Meendocino Coast Visitor Guide - July 2021 to July 2022 - Fort Bragg Advocate-News
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M e ndocino Coast
Visitor Guide
July 2021 to July 2022
Advocate file photos • Robin Epley: ocean sunset
A Publication of the Fort Bragg Advocate-News and The Mendocino Beacon
Getting Oriented TABLE OF CONTENTS
Starting from Gualala in the south, it takes about two hours to drive Getting Oriented...................................... 2
75 miles along Mendocino County’s oceanfront to Westport. Fun & Fitness.......................................... 5
• Gualala (wa-LA-la) is the first Mendocino County community South Coast Safari.................................. 6
after Sonoma County’s sprawling Sea Ranch. The singsong name
is adapted from a native Pomo Indian word for “where the river South Coast............................................. 7
meets the sea.” The downtown overlooks the Gualala River and Crown Jewels of Mendocino County....... 8
offers shops, art, lodging and dining. The Arts & More............................ 9-10-11
• Point Arena, incorporated in 1908, offers special guided tours
of the 115-foot-tall lighthouse, constructed in 1870. The town has Film Buffs Tour 1............................... 12-13
restaurants, inns, shops, a restored theater, the port at Point Are- Film Buffs Tour2................................ 14-15
na Cove and nearby Garcia River Casino. Birding................................................... 16
• Manchester, named for the town in England, located four
miles north, has a general store, Manchester State Beach and
Noyo Headlands Park........................... 18
Campground and a highly-rated KOA. Noyo Center.......................................... 19
• Cuffey’s Cove, literally a ghost town between Point Arena and Saving the Past..................................... 20
Elk, now consists of only a cemetery.
• Elk, established as Greenwood in the late 1800s, has galleries,
Pet Friendly........................................... 21
eateries, lodgings, post office and a garage in its compact down- Accessible to Everyone.................... 22-23
town. The old post office is a visitor center and a trail leads down Local Libations...................................... 24
the bluffs to a beach. Arrange for horseback rides on the beach or Cycling................................................... 25
in the redwoods at Ross Ranch.
• Northward, Highway 1 goes over the Navarro River. Turn Havens from the Sea............................. 26
east to follow Highway 128 through the redwoods to Navarro, the World’s Largest Salmon Barbecue........ 28
beautiful Anderson Valley and Boonville. On the Water......................................... 29
• At Albion, the road crosses the historic Albion Bridge. Built
during World War II, the timber trestle bridge was placed on the Coast Festivals................................. 30-31
National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Below is a camp- Ocean Safety......................................... 32
ground and deli, while fine restaurants and inns are on the ocean Westport................................................ 33
bluffs. General and hardware stores, a post office and Sunday
farmers market are east of the highway.
Hiking..........................................34-35-36
• Little River offers gas at a market/deli, with Van Damme State Flora & Gardens.................................... 37
Park and beach sandwiched between bluffs topped by inns, a golf Public Art............................................... 38
course, historic barns and trails. The inland county-owned Little
River Airport has a mile-long runway.
• Mendocino, founded in the 19th century, resembles a New INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
England village and offers grocery stores, a hardware store, spe- Flynn Creek Circus.................................. 3
cialty shops, historic inns, an art center, galleries and fine dining. C.V. Starr Community Center.................. 4
Music, movie and art festivals happen year-round. Just south of
Mendocino, Comptche-Ukiah Road takes travelers to Comptche, Mendocino College Foundation............... 5
the giant redwoods at Montgomery Woods Park and clothing-op- Stanford Inn............................................. 6
tional Orr Hot Springs Resort. Point Arena Lighthouse........................... 7
• Caspar, established in 1857, is home to a vibrant communi-
ty center and a shul. South on the old highway are 1909 vintage Mendo Recycle........................................ 8
Point Cabrillo Light Station and Russian Gulch State Park. Symphony of the Redwoods................... 9
• Established in 1857, the “big city” of the coast is Fort Bragg. It Dragonfly Wellness................................ 10
has all the amenities, a hospital, aquatic center, museums, galler-
ies, shopping and the famed Skunk Train. Noyo Harbor was orig- Michelle Deering, Realtor ......................11
inally the town of Noyo and remains a separate shopping, dining, Howard Creek Ranch Inn...................... 16
fishing and recreational area. Mendocino Theatre Company............... 19
• Cleone and Inglenook, both busy towns during the ear-
ly 20th century golden era of logging, now offer a general store,
The Attic Thrift & Gifts............................ 20
restaurant and inn, and a state park and preserve. One Stop Shop...................................... 21
• Westport evolved from the lumber town of Beall’s Landing. Temple of Kwan Tai............................... 31
Today, there is a general store, inns and campgrounds. From Decarli Law............................................ 39
Westport, Highway 1 continues north, then turns inland at the
Lost Coast, traveling 18 miles through the forest and former log- Beachcomber........................................ 40
ging town of Rockport to Highway 101 and Leggett.
2 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22
P U S H I N G T R A D I T I O N T O T H E E D G E
m a d s k i l l s - da r i n g s t u n t s - c h a r m f o r a l l ag e s !
Touring & circus camps for
June to October children ages 7-15
Ch e c k w e b s i t e f o r Sa nt a Rosa * Sa u sa l i t o
Uk i a h * Gu a l a l a * Arc at a
l o c a t i o n s n e a r yo u . Cor va l l i s
r e s e r v e at i n f o a n d e n r o l l m e n t at
f ly n n c r e e k c i r c u s . c o m f ly n n c r e e k c i r c u s . c o m
C D C & S t a t e g u i d e l i n e s a p p l y.
Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 3
Healthy Fun for everyone!
