Nature Experiences
Jug Handle Beach & Ecological Staircase
The trail to the beach is 50 feet north of the bunkhouse.
There is a split in the trail and if you take the left you will get to Jug Handle Beach and to the right is a two to three hour walk through the redwood and Pygmy Forest. This trail includes four different ecosystems: coastal prairie, pine forest, redwood forest and pygmy forest. It’s a nice walk and the trail has interpretive panels. The map below will help you on your adventure.
Ecological Staircase Trail
Ocean Drive Trail
Just up the road on highway one you can find the trail at Ocean drive (just past Gibney Lain) the entrance to this park is on your right at Ocean drive. This park has beautiful ocean views, nice headland walks and a pocket beach.
Ocean Beach Trail
Big River Haul Road River & ocean walk
Drive south to Mendocino. Take a left just before the big river bridge. At the bottom of a short hill you can take a right to park at the beach or a left to park at the trail head for a nice easy hike along the river. Both are great experiences. Also the walk along the Mendocino headlands is fantastic.
Big River Beach & Trail
Ten Mile Sand Dunes
Okay this place is a local secrete. 20 minutes north of Fort Bragg is ten miles of sand dunes with beautiful views and wide open spaces. Only locals go here. Respect the quiet and the beauty. You can access this from the end of Ward Avenue in Cleon or from the South side of the ten mile bridge. Enjoy the beauty.
Larry Spring Ranch
The Spring Ranch is a beautiful place for a quiet hike. With wide open views and a narrow bluff top trail that extends through a variety of headlands. Drive South of Mendocino and park next to the old spring ranch barn…. enjoy your walk.
Fort Bragg Coastal Trail
The 5.6 mile, ADA accessible Coastal Trail includes many beautiful views, artist benches and an easy walk. Most tourists visit the north trail (at Glass beach) but all the locals know that the south trail at Cypress street is much prettier and less crowded.
