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

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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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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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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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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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
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
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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Jenner, California
Hike the North Trail to the Pygmy Forest

4 mi / 800 ft gain

Salt 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...
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Jenner, California
Hike the Salt Point Trail

3.7

3 mi / 100 ft gain

There 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...
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Jenner, California
Camp and Dive at Salt Point State Park

4.7

Camping 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 ...
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