*Two Indoor Pools* 146 Ft. Water Slide* Interactive Play Features* Lazy River* Diving Board*
*Weight Training Center* Two group Fitness Studios *Skate Park* Off Leash Dog Park*
*Petanque Courts* Silver Sneakers Membership Providers* Free Wi-Fi*
*Affordable Memberships & Drop-In Rates*
300 S. Lincoln St, Fort Bragg CA (707)-964-9446
www.mendocoastrec.org
4 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22
Fun & Fitness Note: Due to COVID-19 and CDC mandatory guide- courts, children’s playground, grassy picnic area, restrooms. lines, be sure and check days, hours of opening as they Public Library across the street hosts family-oriented events, may be different then what is mentioned below. East Laurel and North Harrison, Fort Bragg, city.fort-bragg. Long a destination for outdoor recreation and adventure, the com. Mendocino Coast has a growing reputation for restorative re- • Mendocino Sports Club. Classes, weight room, pool, jacuzzi, treats and athletic events. Many lodgings offer spa treatments, dry sauna and steam room, fitness equipment, racquetball and ten- while yoga studios and massage therapists abound. Running nis courts, 1-, 7-day and monthly passes available, located across events include the Soroptimist International of Fort Bragg from the hospital, 401 Cypress St., Fort Bragg, 707-964-6290, men- Whale Run in March, the Waves and Whales 5K Trail Run in docinosportsclub.com. Point Arena in May, Mendocino Coast PAL’s Big River Run and • Old Rec Center Gym, Friday Family Skate Night, 6:30 to Walk in August, the Noyo Headlands Race in September, and 9:30 p.m., all ages welcome, under 18 needs parent’s signature. the Gualala River Run in October. Fitness facilities and places to Parents may drop off well-behaved children, but must provide just have fun with the family include: a working phone number, 213 E. Laurel St., behind City Hall, Fort Bragg mendocoastrec.org. • C. V. Starr Center & Sigrid and Harry Spath Aquatic Center, Lap pool, leisure pool with ramp access, running river, wa- Mendocino terslide, work-out room, skateboard park, petanque courts, • Community Center of Mendocino, Playground, petan- off-leash dog park, picnic area, 300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg, que court, enclosed dog park, classes including adult silks, Cir- 707-964-9446, mendocoastrec.org. cle Dance on 4th Sunday, musical concerts, next to Friendship • Emerald Dolphin Mini Golf & Arcade, 18-holes, first 9 Park, 998 School St., Mendocino, 707-937-4133, community- holes are handicap accessible, Family Fun Center with video centerofmendocino.org. games, air hockey, pinball, family billiards table, dance floor, refreshments, 1211 S. Main St., Fort Bragg, 707-964-6699, em- Little River eralddolphin.com. • Little River Inn Golf & Tennis, Nine-hole, 5,458-yard, Audu- • Harold O. Bainbridge Park & Wiggly Giggly Play- bon-certified course, driving range, tennis courts, pro shop, 7551 ground, Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., lighted tennis and basketball N. Highway 1, Little River, 707-937-5667, littleriverinn.com Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 5
South Coast Safari
Visit the wild side of Point Arena
Visitors to the Mendocino Coast expect to see a variety of wild-
life, but African wildlife?
Located just east of Point Arena, at 130 Riverside Dr., the B. Quick tip
Bryan Preserve is home to nearly 100 African antelope, zebra Current pricing and bookings can be found online at bbryan-
and giraffe. More babies are arriving this summer. Opened in preserve.com or by calling 707-882-2297. Facebook/bbryanpre-
2004, the 110-acre preserve now plays an important role in pres- serve
ervation of several African animals and has been named one of
the top 10 best U.S. African Safaris by USA Today.
B. Bryan Preserve is home to large herds of Sable, Roan and Photo Captions for B. Bryan preserve photos:
Kudu antelope which are housed in large pastures that give a
more naturalistic environment.
The preserve is also one of the few places in the world where vis- Male Greater Kudu. B. Bryan Preserve. Photo by Judy Bryan
itors can see all three species of zebra; from the common Plains Mello.
Zebra and the threatened Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra to the Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra. B. Bryan Preserve. Photo by Judy
critically endangered Grevy’s Zebra, which are now down to less Bryan Mello.
than 3,000 in their native habitat. Giraffe. B. Bryan Preserve. Anne Mary Shaffer.
Five male Rothschild’s Giraffe also call B. Bryan Preserve home. Sable Antelope. Photo by Judy Bryan Mello.
The Rothschild’s numbers in the wild have dropped to an alarm-
ing 1,000 left. They also have Black Wildebeest. They are very
rare and besides Texas, they are found only in South Africa. Photo by Judy Bryan Mello.
Drop-in visitors are not allowed. Visits to the preserve are by reserva-
Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, B. Bryan Preserve.
tion only for either the mid-morning or late afternoon feedings. Guests
ride in vintage open-air Land Rovers to view the animals as close as
safely possible and end the tour with getting to feed the giraffe. Quick tip
Current pricing and bookings can be found online at
“Top Ten Foodie Resort” ~ usa today bbryanpreserve.com or by calling 707-882-2297. Face-
“Top Ten Found
Foodie...”Resort” ~ usa today book/bbryanpreserve
“Paradise ~ vegetarian times
“Paradise Found ...” ~ vegetarian times
Award Winning Dining • Ocean View
Full Bar • Breakfast & Dinner Daily
highway 1 & comptche-ukiah rd . mendocino
Award Winning
707.937.5615 Dining • Ocean View
| www.ravensrestaurant.com
Photo by Judy Bryan Mello.
Jagger and Jimmy Giraffe, B. Bryan Preserve.
Full Bar • Breakfast & Dinner Daily
6 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22
highway 1 & comptche-ukiah rd . mendocino
South Coast
Linger and let yourself explore the natural, artistic and archi- variety of first-run popular films, documentaries, art and clas-
tectural wonders to be found along the rugged South Mendocino sic films.Northward, the 1,200-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Unit
Coast, often referred to as the “Banana Belt” for its mild climate. of the California Coastal National Monument has breathtaking
Traveling north, you’ll notice distinct microclimates and varia- views of wildlife and unique offshore rock formations.
tions in geography.
Gualala Manchester
Gualala Point Regional Park, located at 42401 Highway 1,is 195 The San Andreas Fault runs into the sea north of Point Arena at
acres, with the Gualala River estuary in the middle.There is a fee to Manchester State Park, which has five miles of sandy beach and
park, but there are ADA accessible trails and camping is available. dunes visible from the lighthouse. Features include wildflowers,
Downtown Gualala features unique shops, galleries and restaurants. habitat for tundra swans, and steelhead fishing in the park’s two
Tucked in the forest just south of town, the Gualala Arts Center is streams. First-come first-served primitive camping is available in
home to year-round art exhibitions, performing arts and community the park. The nearby KOA is hailed as one of the best in the region.
events.
Greenwood/Elk
Point Arena Don’t be fooled by Elk’s size and isolation. Locals and guests
Three miles south of town is Schooner Gulch Beach, on the west alike find plenty of comforts, inspiration and adventure. The
side of the San Andreas Fault. The area is known for its geolog- Greenwood Community Center hosts events such as the Great
ic oddities including Bowling Ball Beach, which is best visited Day in Elk, Pepper Martin Day and a fantastic annual rummage
at low tide. For surfers, Point Arena Cove has the best break in sale. Pack a picnic and hike down to Greenwood Beach, take in
Mendocino County. Visitors can walk out on the 330-foot pier, sweeping views of the offshore rocks and, on the weekends, hear
and find food and beverages at the cove and in town. For many docents at the Visitor CenterMuseum tell amazing stories of the
years, the pier was the only place where one could stand on land history of the town with two names.
and see “Al,” a Laysan Albatross, also known as “Mr. Al B. Tross.”
First recorded in the winter of 1994, Al has not been seen since
2013. In the heart of town, the Arena Theater, a beautifully re-
stored 1929-vintage vaudeville theater and film palace, hosts a
Open Daily 10am-3:30pm
The historic Point Arena Lighthouse
welcomes visitors from all over the world to tour the Indoor
Museum in the historic 1896 Fog Signal Building, shop in the Light
Station Store, explore the 23 acre Outdoor Museum and even
spend the night right in one of our seven Keeper’s Cottages!
