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
In October 2012, a windmill joined the collection of buildings at Fort Ross State Historic Park (19005 Coast Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3437) on the Sonoma County coast. And it's not just any windmill...
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 Historical...
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...
Find Things to Do on the Northern Sonoma Coast
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Stillwater Cove Regional Park on the northern Sonoma Coast features a picturesque crescent of beach, a small campground, and hiking trails through redwood forest and along ocean bluffs. The park is a…
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…
Mystic View vacation home offers sweeping Russian River views and a great escape to Jenner on the Sonoma Coast. 1 Bedroom/2 Bath Popular couple retreat hot tub. Mystic View vacation home is located…
Vista Point is the northernmost point of the 17-mile long Sonoma Coast State Park located 4 miles north of Jenner. There is no beach access, simply a gorgeous view along the one-mile long hiking…
South of Jenner is Blind Beach with a great view of the arched rock. It’s a long narrow beach that is great for beachcombing and fishing. About one mile south of the Russian River Bridge, turn onto…
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…
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…
Russian House #1 is a unique integration of The Magic Place Place where Miracles happen more often than usual. Here anyone who is ready can meet his own myth or open a fairy tale. The Space for the…
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…
Hummingbird Cottage is a popular, perfect retreat for couples or a small family getaway. Enjoy the sweeping river estuary to ocean views from up on the deck during the day, and stargaze out into the…