Mendocino County Articles

101 Things to Know About Wine

Make the Most of Your Vineyard Visit

1. Plan ahead. Many wineries have limited hours. Appointments to taste and tour wineries are very easy to set up and in many cases can be quite impromptu, so don’t hesitate to call ahead even if it’s last minute. 2. Ask questions. Wine tasting is an opportunity not only to educate your palate, but also to learn more about the winemaking process. 3. Designate a driver. For a carefree day of tasting, this is the best way to go. Available local tour services are fun and especially affordable. It is illegal for a tasting room to serve wine to anyone who appears intoxicated, even if they have a designated driver — so taste responsibly. 4. Feel free to use the dump buckets set out on the tasting bar for excess wine. 5. Limit yourself to no more than four wine tastes per winery. 6. Ask before you picnic at a winery, and never bring other alcoholic beverages to drink at a winery. 7. Children are welcome during non-event weekends, but please keep an eye on them. Most wineries operate heavy equipment and therefore it is not safe for unsupervised children. Remember, no one under the age of 21 may sample wine — not even your children. 8. Always taste from whites to reds. If you’ve already entered the red list and want to try a particular white again, try another day. If you’re on the cusp of whether or not to buy it, take your best guess or come back for another try later. 9. Try vertical/horizontal tasting. Vertical tasting involves sampling the same wine from different years. Horizontal tasting involves sampling the same vintage year and wine from different wineries. 10. Step away from the wine. If you’re in a winery that’s very busy at the tasting bar, back away from the bar after receiving a tasting. 11. Don’t wear perfume, cologne, or lotions. The aromas of the wine mingle with strong scented cosmetics, which alter perception in taste, and can ruin the experience for others. 12. Follow the winery’s advice on tasting order. Winemakers’ styles differ, so trust the order provided by each winery’s experts. 13. Acidity: Since acid is present in all grapes, it’s also present in all wines. It is extremely important in determining structure, shape and lifespan, and it helps preserve wine for longer aging. Good acid levels can make a wine crisp and refreshing, supporting the aftertaste. 14. Appellation: In the United States, appellation is a grape-growing area defined strictly by a geographic area. If a wine label cites an appellation, 75% of the grapes must be grown in that appellation. (For a more detailed explanation of Appellation, see 37, 38 and 39.) 15. Aroma: Refers to fragrances in the wine that are characteristic of the grapes. For instance, Chardonnay might be described as citrusy. Its aromas of lemon, lime or grapefruit come from the grapes; they are not added. Also see Bouquet or Nose. 16. Balance: An integration of the major components of wine (fruit, acidity, tannins, alcohol, oak) so none outweighs the other. A balanced wine fills the mouth with flavors. 17. Barrel Fermented: Wine that is fermented in 55-gallon oak barrels contributing to an increased complexity and flavor. The interaction with wood adds suggestions of spice and vanilla to wines. 18. Body: The feeling of a wine’s weight in the mouth, such as full-bodied, medium-bodied or light-bodied. 19. Bouquet: The fragrances in the wine that are introduced by the wine-making process, including the smell of the oak (vanilla) or the yeast in the wine. 20. Chewy: Describes full-bodied, sometimes tannic wines — rich enough to chew on. 21. Complexity: The interplay of a wines many characteristics. A wine can be at once rich and deep, yet balanced and showing finesse. 22. Corked: The term corked refers to wine that smells moldy and disagreeable as a result of a bad cork likely tainted with bacteria called TCA (trichloroanisole). 23. Dry: A wine with little or no perceptible sweetness. 24. Earthy: Wine, such as Pinot Noir, that has the smell or slight taste of fresh dirt. 25. Enology: The science of winemaking, also spelled oenology. 26. Estate Bottled: Indicates the winery owns or controls the grapes that produced the wine in the bottle. 27. Fermentation: The process by which yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, turning grape juice into wine. 28. Field Blend: A common practice among the early grape growers in Mendocino County, where complementary grape varieties were interplanted in a vineyard. The grapes are harvested and fermented together, creating a field-blend wine. 29. Finish: The taste that remains in the mouth after the wine is swallowed. A long, lingering finish is considered desirable. 