Best of Mendocino

This is a unique Coastwalk we will be walking on the California Coastal Trail (CCT) from Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, to Little River; staying, two nights at MacKerricher State Park, two nights in Jug Handle Farms and Nature Center and one night at Van Damme State Park.  Our trail will pass through Redwood Forest, Pine Forest, Fir Forest and over eleven beaches. All dinners, campsites, transportation and leadership will be provided.

Sunday, July 7:

This Coastwalk will begin July 7, at 3 PM, just north of Fort Brag, CA; at MacKerricher State Park, group site (Cleone West).  We will set up camp, introduce everyone.  Around four we will head to the beach, take in the Ocean environment and feel the soft sand beneath our feet.  Dinner 6 PM. followed by an Orientation for the week and Coastal Safety discussion.

Monday, July 8:

Breakfast 7-8 AM.  8:30 Shuttle to Usal.  Hike to Shady Dell and candelabra shaped Redwood trees, on the Peter Douglas section of the (CCT.), about 4 miles on the trail and dirt road, 1060 feet elevation loss, down 400 steps.  About 2 PM. shuttle to Pacific Star Winery and Westport. Dinner before 6 PM, Purple Rose Restaurant**

** $15 voucher for food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided for this meal.

Tuesday, July 9:

 Breakfast 7-8AM.  8:30 break camp all gear loaded up, drivers move vehicles to Botanical Gardens parking lot. When we are all together again, we’ll walk south on the CCT, stopping along the way at Laguna Point,  Glass Beach, Noyo River, Pomo Bluffs, Hare Creek, Babcock Beach and ending our day of hiking at the beautiful Coast Botanical Gardens.  After the Gardens we’ll shuttle to Jug Handle Farms and Nature Center, our base for the next two nights.  

Wednesday, July 10:

Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM.  This morning we will enjoy Jughandle  Beach and State Preserve, then walk south to Casper across Caspar Creek on the Upland Trail to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.  We’ll enjoy lunch at the lighthouse and a Docent talk. From Point Cabrillo we will shuttle you back to Jug Handle Farms and Nature Center.

Thursday, July 11:

 Breakfast 7-8AM, after breakfast break camp, load gear then shuttle cars to Van Damme parking lot. When drivers return, shuttle to Russian Gulch State Park, walk into the park from North, follow CCT to Russian Gulch, then up onto the cliffs to the south of the Gulch and onto Road 500D.  At Highway One, shuttle to Lansing street, then walk along the Mendocino Headlands State Park to Lunch in Village of Mendocino.  At 2PM we will meet at the front of the Ford House Museum and walk along Big River beach to Big River parking lot. Then shuttle to Brewery Gulch, walk to Van Damme State Park via Spring Ranch Headlands and Little River Beach.

Friday, July 12:

 Breakfast 7:30-8:30. Pack up camp, around 9AM walk up Little River Canyon and back, at noon, picnic lunch (included), Little River Inn.  After lunch we’ll walk back to Van Damme State Park group site; trip ends around 1 PM.

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.

 Food

Breakfast and Lunch food

 Nice to have

Camera

Binoculars

Tupperware container, for left overs

  David La Follette

I am a third generation Californian, now living in Ukiah, in Mendocino County. I have an education in Biological Science and years of experience in traveling and working in the woods and enjoying our Natural History.

Having retired from Cal Fire about ten years ago I got to travel all around the State fighting fires. Now I get to go to some of the Beautiful natural areas of this state and the world seeing the fauna and flora as a Naturalist.

I first become aware of Coastwalk in 1983 when as President of Madrone Audubon Society; a group of coastal activists approached the Sonoma Environmental Counsel seeking seed money to start Coastwalk. I joined their group and helped organize and lead the first couple of years of “Walks”. Then a permanent position with CDF opened in Mendocino County and I took it. As a wildland fire fighter, back then, we couldn’t take summer vacation so making plans with Coastwalk ended, until I retired. With my summers free again, I have coordinated and led about ten years of “Walks” in Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. My commitment to Coastwalk has grown as I stepped up to help, with the Walks Committee, as a Day Hike Leader and now on the Advisory Committee. Our latest project, a “Service Walk” will bring out my knowledge of working in the Forest with hand tools and combine it with coordinating a camping/hiking trip like a Coastwalk. This project will bring me a lot of satisfaction building another section of the California Coastal Trail. Finishing the whole CCT is a life time goal of mine

Resources:

Mendocino Information 

https://visitmendocino.com/

and

www.mendocino.com/gomendocino.html

Lodging and travel:

https://www.mendocino.org/

State Parks: Van Damme

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=433

State Parks:  MacKerricher

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=436

KCET Mendocino California Coastal Trail Videos:

Glass Beach: https://www.kcet.org/shows/california-coastal-trail/mackerricher-state-park-home-of-glass-beach-and-diverse-habitats

Noyo Headlands: https://www.kcet.org/shows/california-coastal-trail/restoring-coastal-access-at-noyo-headlands-park