California's Best Trips 2 - Full PDF eBook

(Dana P.) #1
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

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