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 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...
One of Sonoma County's newest and most distinctive American viticultural areas is located in the coastal hills above Fort Ross State Historic Park and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Fort Ross-Seaview...
Find Things to Do on the Northern Sonoma Coast
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Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is located adjacent to Salt Point State Park. Edward P. Kruse donated the land to the people of California in 1933 as a living memorial to his father, a…
Where Sonoma Wine Country meets the Pacific Ocean. We offer exclusive vacation rentals along the Sonoma Coast and inland. Our vacation rentals are ocean front, ocean view, river and ocean view, 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…
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…
Ocean Cove is a small island of private land surrounded by state and county parks. The Ocean Cove Store and Campground offers camping on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and boat access to the…
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.
We carry a great selection of coastal gifts and souvenirs. We also have a variety of high end brands of jewelry, clothing, and local wines.
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…
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…
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.