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Philo, California

Philo, California, is a top destination for outdoor adventures. One must-visit is the Hendy Woods State Park, offering a scenic hiking trail that winds through towering redwoods and along the banks of the Navarro River. The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for all ages. For a more challenging hike, the Indian Creek Nature Trail offers steep inclines, rocky terrain, and stunning views of the surrounding valley. Other outdoor activities include fishing in the Navarro River and bird-watching, with the area home to a diverse array of bird species. For a unique attraction, visit the Pacific Star Winery, where you can enjoy a picnic with a view of the ocean. Truly, Philo offers the best trails and outdoor activities for a memorable adventure.

Top Spots in and near Philo

  • Philo, California

    Camp at Camp Navarro

    5.0
    Camp 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 ...
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  • Ukiah, California

    Hike Montgomery Woods State Nature Reserve Loop

    4.5
    2 mi / 150 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Point Arena, California

    Hike Stornetta Public Lands

    4.5
    2.5 mi
    Along 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...
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  • Point Arena, California

    Explore the Point Arena Lighthouse and Trail

    5.0
    0.5 mi
    Point 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • Lakeport, California

    Camp at Red Mountain Campground

    Red Mountain has 10 units, toilets, barbecue grates, and picnic tables. There is no potable water at this time.To get there, from Ukiah, exit U.S. 101 South at Talmage Road, then 1.5 miles east to Eastside Road. Turn right and proceed 0.3 mile to Mill Creek Road. Follow Mill Creek Road 5 miles to...
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  • 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...
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  • Mendocino, California

    Fern Canyon Scenic Trail

    5.0
    7.71 mi / 787 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Mendocino, California

    Kayak Mendocino's Big River

    4.8
    The 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 ...
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  • 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...
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  • 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 ...
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  • Mendocino, California

    Mendocino Headlands Trail

    5.0
    4.15 mi / 171 ft gain
    Mendocino Headlands Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Mendocino, California.
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  • Mendocino, California

    Mendocino Cliffs Trail

    5.0
    1.37 mi / 108 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Fort Bragg, California

    Glass Beach

    4.0
    Glass Beach is located at MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg, CA along the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California. Take Elm street toward the beach and the parking lot entrance for glass beach will be located on the left at the bend. From here, its a short walk on some pathways. This be...
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  • Kelseyville, California

    Camp at Clear Lake State Park

    Clear Lake State Park is only two hours from downtown San Francisco and Sacramento. The state park offers amazing opportunities to photograph deer in the area and pick blackberries for breakfast on a morning stroll. On my visit I saw over 15 deer and one buck in full velvet. The sunrise and sunse...
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Camping and Lodging in Philo

Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Journey
Manchester, California

Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Journey

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino
Ukiah, California

Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino

Bushay Recreation Area
Unnamed Road

Bushay Recreation Area

Pomo Day Use Area
Ukiah, California

Pomo Day Use Area

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area
Marina Drive

Kyen Campground And Oak Grove Day Use Area

Pine Mountain Lookout
Upper Lake, California

Pine Mountain Lookout

Guides, Insights and Stories from Philo

Mendocino Magic: 72 Hours of Northern California Adventure

Mendocino Magic: 72 Hours of Northern California Adventure

Benjamin Canevari

Meet Caroline Beteta: President & CEO of Visit California

Meet Caroline Beteta: President & CEO of Visit California

The Outbound Collective

Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

Benjamin Canevari