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
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...
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...
Find Things to Do on the Northern Sonoma Coast
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Fort Ross Reef is a scuba diving destination just offshore from Fort Ross State Historic Park. There is a day-use parking area for access to the beach and the reef.
Arrive at Tidesong by way of a truly remarkable drive through Goat Rock State Beach from Highway 1; Breathtakingly beautiful views of both the majestic Sonoma coast and inviting Goat Rock State Beach…
Managed by the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. Open daily from 11-3 year-round.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life at Neon Fish. On the Sonoma Coast at Neon Fish watch the weather from the expansive windows in all rooms of the house without anything obstructing the…
Just below the visitor center in Salt Point State Park you will find the rocks beach called Gerstle Cove. No fishing is allowed in this area because the waters in Gerstle Cove are protected by Gerstle…
Seated at the junction of the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean, River’s End offers cozy accommodations, highly acclaimed dining and breathtaking views, ideal for romantic getaways. Wake to the…
Pacific Sunset is located on a private lane just off the entrance road to Goat Rock State Beach. The views are truly breathtaking, awesome and inspiring. Upon arrival to Pacific Sunset, you will enjoy…
The historic Jenner Inn offers a spectacular opportunity to enjoy the romance and unique beauty of the Sonoma Coast.Many of our rooms and cottages have balconies over the river. Jenner is a place of…
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…
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…