Nature

Mendocino is wrapped in spectacular natural beauty. From our garden, you can step right onto State Park property and begin enjoying the beach, rocky cliffs, sea caves, wildlife, and bluff top trails. Within a few minutes drive you can be exploring hiking and biking trails in many of the nearby state parks and reserves. Bring your outdoor clothes!
Big River Beach — 200 footsteps away. Protected white sand ocean beach.
Big River State Park — One of California’s newest state parks, the estuary is the longest unspoiled estuary in California. You can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle up the river six or eight miles. The Mendocino Land Trust offers free docent-lead walks along the Big River Estuary on designated Saturdays.
Headlands State Park — The headlands trail rims the bluff top. It starts at the beach or you can catch it behind the Presbyterian Church, three doors down from us. Up to 3 miles of walking possible. Look for whales, seals, osprey, and pelicans. Watch the waves crash!
Montgomery Woods — One hour east. Majestic virgin redwood forest. Unspoiled and uncrowded. Two miles of trails. See if you can spot the world’s tallest tree (unmarked, of course!)
Jackson State Demonstration Forest — 5 miles east. A 50,000 acre forest managed for lumber, there are hiking trails and miles of logging roads for mountain biking.
Van Damme State Park & Beach — 3 miles south. Ocean kayaking, Fern Canyon Trail, Pygmy Forest.
Russian Gulch State Park — 2 miles north. Hiking on the Waterfall Trail and headlands trails.
Caspar State Beach — 3 miles north. Tiny, but beautiful beach.
Jughandle State Park & Beach — 4 miles north. Hiking on the 5 mile Ecological Staircase interpretive trail through terraces to the Pygmy forest. Beautiful beach.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens — 10 minutes north. Giant rhododendrons, botanical garden, and trails to the wild headlands and ocean. 47 acres.
Glass Beach — 25 minutes north. Walk the beach and collect glass that has been polished by the ocean.
MacKerricher State Park & Beach — 35 minutes north. Beach, picnicking, hiking, biking, tide pools, and whale, seal, and bird watching.