California's Best Trips 2 - Full PDF eBook

The Drive » Take the twisting

drive west along Hwy 128

though majestic fog-shrouded

stands of redwood and you’ll

eventually emerge at Hwy 1.

Go north on Hwy 1 through the

seaside town of Albion.

4 Van Damme

State Park

After emerging on one

of California’s most

serene stretches of Hwy

1, a stroll along the

waves seems mandatory.

Three miles south

of Mendocino, this

sprawling 1831-acre park

(%707-937-5804; http://www.

parks.ca.gov; day use $6)

draws beachcombers,

divers and kayakers to

its easy-access beach,

and hikers to its pygmy

forest. The latter is a

unique and precious

place, where acidic soil

and an impenetrable

layer of hardpan have

created a miniature

forest of decades-old

trees. You can reach the

forest after moderate

3.5-mile Fern Canyon

Scenic Trail, which

crosses back and forth

over Little River and past

the Cabbage Patch, a bog

of skunk cabbage that’s

rich with wildlife. The

visitor center (%707-937-

4016; h10am-3pm Fri-Sun)

has nature exhibits and

programs.

4 p113

The Drive » A short 2-mile

drive north along Hwy 1 brings

you to the bridge over the Big

River. Just before the bridge,

take a right on Comptche

Ukiah Rd.

5 Big River

A lazy paddle up the Big

River is a chance to get

an intimate look at the

border between land

and sea – a place where

otters, sea lions and

majestic blue herons keep

you company as you drift

silently by. Although the

area near the mouth of

the river is an excellent

place to watch the waves

or catch the sunset, more

adventurous travelers

can check in at Catch

A Canoe & Bicycles,

Too! (www.stanfordinn.com;

Comptche-Ukiah Rd & Hwy

1; (^) h9am-5pm), a friendly
riverside outfit that rents
bikes, kayaks and stable
outrigger canoes for trips
TOP ANDERSON VALLEY WINERIES
The valley’s cool nights yield high-acid, fruit-forward, food-friendly wines. Pinot noir,
chardonnay and dry gewürtztraminer flourish. Most Anderson Valley wineries
(www.avwines.com) sit outside Philo. Many are family-owned and offer tastings, some
give tours. The following are particularly noteworthy.
Navarro (www.navarrowine.com; 5601 Hwy 128; h10am-6pm) The best option, and
picnicking is encouraged.
Esterlina (www.esterlinavineyards.com; 1200 Holmes Ranch Rd) For big reds, pack a picnic
and head high up the rolling hills; call ahead.
Husch (www.huschvineyards.com; 4400 Hwy 128; (^) h10am-5pm) Husch serves exquisite
tastings inside a rose-covered cottage.
BLAINE HARRINGTON III / CORBIS ©
NORTHERN.CALIFORNIA
8
(^) MENDOCINO & ANDERSON VALLEY