Glass Beach
Glass Beach is one of the most unique beaches in the world, not because nature created it that way, but because time and the pounding surf have corrected one of man's mistakes.
Beginning in 1949, the area around Glass Beach became a public dump. It is hard to believe these days, but back then people dumped all kinds of refuse straight into the ocean, including old cars, and their household garbage, which of course included lots of glass. By the early sixties, some attempts were made to control what was dumped, and dumping of any toxic items was banned. Finally in 1967, the North Coast Water Quality Board realized what a mistake it was and plans were begun for a new dump away from the ocean.
Now, over 30 years later, Mother Nature has reclaimed this beach. Years of pounding wave action have deposited tons of polished glass onto the beach. You'll still see the occasional reminder of it earlier life, such as a rusted spark plug, but for the most part what you'll see is millions of pieces of glass sparkling in the sun. (sorry, collecting is not allowed).
Glass Beach also has a very interesting array of tide pools to explore. Crabs, mollusks, and many aquatic plants make their homes in these ever changing environments. It is very easy to spend your whole day poking aound the tide pools and watching the busy little worlds that go on inside each one.
Skunk Train
100 W Laurel St • Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Phone: (707) 964-6371 • Toll Free: (800) 866-1690
Email: info@sierrarailroad.com
The Skunk line runs 40 miles from Fort Bragg on the coast to Willits on US Highway 101. Along the way, the tracks cross some 30 bridges and trestles and pass through two deep mountain tunnels. The half-way point of Northspur is popular lunch spot, giving passengers a chance to snack before continuing to Willits or heading back to Fort Bragg.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
18220 North Highway One
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-4352
Email: mcbg@gardenbythesea.org
This rare jewel, located just south of the city of Fort Bragg, boasts 47 acres of oceanfront gardens, forests, streams, fern canyons and bluffs. Visitors will be enthralled by the diversity and tranquility of the Botanical Gardens, where you can find something for every outdoor enthusiast. Manicured Gardens, dense pine forest, diverse plant collections and flower filled bluffs are just some of what awaits you when you spend a day exploring this coastal gem. Enjoy the Cliff House, located on the bluffs, where you can watch for migrating whales and enjoy a picnic lunch as the ocean crashes just below.
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
The Point Cabrillo Preserve includes the historic 1909 Light Station (30.5 acres), and approximately 270 acres of undeveloped coastal bluffs and prairie.
The property was purchased and preserved from development by the California State Coastal Conservancy and managed by a non-profit affiliate, the North Coast Interpretive Association. In 2002, the property transferred to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Management of the Preserve's programs and restoration activities was assumed by a newly formed non-profit organization: The Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation paid the Coastal Conservancy four million for the historic Light Station. The coastal Conservancy has granted that money to the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association. These funds have been used to restore two of the three light keepers' houses and the three historic out buildings. Restoration of the West Light keepers' house, the historic fencing and gardens will be accomplished as additional restoration funds become available.
Giant Redwoods and Pygmy Forests
Plan a day getting to know Giants and Pygmies... forests that is.
Giant Redwoods are easy to find, there are 13 Redwood parks in Mendocino County. Two are close to Fort Bragg, two more with large stands of old growth redwood are just a short drive.
- Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park - Located right in Fort Bragg, at the east end of Laurel Street. The park offers shady walking trails and a close-up experience with redwoods and other nature.
- Jackson State Redwood Forest - Just a short drive on Highway 20 takes you to a grove of old growth Redwoods at Camp One's day use area. From Highway 1 go east on Highway 20 to the 5.8 mile marker. Turn on Road 350 (there's no sign). Go 3 more miles, and you're there.
- Montgomery Woods State Park - This 1142 acre State Reserve is located on both sides of the Comptche-Ukiah road about thirty miles east of the town of Mendocino. It's an excellent example of a magnificent coastal Redwood grove and a beautiful fern forest.
- Hendy Woods State Park - This park features two virgin Redwood groves. The park is located on Greenwood Road, just off Highway 128, near Boonville. It takes less than 1 hour to get there from Fort Bragg.
What is a Pygmy Forest? Stunted trees and shrubs caused by a complex ecological condition associated with underlying wave terraces and their unusual soils. The poor soil fertility and wetness of the soil restricts the growth of vegetation and induces a dwarf condition. Though short, the trees in the Pygmy Forest can be hundreds of years old.
Jug Handle State Reserve features a 2.5-mile self-guided nature trail called The Ecological Staircase which explores five wave-cut terraces formed by glacier, sea and tectonic activity that built the coast range.
Each of the terraces was uplifted from sea level about 100,000 years before the one below it. Plants on each terrace represent a more advanced stage in succession, indicating what the previous, next lower terrace may look like in 100,000 years. The lowest terrace consists of prairie; the second is covered with pines; the third supports a unique pygmy forest with knee-high trees possibly several decades old.
Noyo Harbor
One of the west coast's most scenic harbors, Noyo Harbor is tucked into the forested hills at the south end of Fort Bragg. You may remember seeing Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell sailing out of the harbor at the end of the movie Overboard. Noyo Harbor is your starting point for a day out on the ocean, whether it's on a fishing or whale watching charter, or paddling your own kayak.
Pet Friendly
Fort Bragg is a pet-friendly city, with attractions to keep you and your dog occupied for days. Fort Bragg is home to the dog-friendly Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where you and your leashed pet can wander 47 acres from their store to the shore. In addition, Fort Bragg is home to Noyo Beach, the only off-leash spot in Mendocino County where you can officially play or picnic with your pet. Pomo Bluffs Park is a popular ocean-side destination for walking with your leashed pet; even McKerricher State Park welcomes leashed dogs on many trails, beaches and campsites.
When you've had enough of the wild-side, take your pet on a stroll through the historic downtown shops. You'll discover many have dog treats at the ready. Several restaurants offer out-of-doors dining and are happy to welcome your fuzzy friend. And after your day of adventures, it will be easy to find a great place for you and your pooch to stay, as a number of hotels in town welcome travelers with pets in tow.
Architecture
Former Fort Bragg Hospital
Fort Bragg is home to many architectural 'treasures,' ranging from simple to sophisticated in design which reveal the history of the town and the definitive role of the lumber industry. Many sites have not yet received designations on the state or national registries, but are here to be discovered. View this video to learn about what you will see as you explore the town:
"The Architectural Treasures of Fort Bragg"
A talk by Marriane Hurley, Field Architectural Historian
Filmed at Fort Bragg Library, Sponsored by Friends of the Library
October 11,2009
Produced by Mendocino Coast Television
Some Notable Architectural Sites:
- Guest House Museum
- Grey Whale Inn (Former Fort Bragg Hospital to 1915)
- Weller House Inn
- Depot Building
- Commissary of the original Fort (relocated to 430 N. Franklin Street)
- Union Lumber Company Department Store
- Eagles Hall
- Cotton Auditorium
- Trinity Lutheran Church
- Layout of residential neighborhoods: housing lots arranged around alleys
- Downtown storefronts
