Mussel Rock Car Park, this park is more than just a scenic overlook; it’s a place for adventure, reflection, and community engagement. With its dramatic coastal bluffs, mesmerizing sunsets, and the chance to spot the Farallon Islands on a clear day, Mussel Rock Park is a true treasure of the San Francisco Bay Area. The iconic Mussel Rock formation, a sea stack sculpted by erosion, stands as a testament to the power of nature and provides a dramatic backdrop for this unique coastal park.
Join the Movement: Volunteer at Mussel Rock Park Cleanups
Mussel Rock Park is not only a place to admire nature, but also a place to protect it. Become a part of the dedicated volunteer team that works tirelessly to keep this beautiful space clean and healthy. Contact us today to learn how you can become a volunteer Site Captain Assistant and contribute to the well-being of Mussel Rock Park!
Meet the Mussel Rock Park Cleanup Crew
Meet the heart and soul of the Mussel Rock Park cleanups: Helen, Chris, Myrna, Ted, and Joe. These dedicated Site Captains lead the charge in preserving the beauty of Mussel Rock Park.
Helen and Joe, leaders of Mussel Rock cleanup efforts, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship at Mussel Rock Park.
Since 2007, Helen has been the driving force behind the monthly Mussel Rock Park cleanups, passionately leading the “Mussel Rock Stars” to create a cleaner, healthier environment for her community. Joined by co-captain Julie in 2012, they both champion the preservation of native habitats and the reduction of litter, especially cigarette butts, across the beaches and coastline from Pacifica to Daly City. Their commitment extends to monitoring and reporting debris, including items from the Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris Cleanup initiative, ensuring that Mussel Rock Park remains a site for environmental awareness and action. Helen’s extraordinary dedication has been recognized by the California State Assembly (2014) and Daly City’s City Council, highlighting her leadership in establishing the monthly stewardship of Mussel Rock Park and her tireless efforts to combat cigarette litter pollution along our precious coastline.
Participating in the Mussel Rock Park Cleanup
When: Cleanups take place on the fourth Saturday of each month, from 9 am to 11 am, rain or shine. Always refer to the online monthly calendar for the most accurate dates.
Where: Meet at the Mussel Rock carpark. To find it, take Westline Drive to its lower coastal end, near the second entrance of the Allied Waste Transfer Station. When navigating, be sure to avoid the other Westline Drive that ascends uphill from Skyline Drive. Follow signs to the car park to avoid any confusion with the upper Westline Drive near the Transfer Station.
Parking: Parking is free and readily available along the roads and at the designated car park near the meeting point.
Cleanup Zones: Volunteers focus their efforts on the streets, bluffs, car park, and the park itself. Beach cleanups are also conducted when tides are low enough to ensure safety. For adventurous volunteers, the nearby Secret Waterfall area offers an exciting cleanup opportunity, involving rappelling down to the bluff and accessing the beach.
What to Bring: Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own buckets and reusable gloves to minimize waste. Additional gloves, buckets, pickup sticks, and specialized tools for Mussel Rock Park will be provided while supplies last. Be prepared for unpredictable coastal weather, which can range from cold and windy to sunny and warm. Layered clothing, a hat, sunblock, water, and snacks are highly recommended.
Common Litter: The cleanup teams frequently collect plastic bags, bottles, cigarettes, and general household waste, reflecting the park’s location near waste transfer routes for the Bay Area. Notably, Mussel Rock Park is a designated site for the Japanese Tsunami Marine Debris Cleanup Program, and has been the source of reported debris items believed to have originated from Japan, contributing valuable data to NOAA and GGNRA.
Restroom Facilities: Please note that public restrooms are unfortunately not available at Mussel Rock Park.
Important Guidelines and Safety Measures
Dogs: Dogs are welcome off-leash in Mussel Rock Park, however, be aware of resident coyotes that may pose a threat if dogs are not well-controlled. Responsible dog owners who ensure their dogs are under voice control and have good recall can enjoy the park safely with their pets. Always remember to clean up after your dog.
Fireworks: Be sure to review the City of Pacifica’s Restrictions regarding fireworks use on nearby beaches, as these regulations may extend to the park area.
Barbecues: A BBQ fire pit is available in the Mussel Rock Park car park, often used by cleanup volunteers for cooking sausages and s’mores during events, fostering a sense of community.
Safety Precautions: Be mindful of potential drug paraphernalia, such as plastic tubes and baggies, that may be present. The terrain at Mussel Rock Park is uneven due to the underlying San Andreas Fault, causing ripples in paved areas, so exercise caution while walking.
Protecting Wildlife and Habitats: High tides often reach the base of the cliffs, which naturally prevents Snowy Plovers from nesting on the beach areas of Mussel Rock Park. The park is a haven for diverse birdlife, including raptors and seabirds like Peregrine Falcons, seagulls, cormorants, and Brown Pelicans, frequently sighted around Mussel Rock and within the park’s trees. The tide pools at Mussel Rock Park are exceptionally rich, teeming with sea stars, nudibranchs, sea anemones, and of course, abundant mussels. Volunteers also play a role in habitat preservation by removing invasive non-native plants like gorse and pampas grass when possible.
Before participating in a cleanup, please review the Cleanup Guidelines. For further questions, consult the Beach Cleanup FAQs.
Join Us in Protecting Mussel Rock Park! To help us plan effectively and minimize waste, please fill out our quick online form to register your participation. Check our calendar for the next cleanup date before signing up. Ready to make a difference? Sign up here!
Support Mussel Rock Park Cleanups with a Contribution: [Donate Here]
Read about the impact of the Mussel Rock Star team: Mussel Rock Star Blog
Mussel Rock Park Location Map:
View Mussel Rock Park on Google Maps in a larger map.