INDOOR & OUTDOOR MUSEUMS
LIGHT STATION STORE
Site Visit Fee 12 years & older: $5
Children under 12 & Members: FREE
LODGING ON THE LIGHT STATION
Our seven historic Keeper’s Cottages feature fireplaces, WiFi, DishTV and the best ocean
views anywhere. Most have full kitchens and pet-friendly units are available. Enjoy
unlimited access to our Museums during your stay! Call or visit our website for details.
Photo by Judy Bryan Mello.
45500 Lighthouse Rd, Point Arena, CA 95468 | 877.725.4448 | info.palight@gmail.com
PointArenaLighthouse.com
Sable Antelope, B. Bryan Preserve.
Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 7
Crown Jewels of the Mendocino Coast
Historic light stations still serve mariners hibit are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. There are three cottag-
The Mendocino Coast is home to a pair of storied lighthouses es and two larger houses on the grounds available for short-term
that date to the days of the doghole schooners, as well as a 21st rental. Find details at pointcabrillo.org or call 707-937-6123.
century monument to the region’s natural and human history.
The Point Arena Lighthouse and Point Cabrillo Light Station Offshore national monument comes ashore
still keep mariners safe along this rocky stretch of California’s Along with these longtime favorites, the Point Arena-Stornetta
coast, but the days of live-in “wickies” keeping the lights on and Unit of the California Coastal National Monument is one of the
rotating by hand-crank and kerosene have been replaced by to- Mendocino Coast’s newest attractions. Established in 2014, the
day’s computer-guided beacons. Today’s lights keep the same 1,664-acre Point Arena-Stornetta unit is the first section of the
timed “signatures” as in the old days, when the coast’s “dog- Coastal National Monument located onshore; most sections con-
holes” (tiny, rocky coves) presented life-and-death challenges to sist of offshore rocks and islands.
cargo vessels (“doghole schooners”) that were the only method of The Point Arena-Stornetta Unit includes hiking trails and nu-
commerce in the earliest days of European settlement. merous spots for whale-and bird-watching, as well as walks
Today’s lighthouses are also beacons for the Mendocino Coast’s along the Garcia River estuary and local coves and beaches. The
uniqueness. Both have fine museums and nature exhibits, with monument is a gateway to the area’s natural surroundings, in-
gift shops, overnight stays, and easy drives to area restaurants digenous Pomo peoples’ past and present, and a working cattle
replacing the old lightkeepers’ isolated existence. ranch, making the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit a slice of living
The Point Arena Lighthouse is open every day of the year except history.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Summer hours (Memorial Day The area is open from dawn to dusk. There is no cell service, so
through Labor Day) are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Winter hours are 10 hikers are advised to exercise extreme caution, take water and
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The lighthouse also has short-term rentals in snacks and wear comfortable, durable walking shoes as the trails
renovated lightkeeper residences. Find the details at pointare- are uneven and pass through areas of broken ground. Eight miles
nalighthouse.com or 877-725-4448. of marked trails range from easy to strenuous.
FREE HOUSEHOLD
At Point Cabrillo, the State Historic Park located between Men-
docino and Caspar is open from sunrise to sunset everyday, More information about the coastal monument can be found at
while the Light Station Museum and Giftshop, the First Assistant pointarenastornetta.org.
Lightkeeper’s House, and the aquarium and marine science ex-
HAZAROUS WASTE
COLLECTION EVENTSFREE HO
FREE HOUSEHOLD C O M I N GEffective
TO A C I T Y1, N
December E Aresidents
2020, R Y OHAZARO
will be required to make an appointment
U!
HAZAROUS WASTE for hazardous
HAZMOBILE EVENTS IN:
BraggSEA
and
waste disposal atFortCOLLEC
Sea Ranch collections. COMING TO
COLLECTION EVENTS FORT BRAGG, WILLITS, RANCH, LAYTONVILLE,
COMPTCHE, POINT ARENA, COVELO & BROOKTRAILS
BOONVILLE,
HAZMOBILE EVENTS IN
COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU! CHECK OUR ONLINE CALENDAR
Please FOR DATES,
call (707) TIMESor& email
468-9710 LOCATIONS
FORT BRAGG, WILLITS
MENDORECYCLEinfo@mendorecycle.org
DROP-OFF FACILITY, UKIAH to scheduleCOMPTCHE, POINT AR
HAZMOBILE EVENTS IN: your appointment
WEDNESDAY & 2ND SATURDAY OF THEforMONTH
Fort Bragg andCHECK OUR ONLINE CA
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sea Ranch collections only.
MENDORECYCLE DROP
FORT BRAGG, WILLITS, SEA RANCH, LAYTONVILLE, BOONVILLE,
WEDNESDAY & 2ND SA
COMPTCHE, POINT ARENA, COVELO & BROOKTRAILS 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
CHECK OUR ONLINE CALENDAR FOR DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS Businesses are required to make an
MENDORECYCLE DROP-OFF FACILITY, UKIAH appointment for all collections.
WEDNESDAY & 2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
707-468-
707-468-9710 3200 Tay
3200 Taylor Drive Ukiah, CA 95482 MendoRe
MendoRecycle.org, info@mendorecycle.org
707-468-9710
8 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22
3200 Taylor Drive Ukiah, CA 95482
MendoRecycle.org, info@mendorecycle.org
The Arts & More
5 p.m., Thursday by chance. ing Day and Christmas Day,
Point Arena 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Memo-
rial Day through Labor Day,
• Arena Theater
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from the
Historic theater, movies,
day after Labor Day to Me-
concerts, Live Opera from the
morial Day. pointarenalight-
Met, National Theatre of Lon-
house.com
don, 214 Main St., 707-882-
• Point Arena Tileworks
3456.arenatheater.org
Handmade and fired on site.
• Coast Community Li-
80 Main St., 707-882-1931,
brary Branch of the Men-
pointarenatileworks.com
docino County Library,
225 Main St., 707-882-3114,
coast-communitylibrary.org. Elk
Advocate file photo • Coast Highway Artists • Artists’ Collective in Elk.
Collective Works by 30 local artists,
Greenwood State Beach Visitor Center and Museum in Elk has dis-
Local art by individual artists 6031 S. Hwy. 1, 707-877-1128,
plays about logging history, including a huge mural of the pier.
members, 284 Main St., 707- open daily, 10 a.m. to5 p.m.,
882-3616. coast-highway-art- artists-collective.net
Due to COVID-19 and town, from south to north. ists.com
continued CDC mandated • Point Arena Lighthouse
guidelines, please check Little River
individual listings to see
Gualala & Museum • Cynthia Myers Art Glass
• Discovery Gallery Artist Historic exhibits, gift shop, One-of-a-kind art glass.
