Fort Ross on the Sonoma Coast is steeped in California history, from the native tribes to Russian fur trappers (1812-41), to Spanish and Mexican ranchos. Each year the Cultural Heritage Festival celebrates these diverse peoples and their trades. Nearby Salt Point State Park, Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, and Timber Cove promise breathtaking scenery.
Fort Ross State Historic Park provides a peek into the past, primarily with reconstructed buildings that recall the once-thriving Russian fur trading colony. The park museum provides details about the three main eras of Fort Ross — Kashaya Indian, Russian, and Spanish rancho.
Other activities along this scenic coastal region include wine tasting, beach walking, hiking, picnicking, and more.
Nearby Stillwater Cove Regional Park offers pleasant campsites with more than two miles of easy trails.
And a few miles north of Fort Ross, the Timber Cove Resort features a 93-foot obelisk sculpture by renowned artist Benny Bufano.
Trip Ideas
On Sonoma County's far northern coast, Fort Ross is rich in California history; it's particularly known for the Russian fur trappers who inhabited the area from 1812-41. Fort Ross State Historic Park...
Glimpse unique and historic Russian and Native Alaskan influences on the Sonoma County Coast at Fort Ross, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2012. From 1812 to 1841, Fort Ross was the hub of...
One of Sonoma County's most distinctive American viticultural areas (AVAs) is located in the coastal hills above Fort Ross State Historic Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Carved out of the larger...
Find Things to Do on the Northern Sonoma Coast
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Erinleigh by the Sea offers a romantic couples dream at sea level. Instead of waking to the sound of traffic, this small jewel getaway shares its address with the Blue Heron, River Otters, Bald…
Where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Owned by the state of California and run by the parks department, this launching area has a visitors center and leads into the Russian River.
Fort Ross Lodge is uniquely situated on the majestic Sonoma Coast between the historic Fort Ross Russian settlement and Salt Point State Park. Just below lies a sheltered cove where seals lounge on…
River Sea Cottage former fishing cottage offers panoramic up-close big river and ocean views. River Sea Cottage has easy access from parking. Everything inside is on one level. Ease into the hot tub…
The Kortum Trail connects Wright’s Beach in the south to Blind Beach in the north, which is about 4.6 miles round trip. Part of the 17-mile long Sonoma Coast State Park, the well-maintained and…
On the north side of the mouth of the Russian River is Jenner Beach. There are a few steep paths that lead down to this driftwood-covered beach.
Rocky promontories, panoramic views, kelp-dotted coves, and the dramatic sounds of pounding surf; open grasslands, forested hills, pristine prairies, and pygmy forests- you can experience all of these…
Fisk Mill Cove is a day use area of Salt Point State Park that provides picnickers with paved parking, picnic tables, small upright barbeques, restrooms, and drinking water. Additionally, the bishop…
Fort Ross, one of the main tourist attractions between Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg, is a California State Historic Park showcasing a historic Russian-era fort compound that has been designated National…
Goat Rock, near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline and easily accessible sandy beach. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are also available. Goat Rock beach is home…