Navarro River Redwoods State Park was one of the last places I explored in California before moving…read moreback to Washington State in October 2019. I was on one of my driving adventures north of the San Francisco Bay Area and noticed the sign for this park as I was driving on the road I was on. Not sure where a central hub was, I decided to explore by utilizing the pull-offs along the road. From different pull-off areas, I spotted a number of trails heading off into the redwood trees, however I opted to stay closer to my vehicle. Some of the remains of fallen redwoods were closer to where I parked and I had fun checking that out. I had recently gotten a buzzcut hairstyle and more than usual appreciated the sun protection the trees provided for my scalp/noggin.

Until today, I'd never seen a redwood tree in person. I've missed out. And if you've never seen one…read moreeither, then you're missing out. California Route 128 goes through this beautiful state park on both sides of the road with a few narrow pullouts on both sides and the occasional lane that leads back to an organized campsite. I wasn't interested in camping here but I did park and take pictures and walk through these amazing trees for a little bit, hoping that I wasn't about to get eaten by a bear. No bears spotted. The main body of the park is eleven miles long and between 20 and 500 yards wide. There is also a beach section near the Navarro River bridge with campsites available on a first-come, first-served. That wasn't today's itinerary either. Absolutely magical and I'm so glad to have experienced this park. [Review 17615 overall - 406 in California - 1134 of 2022.]

This place has great coast views! Camping is quiet and without amenities! Sites are spread out! No…read morehost on site! Self register and $35 overnight! Great sunset from my site! Must drive or it's a very long hike to the beach! I can also see the Point Arena lighthouse from my site! Overall good camping for the price! I would give it a five stars if it had power hookups!

Service was great and staff was friendly. I will definitely be back. I am looking forward to coming…read moreback.

Big River State Park in Mendocino is absolutely stunning, one of those places where you're reminded…read morehow much nature is showing off along this coast. With the river winding through redwoods and opening out toward the ocean, the scenery feels almost unreal in its scale and beauty. There are trails everywhere, great spots for kayaking, hiking, or just sitting quietly and taking it all in. The whole Mendocino area is packed with parks, and this one is a standout for its grandeur and sense of peace. It really feels like a place to slow down and appreciate how incredible the natural world is.

I've visited Mendocino many times and somehow have never spent time at this wonderful (and free)…read morestate park. The entrance is off Highway 1, just outside Mendocino's shopping district and headlands. There are big wide beaches where the river meets the ocean which are visible right away. However, if you make a left at the bottom of the hill and drive a short ways to the end of the lot, there's a wonderful trail that meanders alongside the river. This former logging road is wide and gently graded (at least for the first 2.5 miles I walked on it.) It's great for bikes and more casual "hikes." It goes, I believe, about 7 miles inland so you can go as far as you'd like and turn around. It's a mellow journey and one more about the sites and sounds along the trail and the general peacefullness of the area, rather than a specific destination. You weave along the river and eventually in to the redwoods, where the water views become filtered through the trees. Along the way, we saw a few banana slugs and enjoyed a mostly shaded trail. I would love to come back with my bike and do the whole trail, end to end. The start of the trail had more people, which then tapered to just a few bikers and runners after the first mile or so. Seems to be a local's spot and they're very lucky to have it!

We have been coming to this area for vacation off and on for years, but had never heard this…read moreexisted. Found it only on Yelp looking for local parks. The directions on Yelp were perfect to find the trail - right behind Pt Arena city hall. We did not see much signage, nothing to flag the trail entrance. Just look for a wooden gate behind and on the right side of city hall; it looks closed but pushes open. The trail is skinny, so two people cannot walk abreast. After a nice forested start, the trail goes through lovely open fields. The views then open up to some tremendous coastal cliffs with crashing waves. We did not take it very far, as my knee was aching, so I decided to not push it. But it all looks wonderful, and look forward to returning and seeing more. We also stopped by the part of the open space by the Point Arena lighthouse. Turn onto lighthouse road, and it's 1.4 miles up the road on the left, a dirt parking area. Fantastic coastal scenery here, bring your camera. The first location remains relatively unknown, but on a summer weekday the lighthouse area had a decent number of people. (There is a single pit toilet at the lighthouse parking area, but no lock.)

Pros: - We went with my mom who has arthritis and it was…read moreflat and a great spot for us to walk as a family - Incredible views!!!!! - Lovely from both sides - we hiked the south part one morning and the north part another morning Cons: - Windy! I'd recommend a windbreaker or jacket, even on a warmer day. If you have longer hair, bring a hat or headband.