current opening times tours. 45500 Lighthouse
and days of the listings Collective 43000 Little River Airport
A collective of 18 local artists, Road, 707-882-2809 ext. 1, Rd., 707-937-2355, cynthia-
below. open daily except Thanksgiv-
39140 Hwy. 1, 707-884-1900, myersglass.com
facebook.com/discoverygal-
The Mendocino Coast not
lerygualalaca
only draws professional musi-
cians, writers and artists from • Dolphin Gallery
around the world, itsbeau- Retail branch of Gualala Arts,
ty and relaxed atmosphere shows regularly rotating
inspire many residents to take exhibits by local artists, 39225
up the palette, the sculptor’s Hwy. 1, 707-884-3896, guala-
chisel, the writer’s pen or laarts.org/dolphin-gallery/
a musical instrument. The • Gualala Arts Center
Krenov School at Mendocino Home to exhibits and events
College in Fort Bragg is one of including Art in the Redwoods
the world’s most prestigious and Studio Discovery Tour in
fine woodworking programs. August. 46501 Old State Hwy.,
The year is populated with 707-884-1138, gualalaarts.org
top quality performances by • NOMA
Symphony of the Redwoods, Co-operative gallery with
chamber music and choral work by local artists, 39200 S.
groups, a writers’ conference, Hwy. 1, 707-884-1320, call for
and art, music and film festi- hours, nomagualala.com.
vals. Evening receptions are • Placewares+
held for new artists exhibits LyndonDesign
on First Friday in Fort Bragg Part art gallery, part design
and Second Saturday in Men- store, 39114 Ocean Dr., 707-
884-1184, open 11 a.m. to 5 2021-2022 SEASON Nov 13/14 Feb 5/6 April 9/10
docino.
p.m., except Tuesdays. Saturdays 7:30 pm Sundays 2 pm
Comprehensive events calen-
dars include those of theArts • Studio 391 Cotton Auditorium Fort Bragg
Council of Mendocino County, Fine art photography. 39102 707-964-0898
the Mendocino Coast Cham- Ocean Dr., 707-884-9065, SymphonyoftheRedwoods.org
ber of Commerce and Visit studio391.net. Open Friday,
Bringing live classical music to the Mendocino Coast since 1983
Mendocino. Listings are by Saturday to Monday 11 a.m. to
Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 9
The Arts & More
• Little River Improvement 707-937-1223, 11 a.m. to 5 5397, open daily, 11 a.m. to 4 • Mendocino Gems
Club Museum p.m., closed Tuesdays. celtic- p.m. mendoparks.org Studio and gallery, local hand-
8185 Hwy. 1, next to Glen- creations.com • Gallery of the Senses made jewelry and gem-stones
deven Inn, open summer • Chinese Temple Of Home of Perfume Mendo, from all over the world. 10483
weekends and by appt., email: Kwan Tai Audio Nouveau and Hone Lansing St., 707-937-0299.
LRIC@mcn.org Red and green Taoist temple Alone, 45104 Main St., 707- mendocinogems.com
is California Historical Land- 937-2021, call for hours. • Mendocino Jewelry
Mendocino mark No. 927, 45160 Albion • Highlight Gallery Studio
St., open May to October, Sat- Fine art, woodworking, jewel- Exhibiting only local artists.
• Anderson’s Alternatives
urday, noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, ry, pottery and more, Kasten 45104 Main St., 707-937-0181.
Wood gallery and custom
11 a.m. to2 p.m., or by appt., and Ukiah streets, 707-937- mendocinojewelry.com
furniture, 10550 Lansing St.,
707-937-5123, kwantai@mcn. 3132, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily. • Mendocino Music Festi-
open Monday through Satur-
org.kwantaitemple.org Thehighlightgallery.com val
day, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30p.m.,
• Dazzling Lites • Kelley House Museum 34th season, July 16-25, 2021,
Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,
707-937-3434. anderson- Photography, stained glass. Historical exhibits and re- ten concerts, from blues to
salternatives.com 42580 Little Lake Rd., 2 miles search office, 45007Albion St., blue-grass, symphonies to jazz
east of Hwy. 1, 707-937-0837 707-937-5791, info@kelley- to Celtic and Brazilian, Cotton
• Artists’ Co-op of Men-
or 707-226-2815, call for housemuseum.org. Museum Auditorium, Harold St., Fort
docino
hours. open Friday to Monday, 11 Bragg. 707-937-4041, 707-
Local artists, painting, sculp-
• Ford House Museum & a.m. to 3 p.m.; walking tours, 937-2044. mendocinomusic.
ture and more, 10400 Kasten
Visitor Center Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. org
St., 707-937-2217. artcoop-
mendocino.com Owned by California State main office open Monday to • Mendocino Theatre Co.
Parks, operated by the non- Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. Research Live performances in an inti-
• Celtic Creations
profit MendoParks, exhibits, office by appointment. Kelley- mate theater on the grounds
Silver and gold jewelry, corner
guide books, picnic area, housemuseum.org of the Mendocino Art Center,
Main and Kasten, upstairs,
45035 Main St., 707-937- • Lansing Street Gallery 45200 Little Lake St., 707-
Local artists, exhibits, special 937-4477. mendocinotheatre.
events, 10466 Lansing St., org
Mendocino. 707-397-3360, • Panache Gallery
lansingstreetgallery.com. Painting, sculpture, photogra-
• Mendocino Art Center phy, jewelry, 45120 Main St.,
Workshops, exhibits, special 707-937-1234. Thepanache-
events and gift shop.45200 gallery.com
Little Lake St., 707-937-5818, • Partners Gallery
800-653-3328. Members’ Painting, sculpture, photog-
gallery open daily, 11 a.m. to raphy and jewelry, 335 N.
Finest Cannabis Products 4 p.m., closed Christmas Eve Franklin St., 707-962-0233,
and Day, New Year’s Eve and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday
Day. mendocinoartcenter.org through Monday. partnersgal-
to your door! • Mendocino Community lery.com
Library • Prentice Gallery and
Licensed & Legal • Best Variety & Lowest Prices Operated by the Mendocino Gordon Publications
Serving Our Guests Visiting the coast
Study Club, corner of William Fine local art and custom pic-
and Little Lake streets, open ture framing, 45110 Main St.,
Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 707-937-5205, open daily, 10
dragonflywellness.org
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. prenticefineart.
a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sun- com
days, 707-937-5773.
