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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The northernmost part of Salt Point State Park, Horseshoe Cove Beach is a remote rocky beach which wraps around the back of Horseshoe Cove below high rocky cliff faces right next to Highway 1. There…
Overlooking the Russian River, Private and Secluded, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, DVD, CD Player, Satellite TV, FREE Wireless High Speed Internet, Outdoor Spa, Decks. *Pet OK. Sleeps 4.
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…
A world apart, only minutes away! 20 unique units on the Russian River. Meeting space and private rooms for entertaining. Private dining available for all meals. Incredible natural beauty and…
Coast Kitchen, a full-service restaurant located in the iconic Timber Cove Resort, offers stunning ocean views and fresh seasonal fare. Under new ownership, the property was refurbished in 2016 and…
Casini Ranch Family Campground is a family operated RV park and campground, open year round since 1965. Located among beautiful hills on a gentle meander of the Russian River, four miles from the…
Part of the Sonoma Coast State Park, Russian Gulch is a beach north of Jenner where Russian Gulch Creek flows into the Pacific Ocean. The parking lot is just north of the Highway 1 bridge over Russian…
Carefully hand-crafted organic, locally roasted coffee. Deli delights and oven baked treats. Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ocean Bluff Serenity offers a wonderful location and setting. Arriving is a wonderful experience. The 25 minute drive up to Timber Cove from Jenner, is one of the most scenic coastal drives in…
The Ocean Cove Bar & Grill, a cozy place nestled in the redwoods overlooking the Great North Pacific Ocean, offering ocean-view dining, attentive staff, picturesque gardens & grounds and a menu that…