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 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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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
With three inspiring meeting rooms, two large decks and an events lawn, Timber Cove is a breath of fresh air for your next small meeting, corporate retreat or full buy-out. Accommodating any and all…