• Mendocino Film Festival Caspar
15th season June 2-5, 2022, • Caspar Curiosities
features award-winning Fine art, antiquities, natural
indie and international films, history, 15160 Caspar Rd.
events, parties with filmmak- casparcuriosities.com
ers, office 45062 Ukiah St., • Point Cabrillo Light
707-937-0171. mendocinofilm- Station
festival.org
10 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22The Arts & More
California State Historic Park, a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday. and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to
45300 Lighthouse Rd., off Fortbragglibrary.org 2:30 p.m., mendorailhistory. 1 p.m., or by appt.,707-409-
Point Cabrillo Drive, between • Glass Fire Gallery org and on Facebook. 6811. pacifictextilearts.org
Mendocino and Caspar, Working studio and gallery • Mendocino Coast • Symphony of the Red-
707-937-6123. Lighthouse of hand-blown glass, south of Photography Gallery woods & Opus Chamber
gift shop open daily from 11 Fort Bragg, 18320 N.Hwy. 1, Northern California wildlife Music Series
a.m. to 4 p.m.; parking area 707-962-9420.glassfiregallery. and nature photographs by Symphony concerts at Cotton
open daily sun-rise to sunset. com local photographers, 357 N. Auditorium, 500 N. Harold
Half-mile walk from entry • Gloriana Musical Theatre Franklin St., 707-964-4706, St. Intimate chamber concerts
gate to lightstation; accessible Founded in 1976, it brings the 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily except are held at Mendocino Pres-
parking at light station. point- “Broadway Experience” to the winter. Mcpgg.com byterian Church’s Preston
cabrillo.org coast all year. Eagles Hall, 210 • Northcoast Artists Hall, Main Street, Mendocino,
N. Corry St. at Alder, 707-964- Gallery 707-964-0898. symphonyoft-
Fort Bragg 7469. gloriana.org Painting, sculpture, photogra- heredwoods.org
• Art Bronze Gallery • Guest House Museum phy, ceramics, scarves, glass • Tim Carmody Arts
Bronze sculpture and fine art, Exhibits about fishing, and jewelry, 362 N. Main St., 324 N. Franklin St., timcar-
121 E. Laurel St., 707-964- lumber and life along the 707-964-8266, daily 11 a.m. to mody.com
6532, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. coast. Headquarters of Fort 6 p.m. northcoastartists.org • Triangle Tattoo and
• Art Explorers Bragg-Mendocino Coast His- • Pacific Textile Arts Museum
Nonprofit working art studio torical Society, 343 N. Main Gallery, library, studios, Internationally famous,
and gallery for adults with de- St., 707-964-2404, 707-964- classes, sharing and cele- founded by Mr. G and Ma-
velopmental disabilities. 333 4251. Winter: open Thursday brating fiber arts, 450 Alger dame Chinchilla, free tours by
N. Franklin St., 707-961-6156. through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 St. (off east end of Laurel), request, 356-B N. Main St.,
Tuesday through Saturday, 9 p.m. June 1-Oct. 31, Monday, open Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. upstairs, 707-964-8814, open
a.m. to 3 p.m. artexplorers.org 1 to 3 p.m., Tuesday through to noon, Thursday, 1:30 to daily, noon to 6 p.m. triangle-
• Cinders Productions Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sat- 3:30 p.m., First Fridays, 5 to tattoo.com
urday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to
Provides and produces a wide
range of events, 428 N. Main
4 p.m. fortbragghistory.org
• International Sea Glass
Michelle Deering, Realtor
St., Masonic Center, 707-357-
Museum Top Producer 2014-2018
1889. Cindersproductions.
com South of Fort Bragg, 17801 N.
• Coast Cinemas Hwy. 1, 707-357-1585,10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. daily. international- Lic# 01436398
Four cinemas, showing main-
seaglassmuseum.com (707) 964-2196 deering@mcn.org
stream and indie films, 135 S.
Franklin St., 707-964-2019. • Mendocino Coast
Thecoastcinemas.com Botanical Gardens
• Edgewater Gallery 47 acres, the only oceanside
botanical garden in the U.S.
Co-operative gallery, featuring
Collections include rhododen-
local artists, 356 N. Main St.,
drons, heaths and heathers,
707-964-4668, open daily 10
dahlias, fuchsias, begonias,
a.m. to 5 p.m. edgewater-gal-
heritage roses, succulents and
lery.com
more. Dog-friendly. 18220 N.
• FLOCKworks, The Alley-
Hwy. 1, 707-964-4352. gar-
way Art Project
denbythesea.org
Make Fort Bragg come alive
• Mendocino Coast
in unexpected places.fortbrag-
Model Railroad &
galleywayart.org
Historical Society
• Fort Bragg Public
Local logging history brought
Library Branch of
to life in an intricate G-Scale
Mendocino County
layout that fills a building west
Library, 499 E. Laurel St.,
of Fort Bragg’s Skunk Train
707-964-2020, closed Mon-
Depot (buy tickets there), 100 Because the best seat in the house
days, open Tuesday to Thurs-
day, 10 a.m to 7 p.m., Friday,
W. Laurel St. Open Monday, belongs in your dream home!
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10
Wednesday, Friday, 10:30
a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Saturday
Let me help you find it.
Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 11Film Buffs Tour #1
Courtesy Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce
The natural beauty that draws today’s visitors to the coast has
also been a magnet for the movie and television industry from
their earliest days. That strong connection sparked the creation
of the highly regarded Mendocino Film Festival. Silent films on
the Mendocino Coast began in 1904 with“The Sequoia Semper-
virens” by the Caspar Lumber Co. and include “In Search of a
Hero” in 1925. Use the maps and lists to tour locations in Men-
docino and along the coast seen inmovies such as “East of Eden”
and “The Russians Are Com-ing, The Russians Are Coming” and
in television shows suchas “Murder, She Wrote.” Movies and
television shows with portions filmed in the town of Mendocino
and vicinity include:
• “Frenchman’s Creek,” 1943. (1) Big River and (2) Mendocino
Woodlands
• “Johnny Belinda,” 1947. (3) Main Street, (4) High School
Hill, (5) Mendocino High School, (6) Mendocino Presbyterian
Church
• “East of Eden,” 1954. (7) South Mendocino Bay looking north
toward town in opening scene, (8) Rundle Street (Portuguese
Flat) looking south across Mendocino Bay in movie credits,
(9) South Main Street, (10) Chet Bishop’s Market (now Gallery
Bookshop), (11) Bank of America (now Out of This World), (12)
Crown Hall, (13) Heeser Field, (14) Little Lake Street between
Debbie L. Holmer
Kelly, Woodward, and Williams Streets, (15) Dr. Preston’s
house, (now site of Mendocino Art Center) and (16) Preston Blair House, Ukiah and Lansing, Mendocino, where “Murder She
rental (now Mendocino Community Library), (17) Cahto Street
Wrote” was filmed. Photo by Debbie L. Holmer.
east of Altar Society Building, (18) Old Mendocino High School
• “Dead & Buried,” 1980, (38) Portuguese Beach, (39) St. An-
gymnasium (burned in 1984) and locker room, plus other loca-
thony’s Catholic Church,(40) Bank of America (now Out of This
tions around Mendocino
World), (41) Justice Court Building, Lansing,School, Calpella,
• “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,”1965.
and Williams streets, Heeser Drive, around Mendocino.
Filmed entirely on the Mendocino Coast, including (19) old
• “Cujo,” 1982, (42) The Mullner Mansion (Crestwood Drive,
Mendocino fire station on Lansing Street, (20) the Old Remedy
east of Mendocino), (43) St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, (44)
Store, (21) Heeser Drive, (22) the Sanko House (formerly the C.
Evergreen Cemetery, (45) the Shell Station, northwest corner
Mathews home), (23) Beggs-Bishop Cottage (formerly the Chet
Albion and Ukiahstreets.
