In Russian Gulch State Park, a heavily forested hiking trail leads to a 36-foot waterfall. A total of 15 miles of trails run through the park, winding through shady forest and along open stretches of coast. This means different landscapes sit side by side within the same park. You can also switch from hiking to water activities here: swimming, exploring tide pools, scuba diving, freediving, and fishing are all possible. Follow local rules when taking part in activities.
Redwood Forests and Trails
In Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, a 2-mile loop trail leads through one of the last remaining unspoiled Redwood groves in the Mendocino area. The reserve is about 15 miles east of Comptche, along a firmly compacted gravel road. It can also be reached from west of Ukiah via 13 miles of paved road, passing Orr's Mineral Hot Springs Resort. Road conditions can change, so check them before setting out.
In Van Damme State Park, the 2.5-mile Fern Canyon Scenic Trail can be ridden by bicycle; follow the signs. In the Pygmy Forest, a loop trail about 300 yards long passes interpretive displays about the forest's characteristics. Check current conditions before visiting.
Coast, Rivers, and Seasonal Experiences
Kayaking along the Mendocino Coast offers a chance to explore a rugged coastline, sea caves, and marine life. Guided tours and kayak rentals are available; providers and availability vary. On the Big River, stand-up paddleboarding tours take place on calm water and in the river estuary, where a wide variety of wildlife can be observed. Rentals and guided tours are also available here; availability may vary by provider.
Picnicking, swimming, camping, canoeing, and kayaking are possible in Navarro River Redwoods State Park. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are especially popular there in late winter and spring. Gray whale migration can be observed seasonally along the Mendocino Coast from December through April. Seasonal information emphasizes different periods, but the seasons partly overlap.
Navarro Beach Campground is located at the mouth of the Navarro River on the Pacific Ocean; the access road is south of the Navarro River Bridge. Guided horseback rides through Redwood forests are also offered in Mendocino County. Providers and availability may vary.
Railroads, Museums, and Regional Cuisine
The historic Skunk Train has been running since 1885 through old Redwood groves, over trestle bridges, and through tunnels to the Noyo River Canyon. Its route combines railroad history with a journey through diverse landscapes.
In Ukiah, the Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House is an art, history, and anthropology museum. Its exhibitions cover Grace Carpenter Hudson, Indigenous cultures of California, and the history of California's diverse North Coast region. The collection comprises more than 30,000 objects, including Pomo artifacts, as well as the world's largest collection of paintings by Grace Hudson. The Historic Ford House is a museum and visitor center for Mendocino Headlands State Park.
Farmers' markets in Mendocino County offer local produce such as olives, apples, pears, peaches, leafy greens, meat, cheese, and freshly caught seafood. Market dates vary; check them in advance. The region's food and drink scene also includes more than a hundred wineries and a growing number of craft breweries and microdistilleries. These business counts can change.
Discover more destinations: Anchor Bay, Ukiah, Mendocino, Willits, Fort Bragg, Point Arena, Boonville, Gualala, Redwood Valley, Philo, Dos Rios, Hopland.
For the broader travel overview: California.
