Parks

Noyo River Redwoods, by Julie Martin

Noyo River Redwoods

on

Ancient redwood forest preserve, not open to public because of remote, rugged location. Can be viewed from historic Skunk Train.

Lake Sonoma Recreation Area, by David McSpadden Flickr CC

Lake Sonoma Recreation Area

on

Huge lake surrounded by oak woodlands and (on west side) redwoods and other conifers. Boating, fishing, camping, water skiing, hiking, horseback riding, archery, frisbee golf. More than 1 million visitors yearly.

Russian Gulch State Park, by Steven Bratman Flickr CC

Russian Gulch State Park

on

Along the Mendocino Coast, a collapsed sea cave called Devil’s Punch Bowl. Includes a 36-foot waterfall, fern canyon trail and a beach with abalone diving and rock fishing.

Soda Springs Reserve, by Mike Shoys

Soda Springs County Reserve

on

A small county park east of Sea Ranch. Short hiking trails through beautiful redwoods along Soda Springs Creek. Fishing.

Stillwater Cove. by Darvin Atkeson

Stillwater Cove Regional Park

on

Near Jenner, ocean views and a small beach, plus meadows and coastal forest. Kayaking, birding, fishing. Historic Fort Ross Schoolhouse.

Tahoe National Forest, Photo by David Baselt

Tahoe National Forest

on

Rushing rivers, snow-capped peaks, dense forests northwest of Lake Tahoe. Big Trees Grove near Foresthill is the northernmost grove of giant sequoias in the world.

Photo by David Prasad, Flickr Creative Commons

Sierra National Forest

on

Between Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks. Includes the Ansel Adams and John Muir wildernesses. Giant sequoias in Nelder and McKinley groves.

Mountain Home Demo Forest, by Anthony Ambrose

Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest

on

Includes part of Mountain Home Grove, which has 4 of the 20 largest trees in the world. 8,000-year-old archaeological site.

Photo by Eugene Kim, Flickr Creative Commons

Wunderlich Park

on

West of Woodside, a rural park with meadows, creek. Historic Folger Stable, once part of the Folger Coffee Estate. Equestrian museum.

Photo by Glenn Nelson, Flickr Creative Commons

Byrne-Milliron Forest

on

A working forest that includes 1,000-year-old, 250-foot tall Great White Redwood. Owned and operated by Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Photo by Franco Folini, Flickr Creative Commons

Pescadero Creek County Park Complex

on

Santa Cruz cypress, Monterey pine. Marbled murrelets, steelhead trout, coho salmon. Along with adjoining Memorial and Sam McDonald, part of a county-park complex with 74 linked miles of trails and dirt roads.

Photo by Extremeline Productions, Flickr Creative Commons

Soquel Demonstration State Forest

on

Near Santa Cruz, mountain biking on challenging single-track trails. Links to Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.

Photo by Jeff Moser, Flickr Creative Commons

Van Duzen County Park

on

Redwoods, fishing, camping, swimming, picnicking. Park has 2 parts: Swimmers Delight and reservation-only group campground, Pamplin Grove. Fishing.

Arcata Community Forest, Photo by Peter Linehan, Flickr Creative Commons

Arcata Community Forest

on

First municipally owned forest in California. Used for education, recreation, wildlife habitat, and timber harvest. 2nd growth redwoods. 144 bird species.

Benbow State Recreation Area, Photo by humboldthead, Flickr Creative Commons

Benbow State Recreation Area

on

Summer swimming and picnicking along the South Fork of the Eel River. Winter salmon, steelhead fishing. Hike to old mill site.

Florence Keller County Park

on

2nd growth redwoods near Crescent City. Campground and picnic area with volleyball, tether ball and swings.

Headwaters Forest Reserve, Photo by Bureau of Land Management, Flickr Creative Commons

Headwaters Forest Reserve

on

Old-growth near the headwaters of South Fork Elk River and Salmon Creek. Northern spotted owls, marbled murrelets, coho salmon.

Patrick's Point State Park, Photo by Kirt Edblom, Flickr Creative Commons

Patricks Point State Park

on

Ocean views, agate beach, whale-watching, lush forest, native plant garden, re-created Native American seasonal village.