30. Fortified: The addition of brandy or spirits to wine to increase alcohol content. 31. Grassy: An aroma or taste of grass or newly-mowed hay — usually associated with Sauvignon Blanc. 32. Lees: Sediment and yeast found in a barrel or tank during and after fermentation. More winemakers are using the old technique of aging wine on the lees to increase complexities in aromas and flavors. 33. Legs: The drops of wine that slide down the sides of the glass when it is swirled, indicating the alcohol content in the wine. 34. Length: The amount of time a wine’s taste and aroma are evident after swallowing. 35. Made and Bottled By: The legal phrase used if a winery crushed, fermented and bottled at the same location at least 10% of the wine in the bottle. 36. Nose: Refers to how the wine smells, similar to aroma and bouquet — as in, “This wine has a great nose.” 37. Oaky: Describes the aroma or taste character of a wine that has interacted with the oak of a wood barrel. 38. Oxidized: A loss of freshness from exposure to air. If a wine has been open for several days, it will become oxidized. 39. Produced and Bottled By: A legal phrase that indicates the winery crushed, fermented and bottled a minimum of 75% of the wine in the bottle. 40. Racking: The traditional practice of moving wine from one container to another. Essentially it is decanting on a grand scale by moving wine from barrel to barrel to rid the wine of sediment. 41. Residual Sugar: The amount of unfermented grape sugar remaining in a wine. Dessert wines have a high level of residual sugar, while dry table wines have little to no residual sugar. 42. Split: The term used for a six-ounce bottle of wine, usually champagne. 43. Sulfites: A natural by-product of fermentation. Sulfites (in small quantities) may be added to wine to guard against spoilage. 44. Sur Lie: A term used for wines aged on the lees (also see Lees #32). 45. Table Wine: The legal term for wine that is less than 14% alcohol. Any wine over 14% alcohol must state the alcohol content on the front label and may not use the term “table wine” on the label. 46. Tannin: Chemicals found in the skins of many fruits, including grapes, which impart astringency. Tannin naturally preserves wine from oxidation and is a primary component in determining the wine’s structure and aging potential. 47. Tartrates: Natural, purely harmless crystals from the tartaric acids present in wines that often form in used casks, in wine sediment and on used corks. Although they look like cut glass, they are completely safe, and are a positive indication to experienced tasters that a wine has not been overly processed. 48. Unfiltered: Some winemakers do not filter their wine because they believe filtering strips aromas and flavors from the wine. However, these wines can be clarified using a fining process. 49. Unfined: Wine that was not treated with any fining agents; however, it can be clarified using filtering. Some winemakers believe fining wine strips essential aromas and flavors from the wine. 50. Varietal: Term used to describe a wine produced from a particular type (variety) of grape. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and hundreds of others are examples of varietal wines. 51. Varietal Character: The aromas and flavors typical for a particular grape variety. 52. Variety: Term used to describe a type of grape. A wine made from a particular grape variety (e.g., Zinfandel) is referred to as a varietal. 53. Vintage: The year the grapes were grown and harvested. 54. Viticulture: The science of grape growing. When including the production of wine, the proper term is viniculture. 55. Wine Thief: A glass or plastic tube used to get a sample of wine from a barrel or other container. 56. Yeast: Important microorganisms that cause fermentation by converting sugar to alcohol. 57. Appellation: is a term used to define different grape growing regions. If “California” is on a wine label, the wine is made from grapes grown anywhere in California. If “Mendocino County” is on the label, then at least 75% of the grapes were grown in Mendocino County. Within the Mendocino County appellation there are almost a dozen sub-appellations, including the Anderson Valley, Redwood Valley and Mendocino Ridge. 58. Many appellation boundaries are easy to understand. State and county appellations of origin such as California and Mendocino County are defined by governmental boundaries. 59. Sub-appellation boundaries are determined by similar climatic conditions, soil types and weather patterns, or what the French call “terroir.” Variations in terroir contribute to different flavors in the same grape variety grown in different regions. Mendocino County currently has 10 such legally defined AVAs, or American Viticultural Areas. 