2023 Best of Mendocino

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2023 Best of Mendocino

June 11-16

6 days/5 nights

Rating: Moderate

Max Capacity: 20

$800 Coastwalk Member Price

$850 Non-Member Price

 

Experience the best of Mendocino’s trails, campgrounds, State Parks, historical sites, beaches on the iconic Mendocino Coast. Saunter along the beaches, view native wildlife from the beautiful bluff top trails of Russian Gulch, Mendocino Headlands, Van Damme and Sinkyone Wilderness State Parks. Coastwalkers will also have the special opportunity to hike a trail on land recently purchased by Save the Red Woods not yet open to the public.  

Experience the Best of Mendocino. Coastwalkers will hike on some of the most iconic trails in Mendocino County. On this Coastwalk participants will explore beaches, visit historical sites and camp among the giant redwood trees. Coastwalkers will also have the special opportunity to hike a trail on land recently purchased by Save the Red Woods not yet open to the public.  Immerse yourself in the Best of Mendocino on this Coastwalk and hike under the unique Candelabra Redwood Trees of the Peter Douglas Trail. Stroll along beaches, view native wildlife from the enchanting bluff top trails of Russian Gulch, Mendocino Headlands, Van Damme and Sinkyone Wilderness State Parks. Visit Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens & enjoy a guided tour of Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse.

Each day there will be appetizers with wine, beer and soft drinks. Each participant will have one complimentary glass of wine or beer. If you would like more than that please feel free to bring your own alcoholic beverage

 All meals provided

Camping & all camping fees included

 

 

Sample Itinerary – Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on trail conditions. 

Sunday June 11

This Coastwalk will begin June 11th, at 3 PM, just north of Fort Bragg, CA, at MacKerricher State Park, where we will camp for two nights. That afternoon we will head to the beach, take in the ocean environment, and feel the soft sand beneath our feet. Dinner at camp, followed by introductions and orientation.

Monday, June 12

We shuttle north to Shady Dell (on Usal Road) to hike the Peter Douglas Trail. Next, drive south on Usal Road to Hwy 1 to the Cottaneva Gate entrance to the Lost Coast Redwoods property (not yet open to public). Hike to the coastal bluff on the southern part of the property and back the same way to cars. Next, drive south to the Cape Vizcaino property (not yet open to public), where, time permitting, Save the Redwoods will host a reception at the house on the property near the fire lookout tower (which most of us will want to climb). Time permitting, hike on Cape Vizcaino, where there are coastal views. Dinner at camp.

Tuesday, June 13

This morning we break camp, load gear and move vehicles. Today we’ll walk south on the California Coastal Trail (CCT), beginning at the Ten Mile River, stopping along the way at Laguna Point, Glass Beach, Noyo Bridge, Pomo Bluffs, Hare Creek, Babcock Beach and ending our day of hiking at the beautiful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. We will walk around 10 miles on walkways, dirt trail and two beaches. After the Gardens we’ll shuttle to Van Damme State Park, our camp for the next three nights. Dinner at camp.

 

Wednesday, June 14

This morning we will enjoy Jughandle Beach and State Preserve, then walk south to Casper across Casper Creek on the Upland Trail to the Kearn Family Farmhouse Visitor Center on Pt. Cabrillo. We’ll enjoy lunch at and a tour of the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. From Point Cabrillo we will shuttle to Russian Gulch State Park to walk the Headlands Trail above the Gulch and see the Sink Hole, then drive to Van Damme for dinner. We will walk about 8 miles today, on dirt trail, county roadside, one creek crossing and a beach.

Thursday, June 15

We shuttle to Russian Gulch State Park, follow South Headlands Trail south of the Gulch and onto Road 500D. Continue to Lansing street, then walk along the Mendocino Headlands State Park to lunch in Village of Mendocino. After lunch we will walk along Big River beach to Big River parking lot. Then shuttle to the Spring Ranch Trail, walk to Van Damme State Park via Spring Ranch Headlands and Little River Beach. Total mileage for the day about 8 miles on bluff top trail and some park road and sidewalks. Dinner at camp.

Friday, June 16

Break camp, optional walk up Little River Canyon and back. Then, adios!

 

Clothing

Hat

Jacket, wind and water resistant

Long pants

Hiking shorts

Hiking boots

Walking shoes

Vest

Long Sleeve shirt

Sweater

Underwear

Tee shirt

Socks

Bandanna, handkerchief

Sleep wear

Poncho or rain gear

Toiletries

Soap or body wash, Bio based/biodegradable

Tooth brush

Toothpaste

Dental floss

Daily Medications and vitamins

Shampoo, bio based/biodegradable

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Comb or brush

Towel and wash cloth

Personnel first aid items

 Camping gear

Tent, with foot print

Sleeping bag with pad

Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon

Flashlight or head lamp (bring extra batteries)

Small Folding chair/ camp chair

Day pack

Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum each.

 Nice to have

Hiking Poles

Camera

Binoculars

Tupperware container, for left overs

 

Walk Leaders: Tom Bliss & Andy Vought

Chuck Wagon Master: Bob Adams

Volunteer Support Staff: Donna Barnett, Donna Lockhart, Linda Schwaberow & Gail Williams