By Josh Chetwynd
Located alongside California's famed Pacific Coast Highway, the town of Fort Bragg is a relaxing locale that offers a multitude of outdoor activities along its picturesque Northern California coastline. Whether you want to go to the
beach or check out California's famous coastal redwood trees, Fort Bragg is an ideal spot.
Redwoods and other trees
California's redwoods are some of the most majestic in the world, and Fort Bragg is a great place to check them out. There are 13 redwood parks in Mendocino County, where Fort Bragg is located. Four are easily accessible from Fort Bragg.
Located right in the town, Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park has seven acres of tree-lined trails and provides a handy look at redwoods. The park can be accessed from the east end of Laurel Street in Fort Bragg, directly southeast of Fort Bragg Middle School.
Jackson State Redwood Forest is just outside the town (telephone: 707-964-5674). With more than 48,000 acres, this park provides more than just examples of the indigenous coastal redwoods. You can also look at other plant life, such as the Douglas fir, grand fir, hemlock, bishop pine, tanoak, alder, madrone and bay myrtle.
Two other options are Montgomery Woods State Park (telephone: 707-937-5804) and Hendy Woods State Park (telephone 707-895-3141). Montgomery is known for both its coastal redwood grove and fern forest, and Hendy is renowned for a fallen redwood stump that was home to the "Hendy Woods Hermit," a local man who lived at the location.
Riding the rails
If you'd rather check out the scenery by train, the California Western Railroad's Skunk train is an excellent option. Built as a logging line and named after historically stinky engines (new less odorous equipment is now in place), the railroad started service in 1904. Today, it's a great way to catch a view of the redwoods or check out the wildlife and the Noyo River. You can spend up to 4 ½ hours enjoying the sites on this leisurely excursion (telephone: 866-457-5865).
Oceanfront fun
Fort Bragg also features one of California's most unique beaches. Beginning in 1949, Glass Beach was used as a public dump. Everything from dilapidated cars to used glass (hence the name) was thrown onto the beach. In the late 1960s, the dump was moved, but there are still fascinating remnants of its old use--mainly in the form of millions of pieces of colorful glass which have been softened by the ocean's surf. The beach is located where Elm Street meets the ocean in Fort Bragg. An alternative is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. With 47 acres of manicured oceanfront gardens and other natural sites including streams, fern canyons and bluffs, this option is just south of town (telephone: 707-964-4352).
Relaxation
If you're exhausted after all your outdoor adventure there is the Bamboo Garden Spa. Chill out with a massage, facial or body treatment or enjoy a sauna (telephone: 707-962-9396).
About the Author:
Josh Chetwynd has worked as a staff reporter for such publications as "USA Today," "U.S. News & World Report" and "The Hollywood Reporter," covering a broad range of subjects. He is a licensed lawyer and has also written three books.
