What is Mad River Pump Station #4 like?
Mad River Pump Station #4 sits in Arcata, one of 3 courses in the city and 333 across California. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 2,025 ft, averaging roughly 225 feet per hole. That is short enough that a putter and a mid-range will cover most of the round.
The terrain is mixed/varied — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Mad River Pump Station #4?
For a course like this, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers the majority of shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Mad River Pump Station #4
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Mad River Pump Station #4
More disc golf in Arcata
Arcata has 3 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Redwood Curtain at Humboldt State University | 18 | Beginner | $3 |
| Manila Bay Disc Golf Course | 9 | Beginner | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Mad River Pump Station #4?
Mad River Pump Station #4 has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,025 ft, averaging about 225 feet per hole.
Is Mad River Pump Station #4 free to play?
Yes. Mad River Pump Station #4 is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Mad River Pump Station #4 good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with a mix of wooded and open holes and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Mad River Pump Station #4?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Mad River Pump Station #4 located?
Mad River Pump Station #4 is in Arcata, California, at coordinates 40.90376, -124.03886. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Mad River Pump Station #4?
For this layout, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers most shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.