60. Alicante Bouschet: A cross between Petit Bouschet and Grenache, Alicante Bouschet’s red flesh and dark skin produce a wine with deep, intense color. 61. Barbera: Known for its rich color, low tannins and high acid, this Italian grape came to California in the 1880s and today is part of the “Cal-Italia” varietal trend produced by several Mendocino County wineries. 62. Cabernet Franc: Wine produced from this grape can have the intensity of flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon without the overpowering tannins, allowing it to be enjoyed without waiting years for the tannins to soften. 63. Cabernet Sauvignon: Described as the “King of Red Wines,” this small grape produces some of the most magnificent and sought after wines in the world. Through DNA testing Cabernet Sauvignon was found to be a cross between Cabernet Franc (red grape) and Sauvignon Blanc (white grape). 64. Carignane (Carignan): Grown by early California wine pioneers Carignane produces a fruit-driven, easy-to-drink wine that is used as a blending wine, as well as a single varietal wine. 65. Champagne: Term for sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France. 66. Charbono: Thought to be a relative of Barbera or Dolcetto, or both varieties, that dates back to the 1880s in California. It is popular within the current “Cal-Italia” movement in the wine industry. 67. Chardonnay: The Queen to Cabernet Sauvignon’s King, this white grape variety produces the famous Champagne, Chablis, White Burgundy and Maconnais wines from France, and is the most popular white wine in the world. As a varietal wine, Chardonnay can range from rich, oaky and buttery to fresh, crisp and fruity. 68. Chenin Blanc: Once a popular wine ranging in style from dry to semi-dry to sweet, Chenin Blanc primarily is used for blending. The fruity, well-balanced wine is more challenging to find as a single varietal, but for white wine lovers, it can be worth the hunt. 69. Cinsaut (Cinsault): A Rhône varietal used to blend grapes or to produce an aromatic rosé, Cinsaut produces a soft, lightbodied red wine with perfume aromas and fruit forward flavors. 70. Dolcetto: From the Piedmont region of Italy, Dolcetto is produced in two distinctly different styles: a soft, slightly sweet aperitifstyled wine or a robust, hearty rich wine. A classic Dolcetto exhibits flavors of citrus peel, almonds, blueberries and even licorice. 71. French Colombard: Also known as Colombard, this white grape variety once was the second most planted grape in California. Today it rarely is found as a varietal wine, but with its fruit-forward flavors, it is used as a blending grape. 72. Fumé Blanc: A fanciful name for Sauvignon Blanc. 73. Gewürztraminer: Originally from the Alsace region of France, Gewürztraminer quietly gained fans for its strong floral aromas and classic lychee-nut and spicy flavors. This versatile, fruity white wine can be made semidry to bone dry as a late harvest dessert wine. 74. Grenache: In France’s Rhône region, Grenache is used in the classic Châteauneuf-duPape. In California it is often used in delicious Rhône varietal blends or in Rosé. Rivino.com 75. Malbec: Often used in Bordeaux-style blends and as a single varietal wine. 76. Marsanne: A white grape originating in the Rhône region of France. It frequently is blended with other Rhône varietals. 77. Meritage™: A trademark name developed by the Meritage Association to identify blends made from specific Bordeaux varietals. Association wineries’ Bordeaux must be produced from a blend of two or more of the following varieties in order to be called a Meritage: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, St. Macaire, Gros Verdot, and Carmenere. No single variety can be more than 90% of the blend. For a white wine Meritage, the wine must have two or more of the following varieties, and no single variety can be more than 90% of the blend: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Sauvignon Vert. 78. Merlot: A classic Bordeaux grape traditionally used for blending. In the early 1970s Merlot gained popularity with wine drinkers seeking a softer, fruitier red wine. 79. Mourvèdre: Mourvèdre arrived in Northern California in the 1870s from the Mediterranean regions of Spain and France, where it was called Mataro. It often is blended with varietals, such as Grenache, to create a fruity, crisp Rosé. 80. Muscat: A versatile grape with perfumy aromas and fruit-forward flavors dating back to early civilizations. Muscat varieties include Muscat Blanc, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Hamburg (Black Muscat), Orange Muscat and more. 81. Peloursin: An almost extinct French Rhône region variety that has been identified as having ties to Petite Sirah. 