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 most distinctive American viticultural areas (AVAs) is located in the coastal hills above Fort Ross State Historic Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Carved out of the larger...
Find Things to Do on the Northern Sonoma Coast
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Fort Ross Lodge is uniquely situated on the majestic Sonoma Coast between the historic Fort Ross Russian settlement and Salt Point State Park. Just below lies a sheltered cove where seals lounge on…
Top-rated dining on the Sonoma Coast with sensational views
A blend between private home and small motel, the Driftwood Lodge is a one-of-a-kind property that combines sweeping ocean views with a coastal redwood forest for short-term vacation rentals,…
Pacific Sunset is located on a private lane just off the entrance road to Goat Rock State Beach. The views are truly breathtaking, awesome and inspiring. Upon arrival to Pacific Sunset, you will enjoy…
Timber Cove is a calm pacific ocean cove with easy access in one of the most beautiful locations on earth! The rugged north coast of Sonoma County California offers excellent boating, fishing and…
Jenner Headlands is a spectacular 5,630-acre mosaic of redwood and Douglas fir forests, oak woodland, chaparral, and coastal prairie overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The property adjoins Pacific Coast…
The Ocean Cove Bar & Grill is a cozy place nestled in the redwoods overlooking the Great North Pacific Ocean, offering ocean-view dining, attentive staff, picturesque gardens & grounds, and a menu…
Nestled at the convergence of the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean, River’s End offers cozy accommodations, highly acclaimed dining and breathtaking views, ideal for nature getaways. Wake to the…
South of Jenner is Blind Beach with a great view of the arched rock. It’s a long narrow beach that is great for beachcombing and fishing. About one mile south of the Russian River Bridge, turn onto…
Stillwater Cove Regional Park features an inland campground with 23 sites available for year-round reservation. The park is a popular spot for tidepooling, picnicking, fishing, diving, and ocean…