Point Arena, California
The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Point Arena, California, include the scenic Stornetta Public Lands trail. This top-rated, must-visit trail extends over two miles along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail features unique natural landmarks such as the Point Arena Lighthouse and the blowhole - a fascinating sight where waves crash into a sea cave and spout water high into the air. The trail has a moderate difficulty level, making it suitable for most hikers. The area is also known for bird watching, with a wide variety of coastal birds to observe. For more outdoor adventures, visit the nearby Garcia River, ideal for fishing and kayaking. Remember to respect the natural surroundings and leave no trace. Enjoy your visit to Point Arena!
Top Spots in and near Point Arena
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Point Arena, California
Hike Stornetta Public Lands
4.52.5 miAlong Point Arena Lighthouse Road there is an access trailhead to Stornetta Public Lands, which is part of the Bureau of Land Management system. There is a wonderful coastal trail that offers great views of the rugged coastline. From the trailhead, you will be walking south across an open field w...Read more -
Point Arena, California
Explore the Point Arena Lighthouse and Trail
5.00.5 miPoint Arena Lighthouse is situated on the piece of land that is the closest to the Hawaiian Islands from the continental United States. The lighthouse stands at 115 feet high and you are able to go to the top. I did not have time for this, unfortunately but definitely something I will take advant...Read more -
Point Arena, California
Explore the Point Arena Lighthouse
Go into the museum and gift shop first and have a look around at all the cool stuff they have from the lighthouse. Once you're done checking everything out in there, go make your way up the spiral staircase to the tippy top. You can stop just before the peak and go for a walk on the landing that ...Read more -
Philo, California
Camp at Camp Navarro
5.0Camp Navarro is located about 2.5 hours north of San Francisco. This redwood getaway is nestled between branches of the North Fork of the Navarro River. Equipped with a lodge, coffee, shop, water and toilets, Camp Navarro allows you to escape from the stresses of city life while still enjoying a ...Read more -
Albion, California
Explore Navarro Beach
Northern California beaches are not your typical soft sand, warm water, grab a surf board type of spots. Of course when the weather is cooperating you can enjoy those activities as well! What makes this spot so special is how few people ever come and enjoy the raw beauty of this landscape. If you...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Fern Canyon Scenic Trail
5.07.71 mi / 787 ft gainThe Fern Canyon Trail system is the main hiking vein of Van Damme State Park. This particular hike is on a mostly flat, wide trail through dense, green forest of California Redwoods, Cypress, Pines, and giant ferns. The trail is paved but typically carpeted in soft pine needles. Come in the rainy...Read more -
Ukiah, California
Hike Montgomery Woods State Nature Reserve Loop
4.52 mi / 150 ft gainThis is a great find. We saw it on the map it was on the way from Mendocino to our next stop, Napa Valley. So glad we took the time to visit. It is a small park with about a two mile loop hike in a valley floor loaded with huge redwoods and few people. The trail is very easy and starts along a sm...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Paddle Redwood Outrigger Canoes up Big River
Big River is a 40 mile or so river in the heart of Mendocino and its first 8 miles form the largest undeveloped estuary remaining in California. It is home to some amazing wildlife from seals to jellyfish to the endangered California Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead Trout. If you are lu...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Kayak Mendocino's Big River
4.8The Big River estuary in Mendocino Headlands State Park is one of those best of both worlds scenarios where dense Redwood forest and fresh, lazy river water meet rocky beaches and the mighty Pacific. If you're really lucky, you can swim with river otters and harbor seals at the same time. Paddle ...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Explore Big River Beach
Make your way around the back of the Chevron on Main st. in town and just keep following the stairs down to the little trail that leads to the beach. The beach is beautiful with soft sand. Dogs are allowed but please note they are supposed to be on leash. Obviously our group wasn't too upset by ...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Mendocino Headlands Trail
5.04.15 mi / 171 ft gainMendocino Headlands Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mendocino, California.Read more -
Mendocino, California
Mendocino Cliffs Trail
5.01.37 mi / 108 ft gainThe town of Mendocino is as charming and quaint as one can find. It is no wonder why it was pegged as the perfect location spot to film the series Murder She Wrote. While the series heroine Jessica Fletcher's home can still be visited, it is the bay itself that will draw your attention. Startin...Read more -
Mendocino, California
Camp at Russian Gulch State Park
Just two miles north of Mendocino, you'll find this beautiful, well-maintained park that features a little bit of everything. The campsite is situated between a rugged beach and a stunning 36-ft waterfall, giving you plenty of easy and fun options.This park is most well known for the heavily fore...Read more -
Jenner, California
Hike the North Trail to the Pygmy Forest
4 mi / 800 ft gainSalt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The North trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including the unique Pygmy Forest, named for the stunted trees...Read more -
Jenner, California
Hike the Salt Point Trail
3.73 mi / 100 ft gainThere are numerous points at which you can enter the trail from Highway 1, but on the north it begins as the Salt Point / Stump Beach Parking area and proceeds 1.2 miles to the Visitor Center (and south entrance) at the Gerstle Cove State Marine area, one of the first underwater state parks in Ca...Read more -
Jenner, California
Camp and Dive at Salt Point State Park
4.7Camping at Salt Point Sate Park is a dream. You have your choice of camping by the sea at Gerstle Cove campground, or tucked up into the forest at the Woodside campground…and you can’t go wrong with either choice.The rugged and beautiful coastline here is a popular destination for abalone diving ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Point Arena
Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Journey
Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino
Bushay Recreation Area
Pomo Day Use Area
Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area
Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)