Anderson Valley locals flock to this redwood park in summer to cool off in the river. Travelers come to marvel at the century’s-old redwoods. The two groves offer hiking trails and camping. The most popular region of the part is Big Hendy, which offers an easy family-friendly self-guided trail. The Upper Loop Trail leads through an impressive old-growth grove. The...

Halfway between Fort Bragg and Mendocino, go check out the 2.5-mile staircase trail from the coast to the Pygmy Forest. This environment displays the ecological succession and landscape evolution of the coast mountains. Once sandstone, the terraces (that create a natural staircase) have been weathered for different lengths of time by sea, wind, and tectonic plate movements. Jug Handle Beach...

Seven miles of sandy beach, wetlands, tide pools, and even a lake make this one of Mendocino County’s most beloved outdoor spaces. There’s a wheelchair-accessible coastal bluff trail popular with walkers and sunset meanders. In-the-know divers come here to explore the 450 acres of underwater parkland. Plus there’s a great bike trail along the coast. From the park, you can...

The 11 miles of second-growth redwoods have a way of blocking out the sun in the sweetest way. This park is an excellent place to kayak, canoe, hike, swim, camp, or just hang out and enjoy the splendor of these giant trees, especially since in summer it gets pretty warm here. If you want to pitch a tent, Navarro Beach...

During the logging heyday, Russians established Fort Ross in 1812. These loggers dubbed the area “Russian Gulch” and you can still see evidence of their first redwood shingle mills in the park. The real draw for travelers is the park’s stunning views, which are considered by many to be the most beautiful along this coastline. The 6.5-mile waterfall hike (or...

Outdoor adventurers will adore this 2069-acre state park. Hiking and biking trails lead you up to Fern Canyon; a rocky beach meets the river, where divers, kayakers, cold-water-loving swimmers, and boaters head out to sea; and the famed Pygmy Forest of century-old cypress and pine trees, none taller than 10 feet, might have you scratching your head. And finally, if...