Bishop home)
• “Racing With the Moon,”1983, (46) Mendocino Headlands,
• “The Spirit Is Willing,” 1966. Street scenes only including (24)
Main Street, (47) Mendocino Hotel area, (48) Harvest at Men-
Lansing Street, (25) Heeser Drive, (26) Main Street
dosa’s Market on Lansing, Carlson Street and Heeser Drive,
• “The Dunwich Horror,” 1969, around Mendocino
(49) Bank of America (now Out of This World)
• “Summer of “42,” 1970. (27) Corner of Little Lake andWood-
• “Sutters Bay,” 1983, pilot for TV, around Mendocino
ward streets, (28) Ukiah Street, (29) Woodward-Osborne alley,
• “Murder, She Wrote,”1984 to 1989, (50) Blair House, Ukiah
(30) Williams Street, (31) Heeser Drive, (32) old Mendocino fire
and Lansing streets, (51) Mendocino Beacon building on Ukiah
station on Lansing, (33) Beggs-Bishop Cottage, (34) Main Street
Street, (52) Mendocino Headlands, (53) in front of Mendocino
watertower
Hotel, (54) Masonic Temple (now Savings Bank of Mendocino
• “The FBI” TV series, “Bitter Harbor,” 1971. Filmed around
County), (55) old Mendocino firehouse, (56) Hill House Inn,
Mendocino
(57) Panache, (58) Circa, (59) Mendocino Gems, (60) Choco-
• “The New Healers,” 1972, pilot for TV, around Mendocino
late Moosse (now Trillium), (61) original Gallery Mendocino
• “Evil Town,” 1973, filmed around Mendocino
in Beacon Building on Ukiah Street. Used the Mendocino High
• “Jeremiah of Jacob’s Neck,” 1976, pilot for TV, (35) The Men-
School Marching Band. A total of nine episodes were filmed in
docino Beacon building, (36) Bank of America (now Out of This
the Mendocino area.
World)
• “The Killing Time,”1986, Main and Kasten streets
• “The Boy Who Talks toWhales,” 1977. Filmed around Men-
• “Overboard,” 1987, filmed around Mendocino
docino
• “Dying Young,” 1990, (62) Mendocino High School, (63)
• “Strangers: A Story of a Mother and Daughter,” 1978. TV mov-
Mendocino Headlands (built a house, then tore it down), (64)
ie, Main Street and (37) Harvest at Mendosa’s
former location of The Visual Feast, Main and Ukiah streets.
• “Humanoids From the Deep,”1979, around Mendocino
12 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22Film Buffs Tour #1 • “Pontiac Moon,” 1993, (65) Mendocino Recreation Center, • “Need for Speed,” 2013, filmed along Highway 128 and High- (66) Lansing Street between Palette Drive and Main Street, way 1; in Ukiah, Mendocino, and PointArena. (67) Main Street from corner of Heeser and Main to (68) Main and Lansing (old Shell Station), (69) Brewery Gulch Drive, (70) Highway One between Little Lake Road and Albion Ridge Road, Quick tips (71) the “Pumpkin House” on Little Lake Street. • Mendocino County Film Commission: extensive history, • “The Haunting of Seacliff Inn,” 1994, TV movie, (72) Kelley location library, mendocinocoast.com/movies House and (73) house at the end of Rundle Street • Mendocino Film Festival: award-winning independent and • “The Majestic,” 2001, (74) Big River Beach international films, mendocinofilmfestival.org • “Shark Swarm,” 2008, Hallmark 2-part mini-series, (53) in • Book: “Mendocino and the Movies” by local historian Bruce front of Mendocino Hotel and along Main Street, also in Noyo Levene Harbor, Fort Bragg. Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 13
Film Buffs Tour #2 Courtesy Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce Movies and television shows filmed along the Men- docinoCoast include: Movies • “Caspar Lumber Company: The Sequoia Sempervirens,”1904, (QQ) Caspar mill and pond • “The Promise,” 1916, Mendocino Lumber Company “booms on Big River and the mill, (QQ) Caspar woods and pond • “King Spruce,” 1919, Fort Bragg, Union Lumber Company’s Camp 1 on Ten Mile River and in the woods and the village, Pudding Creek. Cleone: Little Valley. Mendocino: 5miles up Big River • “The Man Who Dared,” 1920, Westport town and the old Bon- ton Saloon, Noyo Camp. Fort Bragg in front of The Grand Hotel (Main and Alder, now former Bank of America building) • “Kindred of the Dust,” 1921, Caspar mill and pond, Fort Bragg: Ten Mile, Albion, in the woods • “Strange Idols,” 1922, logging camps east of Westport (Glen Blair) • “Soul of the Beast,” 1922, Fort Bragg, Noyo River • “Timberland Tales,” 1922, eight lumberjack stories, short two-reelers, Big River at Ed Boyle’s camp and “The Boom,”Westport, Ten Mile woods Advocate file photo • “The Signal Tower,” 1923, (V) Fort Bragg, Noyo River Tavern, 21 miles east of Fort Bragg near Northspur, in the redwoods Racing with the Moon along today’s Skunk Train line • “In Search of a Hero,” 1925, Big River, The Boom, Ed Boyle’s • “Haunts,” 1973, locations unknown (candidate for worst movie camp. The last silent movie filmed on the Mendocino Coast filmed on the Mendocino Coast). • “The Uninvited,” 1943, (A) Elk Headlands • “Evil Town,” 1973, various locations from Navarro to West- • “Frenchman’s Creek,” 1943, (B) Albion harbor and marina, (C) port. Known as the worst movie filmed on the Mendocino Coast Albion River, (D) Robinson property, south ofLittle River • “The Boy Who Talks to Whales,” 1977, starred Byrd Baker, (F) • “Johnny Belinda,” 1947, (E) Headlands near Eaton Ranch, Noyo Harbor, Mendocino south of Fort Bragg (Belinda Point Access Trail from Ocean • “Same Time, Next Year,” 1978, (W) Heritage House Inn, Little River Drive), (F) Noyo Harbor • “Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter,” 1978 (TV • “The Strange Case of Dr. Mesmer,” 1954, (F) Noyo Harbor movie), (F) Noyo Harbor, (X) Fort Bragg Library • “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” 1963, (G) Anchor Bay Camp- • “Humanoids From the Deep,” 1979, (Y) Dolphin Cove,Noyo grounds Beach, (H) Newcomb Ranch at foot of Fish Rock Road Harbor, (Z) Wharf Restaurant, Noyo Harbor, (AA) Noyo Ice and Fishrock Ranch, (I) Haven’s Neck, (J) Island Cove, (K) Co., Noyo Harbor, (BB) Caito Fisheries, NoyoHarbor, (CC) Cove Estates, (L) Schooner Gulch, (M) Jacobsen Ranch, (N) Mendocino Coast District Hospital, (DD) Pudding Creek, (EE) Lookout Rock, (O) Point Arena Cove the Footlighters Theater and in various spots along the coastline • “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,” 1965, • “Dead & Buried,” 1980, (FF) Caspar Beach, many locations (P) Cleone Acres, (Q) Union Lumber Co. Road in Cleone, (R) around the town of Mendocino Westport, (S) along the coast in Mendocino and Fort Bragg, (F) • “Treasure: In Search of the Golden Horse,” 1982, (GG) The Oz Noyo Harbor House, (HH) Point Arena Cemetery, (II) Gualala Point • “The Spirit is Willing,” 1966, street scenes on Lansing, Heeser • “Cujo,” 1982, many locations around Mendocino, Pine Beach Drive