Seriously one of my favorite hikes in Northern California! As a NorCal native, I can tell you that…read morehiking the Shakota Trail to the Grazini Winery at the aptly named Winery Point is a "must do" if you're in the area! ++ The hike its self is fairly easy! Not a lot of elevation change to be had or difficult scrambles. Just an easy going wide packed-dirt trail. ++ Trails are well maintained! Just be cautious after a rainy season, as mud can be an issue. ++ Gorgeous views of Lake Mendocino as you hike along the shoreline. ++ What remains of the structures at the winery are covered with an assortment of creative graffiti and street-art. My personal favorite is Cat-Dog! ++ Great spot to pack in a picnic or for photos! Grazini Winery is def a wonderful hidden gem not to be missed in Northern California's beautiful wine country! **Caution: Some portions of the remaining structures are VERY close to a steep drop-off. Use caution when navigating the area!

I've done this hike twice now both times the long way from the damn side. The winery is beautiful…read moreand a must see while it still stands.

Call me a Redwood junkie, but I just love being around beautiful Redwoods. They're my favorite…read moretypes of trees. I love seeing them, smelling them, walking by them, driving through them. CA state route 128 affords me the luxury of doing all of this. It's a mesmerizing drive through Anderson Valley that mustn't be missed. Miles and miles of glorious Redwood trees all lined up along the road. The best part is being able to pull over, hop out of the car, and hopping right into the middle of this Redwood Forest. I'm a natural born explorer and this is a road that I could explore for days! The road can get pretty windy during some parts, but it kind of adds to the fun of everything. When you finally make it into town, you'll pass by a slew of beautiful wineries! Anderson Valley wine country is another reason to drive down this highway; it will take you right to it. The drive is so calm and heartwarming. Lots of wildlife and greenery are viewable along the way. A drive that I look forward to anytime that I'm planning on visiting Anderson Valley or the Mendocino Coast.

Third time on this often twisty road with few places to pull over. I am not into wineries. If you…read moreare, this is a great road. Well, maybe not if you do too many tastings because I am counting on you TO STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD. I love the redwoods, even enjoyed them with a death grip on the steering wheel but better me driving than my husband! I would be screaming at him to "slow down". When you are driving through the redwoods, there is a constant strobe light effect. Maybe I do need that drink! It made me wish for a cloudy day. Still I am on my way once again to the beautiful Mendocino Coast. On the way out, I took Ca 20 which is half as long, just as twisty but has lots of turnouts....And redwoods.

This is a gem of a golf course where half the holes overlook the ocean and the other half are…read morenestled in the coastal forest. I started playing here two months ago after I decided to get back into golfing after a 35 year break. The staff are friendly, the pro shop is well stocked. Even during the height of tourist season it's been easy to get a day-of tee time. The course itself is well- maintained for a $30/$45 per round course. It's also relatively hilly and tight. Two restrictions to note are that the driving range is a little short. I think the back fence is just shy of 200yds. And there's not enough space around the practice green to practice chipping from more than a few yards out. So it's tough to get a comprehensive practice session in. Not a big deal if you're traveling through.

This is a very challenging but fun golf course with beautiful views of the ocean and pine forest…read more The course is in decent shape considering all of the fog and moisture they have in the area. It had a nice little driving range and practice putting green. The pro shop is well-stocked, and they have a couple of beers on tap, including local Scrimshaw Pilsner. The layout is definitely strange, and they have back to back par 5's, so this is not just a little pitch and put nine holer. They have alternate tees on a few holes, so you can play it twice for 18. The people in the pro shop are really nice. Fun spot to hang out if you're in the area. They also give you a discount if you're staying at the Inn.

This organization, Mendo Parks, does amazing work! To find…read morea volunteer organization that works in nine local State Parks in Mendocino County is admirable; volunteers run the gift shops, do maintenance work, offer docent led walks, campfire programs and whale walks. I'm impressed. This organization is clearly well run, has motivated docents, and a long history of success. Begin your Mendocino visit at the Ford House Visitor's Center on Main St. in Mendocino; in addition to a warm welcome, it is here you can pick up maps of town, find out what sites to see and how to get down to the beach. This is also home to Mendo Area Parks Association This review was from two years ago. Today, 2023, I'm sorry to say The Ford House just isn't the same. They struggle to find volunteers, no longer offer docent led walks, and seem to be without capable leadership. Not the place it used to be.