Mendocino: Redwood Forests, Coast and Culture

Russian Gulch State Park is known for a heavily forested hiking trail leading to a 36-foot waterfall. For a stay in Mendocino, redwood forests, museums and local food offer other things to explore. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first prioritize the outings and interests you want to shape your stay.

Redwood Forests and Coastal Trails

At Russian Gulch State Park, 15 miles of trails wind through shaded forest and across open coastal stretches. Swimming, exploring tide pools, scuba diving, freediving and fishing are also possible activities. Local regulations may apply to some activities.

At Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, a 2-mile loop trail passes through one of the last unspoiled redwood groves in the Mendocino area. The Pygmy Forest in Van Damme State Park offers a different scale: an approximately 300-yard loop trail with interpretive exhibits about the forest’s features. For comparison, the 15 miles at Russian Gulch State Park refer to a trail network, while the distances given for Montgomery Woods and the Pygmy Forest each refer to a loop trail.

Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is about 15 miles east of Comptche on a hard-packed gravel road. It can also be reached via 13 miles of paved road west of Ukiah, passing Orr's Mineral Hot Springs Resort. Road conditions can change; check them before you drive. At Van Damme State Park, the 2.5-mile Fern Canyon Scenic Trail can be ridden by bike. Follow the signs.

Rivers, Ocean and Seasonal Nature

Picnicking, swimming and camping are possible at Navarro River Redwoods State Park. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are especially popular there in late winter and spring. On the Big River, stand-up paddleboarding tours offer calm water and the river mouth as distinct settings, where you can observe a variety of wildlife. Rentals and guided tours are available, though providers and availability vary.

Kayaking along the Mendocino Coast lets you explore a rugged coastline, sea caves and marine life. Guided tours and kayak rentals are available; providers and availability vary here, too. Guided horseback rides through redwood forests are also offered in Mendocino County, subject to provider and availability. Gray whale migration can be observed seasonally along the Mendocino County coast from December to April. This period provides a specific seasonal reference point for planning, while river and forest experiences offer other areas of focus.

Train Rides, Museums and History

The historic Skunk Train has been running since 1885 through old-growth redwood groves, over trestle bridges and through spectacular tunnels to Noyo River Canyon. The ride combines railroad history with scenic views along the route. The Historic Ford House is a museum and visitor center for Mendocino Headlands State Park.

In Ukiah, the Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House focuses on art, history and anthropology. Exhibits explore Grace Carpenter Hudson, California’s Indigenous cultures and the history of California’s diverse North Coast region. The collection includes more than 30,000 objects, including Pomo artifacts, as well as the world’s largest collection of paintings by Grace Hudson. Art collections and regional cultural history come together in one place.

Local Products and Markets

Mendocino County has more than a hundred wineries and a growing number of craft breweries and micro-distilleries. The number of businesses may change. Farmers’ markets around the county offer local products such as olives, apples, pears, peaches, leafy greens, meat, cheese and freshly caught seafood. Market days vary by market; check the relevant schedule in advance if you’re planning a visit.

Whether you want to focus on nature trails, culture or local cuisine, these themes offer different reasons to visit. Choose a hotel based on the places and activities you plan to explore, and check the current availability of guided experiences.

Discover more destinations: Dos Rios, Hopland, Anchor Bay, Ukiah, Mendocino, Willits, Fort Bragg, Point Arena, Boonville, Gualala, Redwood Valley, Philo.

For the full travel overview: California.