2023 Best of Mendocino

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!