The Mendocino County Coast
 The Mendocino Coast from Russian Gulch (left = N) to Little River (right = S) as seen from the ocean |
The Mendocino Coast has always been the Keefer family's favorite stretch of coastline when we feel the urge to visit the ocean. This historic coastline is surrounded by beautiful redwood forests and punctuated by historic communities, such as Little River, Mendocino and Fort Bragg, which began life as lumber ports.
Mendocino has got to be our favorite coastal town. It offers art galleries, gift shops, restaurants and interesting places to stay.
Mendocino City is located behind the Mendocino Headlands, where it overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The ocean end of the headlands contains Mendocino Headlands State Park, which is a great place to enjoy oceanside cliffs. Mendocino Bay is located just to the south of the headlands. If you run your cursor over the above image, a tool tip will identify several geographic features.
 Mendocino, CA view from south side of Mendocino Bay, December 20, 2003 |
 Mendocino Headlands State Park is a great place to watch the ocean. This view (looking south across Mendocino Bay) of the foaming surf was taken on December 20, 2003. |
 Many people enjoy hiking at the Mendocino Headlands. Unfortunately, all these visitors have had a severe impact on these beautiful shoreside cliffs, and significant erosion has been the result. The above image, taken on December 20, 2003, shows how this section of the cliff is wearing away. |
 The preceeding section of the cliff has continued to erode. The above image, taken on December 26, 2005, shows that a section of this pathway out to the cliff edge has completely collapsed. |
The Surf Motel in Fort Bragg is our favorite place to stay in the area. It is not too far from the city's favorite tourist attraction, the colorful Skunk Train, which offers scenic excursions through the redwood forest.
The "Lost Coast"
 The Northern "Lost Coast" from the mouth of the Eel River area (left = N) to below Cape Mendocino (right = S) as seen from the ocean |
My brother and I recently visited the Northern California Coast's best kept secret -- a stretch of coastline often called the "Lost Coast." This section of the coast stretches from Ferndale CA in Humboldt County to the Usal Creek area in the most northern part of Mendocino County. This coastline is remote, isolated and more challenging to reach than other sections of the northern California coast, so virtually all visitors bypass it -- hence the name "Lost Coast." The Lost Coast is accessible by several narrow, winding, armor-coat/gravel/dirt roads (which may be crossed by cattle grates at various locations). The roads are very challenging to drive (just ask Bob).
If the intrepid visitor is willing to take the time to reach the Lost Coast, he will be rewarded with very pristine views of the Pacific Ocean. In September 2001 Bob and I drove the coastline between Ferndale and the Mattole Valley. Views of the Pacific Ocean here are backed by the grass-covered brown hills of Cape Mendocino. There is no real human development of any kind along this section of coastline -- not even a garbage can or the crudest comfort station. There are several gravel and coarse sand beaches along this coast, and none of them contain litter! If you are want to spend some time in an area devoid of any human development, this part of the "Lost Coast" is for you -- but please leave behind only memories of your visit and help keep this area pristine.
Bob and I also drove the windy, narrow road over the rugged King Range to Shelter Cove CA from Garberville CA on the same day we drove from Ferndale through the Mattole Valley. Shelter Cove is the only town on this coast. The steep slopes of the King Range contain forests (where redwood trees can be found). Shelter Cove is a small coastal town, and it boasts a restaurant, several stores, and a small airport. There are several public beaches and access to the King Range Conservation Area and Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Shelter Cove is a remote "bedroom community" kind of town, and there is some on-going development. However, anyone who is considering living here should be aware that the Lost Coast is prone to nasty earthquakes.