and Main Street in Mendocino Inn tennis courts south of Fort Bragg • “The Dunwich Horror,” 1969, (T) south of Little River Cemetery • “Racing With the Moon,” 1983, (JJ) Skunk Train Depot,(KK) • “The Summer of ’42,” 1970, many scenes in the town of Men- Cotton Auditorium, (LL) Laurel Street between Depot and docino, at Ten Mile Beach, north of Fort Bragg Franklin, (F) Noyo Harbor • “Glen & Randa,” 1971, (L) between Point Arena and Gualala at • “The Killing Time,” 1986, (MM) Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, Schooner Gulch (NN) Russian Gulch State Park, (OO) Ten Mile River and dunes • “Young Goodman Brown,” 1971, hills and forests of Mendocino County • “Overboard,” 1987, (F) Noyo Harbor and Cap’n Flints Restau- • “Slither,” 1972, (U) Manchester rant (now closed), (MM) Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, (PP) Pomo • “The Runaway on the Rogue River,” 1973, (V) Railroad Tracks Campground, (QQ) Caspar, (RR) Purity Market, (SS) Noyo of Skunk Train, east of Fort Bragg Bowl (now Calvary Church) 14 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22
Film Buffs Tour #2
• “Wired,” 1988, (TT) MacKerricher State Park, Ten Mile Beach
north of Fort Bragg
• “The Karate Kid Part III,” 1989, (UU) on the bluffs south of Elk
• “Dying Young,” 1990, erected house on Mendocino Head-
lands, scenes around town
• “Forever Young,” 1992, (VV) Point Arena Lighthouse, Stornet-
ta Ranch
• “Pontiac Moon,” 1993, Community Center of Mendocino and
around town, street scenes on Albion Ridge Road, Highway 20
and Highway 128
• “The Haunting of Seacliff Inn,” 1994, Kelley House Museum
and around Mendocino
• “The Majestic,” 2001, (MM) Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, (JJ)
Skunk Train Depot
• “Shark Swarm,” 2008, Hallmark mini-series, (F) NoyoHarbor,
Fort Bragg, Main Street, Mendocino
• “Pig Hunt,” 2008, Comptche Store and Anderson Valley,main-
ly on private property
• “Goodbye World,” 2012, filmed on private property in Anderson Valley
• “Need for Speed,” 2013, filmed along Highway 128 and Highway 1, in
Ukiah, Mendocino, Point Arena, around Mendocino County
• “The Treehouse Guys,” 2015, TV DIY series, filmed an episode
at a private residence in Fort Bragg
• “Timecrafters: The Treasure of Pirate’s Cove,” 2019, HIP Films,
filmed in Mendocino, Fort Bragg and other coastal locations
Made for Television
• “Is there a Doctor in the House?” 1970, pilot, series was never
made
• “The FBI, Bitter Harbor,” 1971, (F) Noyo Harbor
• “The New Healers,” 1972, various locations in Mendocino
• “Jeremiah of Jacob’s Neck,” 1976, Pilot, series was never
made, scenes in town of Mendocino
• “Sutters Bay,” 1983, (F) Noyo Harbor
• “Murder She Wrote,” 1984 to 1989, (F) Noyo Harbor, (MM) Point
Cabrillo Lighthouse, (NN) Russian Gulch State Park and Head-
quarters
• “Dark Mansions,” 1985, (W) Heritage House Inn, LittleRiver
on bluff and meadow
• “Destination America,” 1986, filmed around Fort Bragg,Men-
docino Presbyterian Church, pilot never aired
• “The Fugitive: Jenny and Strapped,” 2001, scenes around Mendoci-
no, Savings Bank of Mendocino County (MasonicTemple)
• “On the Road with Austin & Santino” 2011, Reality TVseries,
filmed an episode at Noyo Harbor
• “Sharp Objects,” 2018, HBO TV mini-series, filmed in part at
11531 East Road, Redwood Valley
Quick tips
• Mendocino County Film Commission: extensive history, lo-
cation library, mendocinocoast.com/movies
• Mendocino Film Festival: award-winning independent and
international films, mendocinofilmfestival.org
• Book: “Mendocino and the Movies” by local historian Bruce
Levene
Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 15Birding
Courtesy of Mendocino Coast Audubon Society
Birdwatching is one of the most rewarding ways to turn a walk
along the sea into a journey of discovery. There are a number
of species you are likely to see if you keep your eyes peeled and
bring along a pair of birdwatching glasses:
• Raptors including Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, White-tailed Kite
and American Kestrel.
• Brown Pelican, Surf Scoter, grebes (five species), cormorants
(three species).
• Heermann’s and other gulls, Caspian Tern.
• More than 30 species of shorebirds, including Western
Snowy Plover, Black Oystercatcher, Surfbird, Black Turnstone,
Black-bellied Plover and an occasional Wandering Tattler.
• Anna’s, Allen’s and occasionally Rufous Hummingbirds
• Pygmy Nuthatch, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, swallows (five
species).
Favorite locations
“Hotspots” where good birdwatching is guaranteed:
• Fort Bragg Coastal Trail, with entrances at Cypress and Elm
streets at either end of Fort Bragg. The miles-long paved trail
hugs the former Georgia Pacific mill site’s ocean bluffs.
• Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, south of Fort Bragg.
Audubon birders lead walks in the Gardens where more than 130
species have been seen. Hikes are relaxing walks through Bishop
Pine forests and coastal prairies and along ocean bluffs. Walks
are free; there is an entrance fee for the Gardens.
• MacKerricher State Park’s Laguna Point north of Fort Bragg
is a blufftop bird-watching paradise. High tide is a good time to
watch shorebirds on rocks very close to observation platforms
along a well-maintained trail. This is one of the best places on the
West Coast to see Black Oystercatchers. Look for a chicken-sized
black bird with a long, straight orange bill, pink legs and the Advocate file photo
world’s sassiest birdcall. And, listen for a loud, single “chirp” far
above you. It’s likely to be the call of an Osprey. This raptor often Cormorants are a common sight on ocean cliffs.
catches fish in nearby Lake Cleone and out at sea.
• Mendocino Headlands State Park offers good views of offshore All offshore rocks along these trials are part of the California
rocks that hold Common Murre, cormorant and gull colonies. Coastal National Monument.
Black Oystercatchers nest here, too. Park on Main Street in Men- • The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands on the south Mendoci-
docino and follow trails that lead to ocean bluffs. Northern Har- no Coast mainland are also a unit of the California Coastal Na-
riers and White-tailed Kites hunt in the nearby open grasslands. tional Monument, managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Portions are open for daytime activities (call the bureau’s Ukiah
field office weekdays at 707-468-4000 to check for hours of op-
Howard Creek Ranch Inn eration and updates). An Audubon bird list of the area is posted
60 acre ocean front historic farm on the bureau website.
