Mendocino Magic: Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of California's Coastal Gem
Having blogged about my wife and I’s trip to Massachusetts last fall, I thought I’d continue in that spirit to share our Norcal winter experiences along the coast. We visited the Mendocino area located 150 miles north of San Francisco. In the 1850’s, Mendocino had a population of 20,000 and was a bustling sawmill town that supplied lumber to the region. If you live in an old San Francisco home, the lumber that your house was built with probably originated in Mendocino. Now with a population of 400, Mendocino is a quiet and quaint seaside town. Here are some of the amazing places we visited:
Jenner, CA: A view from Cafe Aquatica where you can enjoy the scenery with fresh crab sandwiches.
Fort Ross State Historic Park, a historic 1800’s Russian-era fort compound. It was one of the most well kept historical parks we have visited.
The Sea Ranch Chapel: Located in Sea Ranch, this chapel is 360 square foot non-denominational temple built from local copper and redwood was designed by architect James T Hubbell to blend into the surroundings and modeled after a murex shell. It’s a beauty!
Point Arena Lighthouse: The tallest lighthouse on the Pacific Coast and very picturesque might I add.
Navarro Vineyards and Winery: A family winery since 1974 in Anderson Valley. They are known for their award-winning Gewürztraminer white wine. We got a great tour of the vineyards and winery and learned about their wine-making process from start to finish. We got to meet some of their sheep that they use to eat all the bad vegetation that grows at the vines. And finally we ended with a tasting of their fabulous wines.
CA State Route 128: The highway with the most breathtaking experiences driving through redwoods. We stepped outside of the car and took a photo of the giants that surrounded us.
Glass Pebble Beach, Fort Bragg: Sea glass on this beach was created from years of dumping garbage in an area along this coastline and over time became colorful smooth glass.
Russian Gulch State Park: One of the most picturesque locations where you can drive down to the gulch and be at the bottom of the bridge. It’s one of the most quiet and peaceful areas I’ve ever experienced. On top of that, we rescued a Starfish that got swept ashore and we successfully got it back into the ocean. God speed to you Starfish!
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park: We took a 0.75 mile hike to the headlands adjacent to the lighthouse where we got dramatic views of the coast. The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse has been a federal aid to navigation since 1909 and plays a prominent role in California history.
Big River Estuary State Marine Conversation, Mendocino: The dramatic views of the surrounding redwoods around the low laying estuary is a site to see.
Pygmy Forest Discovery Trail: A pygmy forest is created through something known as an ecological staircase. It begins with the formation of a series of marine terraces that are created by a combination of uplift and changes in ocean level, creating a terrace, with each terrace older than the one below it and supporting a distinct association of soils, microbes, plants, and animals. Analyses of pygmy forest soils show low levels of macro and micronutrients, and high levels of exchangeable aluminum, which limits the ability of plants to grow.
Caspar Headlands State Natural Reserve: Another gem of a headlands where the wind is howling and waves are crashing along the rocky shores. What a sight to see!
Princess Seafood, Noyo Harbor District: I do not usually post food photos, but I had to make an exception. How can I not include a freshly caught crab and a North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner with a waterfront view?!
CA State Route 20: Stopping off the side of the road as we climbed the mountain towards HWY 101. What an elevation gain!
Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House, Ukiah: A wonderful visit to this museum and craftsman home of Grace Hudson Carpenter.
Being born and raised in San Francisco, CA, I am bit ashamed to say that I never have been up to this part of California. It’s another world up there filled with beauty and serenity that I have never experienced before. I’m so grateful for having had this opportunity to explore this side of the state with my wife. If you have never been to this part of CA, I hope I was able to inspire you.
Cheers and may you have a year filled with new and exciting adventures ahead!
- Matt Dea