On-site hiking & beach
Pet friendly
Quick tips
• mendocinocoastaudubon.org
Pet
P etfriendly
fr i endl y • facebook.com/mendocinocoastaudubon
• facebook.com/SaveOurShorebirds for photos of recent
local shorebird sightings
• Bureau of Land Management, blm.gov, Ukiah field
(707) 964-6725 40501 North Highway One office weekdays, 707-468-4000
howardcreekranch.com
16 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22Photos by Robin Epley Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 17
Noyo Headlands Park
The park continues to evolve and receive rave reviews from
locals and visitors alike. In May 2019, a connector trail was
opened between downtown and the central section of the trail
that wraps around the mill pond. From Main Street, turn west
on Alder Street. On foot from the historic district, walkwest on
Redwood Avenue, then south on Chief Celeri Driveto Alder.
Noyo Headlands Park is open from dawn until dusk. Leashed
dogs are welcome. A popular fenced dog park is located near the
south trail’s parking lot and restroom.
Famed Glass Beach at the north end of the Fort Bragg Trail is
part of MacKerricher State Park, so cultural artifacts including
sea glass are protected by state law.
In the springtime, an especially beautiful display of native wild-
flowers blankets the headlands between Glass Beach and Pud-
ding Creek Beach and Trestle.
Quick tips
• General information: visit the city’s website, FortBragg.com,
for information about Noyo Headlands Parkand Coastal Trail,
attractions, maps, events
• Trail guides: online guide to numerous hikes along the Men-
docino Coast, Mendocino Land Trust, mendocinolandtrust.org
• Book: “Glass Beach: A Field Survey,” 2017, by James Marino,
Advocate file photo an illustrated history of the beach sites dotting Noyo Headlands
Park
The central trail section wraps around the old mill pond. A short new • Book: “Hiker’s Hip Pocket Guide to the Mendocino Coast,”
path runs east and connects with the downtown business district at 2018 4th edition, by Bob Lorentzen, one of a series of his hikers
Alder Street. Fencing marks the boundary between the city-owned guides, updated in real time at boredfeet.com
Coastal Trail and Georgia Pacific’s acreage.
Noyo Headlands Park includes the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail, a
multi-use, ADA-accessible, 8-foot-wide paved trail with a grav-
el shoulder. There is ample paved parking and accessible re-
strooms at the north and south end of the trail.
One-of-a-kind benches by local woodworkers and craftspeo-
ple are located along its gently meandering length. Handmade
picnic tables along the southern bluffs are perfect for watching
boats coming and going from Noyo Harbor.
Built on a strip of land carved from the former 400-acre Geor-
gia Pacific mill site, the park and trail opened a truly spectacular
stretch of Fort Bragg’s coastline to the community that had been
largely off-limits for more than 100 years.
The trail’s northern section at Glass Beach was opened in 2015,
extending the California Coastal Trail from Pudding Creek to Ot-
suchi Point. In 2016, the southern section of the trail was opened
from near the Noyo Bridge to the Noyo Center for Marine Sci-
ence’s Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center.
The connecting central section of the trail was completed in
early 2018. Now, one can hike, run or bicycle the Coastal Trail
from the north end of MacKerricher State Park in Cleone to
Pomo Bluffs Park on the south side of Noyo Harbor, a distance Advocate file photo
of about 10 miles.
Access Noyo Headlands Park from South Main Street by turn- Otsuchi Point on the North Coastal Trail is dedicated to Fort Bragg’s
ing west at the Cypress Street stoplight by Taco Bell. Access the sister city in Japan and offers spectacular views of offshore rocks and
Glass Beach end at the north by turning west at the Elm Street waves sweeping into Soldier Bay to the south
stoplight by the Sinclair Gas Station.
18 Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22Noyo Center for Marine Science
Note: Due to COVID-19 and CDC mandatory guide-
lines, be sure and check days, hours of opening as they
may be different then what is mentioned below.
Be a part of the Noyo Center’s mission to advance ocean con-
servation through education, exploration and experience.
The Noyo Center engages in critical research and offers a rich
array of hands-on science programs for all ages. Explore Marine
science exhibits and learn about the Noyo Center’s work by vis-
iting both of their locations: The Discovery Center, located in
the heart of historic downtown Fort Bragg; and the Crow’s Nest
Interpretive Center, located along the scenic Fort Bragg Coastal
Trail. Become a “citizen scientist” and enjoy the Noyo Center’s Advocate file photo
focus on experiential and fun science.
Noyo Center for Marine Science
Dive underwater at the Discovery Center
Come meet the world’s largest killer whale skeleton at the Noyo
Center for Marine Science’s downtown Discovery Center. This
Quick tips
• Noyo Center for Marine Science, 707-733-NOYO (6696),
26-foot-long orca skeleton is gracefully displayed in mid-dive,
noyocenter.org
jaws wide open with massive teeth greeting all who enter. The
• The Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center, South Fort Bragg-
Discovery Center also features an ocean immersion dome, a
Coastal Trail near the Cypress Street entrance; from Main-
360-degree theater that allows visitors to go underwater without
Street (Highway 1) turn west to parking area and restroom.
getting wet. See divers pick purple urchin off the seafloor and
• Discovery Center, located downtown at 338 N. Main St.
learn about the center’s Help the Kelp program. Pick up souve-
in Fort Bragg, between Laurel and Redwood.
nirs from the marine-themed gift shop, and join in the Ocean-
Works maker lab, with events and classes in marine technology,
art and science. Check the website for details. Open daily at 11
a.m.; closed Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check website for hours
and events. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center
Touch a sea star, look into an orca’s eye, zoom in on migrating
whales off the coast. Those are just a few of the things you can do
when you follow the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail to The Crow’s Nest
Interpretive Center. Don’t miss these highlights: MAKING THEATRICAL MAGIC
• A family-friendly touch-tank aquarium filled with local inter-
tidal creatures
• Four fully articulated marine mammal skeletons
• High-powered telescopes for whale-watching from the deck,
with stunning coastal views
• 3D replicas of orca teeth and real Blue Whale baleen
• Help the Kelp! Find out what’s happening to local bull kelp and
sea star populations
• Guide to sustainable and local fish
Take a moment to review plans for the future science center to
be built nearby that, when completed, will exhibit the stunning
73-foot-long female blue whale skeleton that was retrieved from
the coast in 2009.
The Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center is open at 11 a.m.Thursday
to Monday, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check website for WE’RE BACK!!
seasonal hours. Admission is free, donations are appreciated.
Stop by one of the locations to say hi, meet the team of helpful 7 0 7. 9 3 7. 4 4 7 7 | W W W . M E N D O C I N O T H E A T R E . O R G
volunteers, learn more about the Noyo Center, and find out how 45200 LITTLE LAKE ST | PO BOX 800 | MENDOCINO | CALIFORNIA 95460
to support their work.
Mendocino Coast Visitor Guide 2021-22 19You can also read