82. Petit Verdot: Used to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon or with other Bordeaux varietals to add color, a spicy quality and additional structure or backbone. This wine is rarely found as a single varietal. 83. Petite Sirah: DNA studies show Petite Sirah is the Rhône grape Durif, a cross between Peloursin and Syrah. Although called ‘petite’ the wine is anything but — it offers robust flavors and plenty of tannins. 84. Pinot Gris: Pinot Grigio is a natural mutation of Pinot Noir that yields a soft, perfumy white wine. 85. Pinot Noir: Grown in the cooler regions of Mendocino County, this fog-loving grape is an essential component in the production of some French Champagnes. 86. Port: This term is used to describe the famous fortified sweet wine made in Portugal. Port-style wines are made in the United States from a variety of grapes. 87. Riesling: Also known as Johannesburg Riesling or White Riesling, this classic German varietal was once produced by many California wineries. Now it is rarely found on a winery’s tasting list. Generally a flowery, fruity dry wine with high acid and low alcohol, it can be also be made in a semi-dry and late harvest style. 88. Rosé: A pink or salmon colored wine produced from red grapes. Because the juice has limited contact with the skins and seeds that give the wine structure and tannin, Rosé is a soft, easy-to-drink wine best served chilled. 89. Rousanne: A Rhône variety frequently blended with Marsanne and occasionally Syrah, Rousanne contributes good acidity and aromas of herbal tea and floral notes to the blends. 90. Sangiovese: Brought to Mendocino County by Italian immigrants, Sangiovese is produced as a varietal wine with possibly small amounts of other wines blended in to add a layer of dimension or additional flavor components. 91. Sauvignon Blanc: Also known as Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc is a classic variety that is an alternative to Chardonnay. Its styles can vary from grassy and herbaceous, to citrus qualities of lime and grapefruit, to flint and mineral qualities with gooseberry flavors. 92. Semillon: Traditionally blended with Sauvignon Blanc to produce dry table wine or a sweet dessert wine, including the renowned dessert wines from Sauternes, France. As a single varietal, Semillon displays aromas and flavors of figs and honey. 93. Shiraz: The Australian and South African name for the Syrah grape. See Syrah for additional info. 94. Sparkling Wine: Usually produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this wine bubbles when poured into a glass due to carbonation. Harvested early to capture the tangy flavors and high acids, a second fermentation in individual bottles starts with the addition of a small amount of sugar. Carbon dioxide, a natural by-product of fermentation, is trapped in the bottles and creates tiny bubbles when the sparkling wine is uncorked. This method of producing sparkling wine is called methode champenoise. 95. Syrah: Syrah is a warm climate wine with characteristics that include white pepper, leather, wild gamey and intense dark berry flavors. 96. Tempranillo: Considered the Cabernet Sauvignon of Spain, Tempranillo has many names including Tinto Fino, Tinta Roriz, Tinta del Pais, Aragonez and Valdepañas. Tempranillo is generally blended with other varietals, similarly to the use of Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux. 97. Valdiguié: For years it was known as Napa Gamay or Gamay until DNA analysis properly identified this variety as Valdiguié. This original French variety has all but disappeared as a varietal in France just as it has gained in popularity in California. 98. Viognier: Originally from the Rhône region, Viognier wines have a distinctive fragrance, a combination of floral and fruity aroma and flavors. Sometimes small amounts are blended with Syrah to tame and add elegance to the wine. 99. White Zinfandel (also see Rosé #88): This soft, easy-to-drink wine is produced in a similar style to a Rosé, White Zinfandel is produced from Zinfandel grapes. As the grapes are crushed, the juice picks up some of the pigmentation from the skins, giving it a rose or pink color. 100. Zinfandel: Although how the first Zinfandel vines arrived in the United States is a mystery, DNA testing linked it to both the Italian variety Primitivo and the Croatian variety Crljenak Kasteljanski. Zinfandel was a standard variety found in field-blend wines produced by the Mendocino County wine pioneers. This robust wine has an enormous following among wine lovers. 101. Late Harvest: A term used to describe wine made from grapes picked after the normal harvest time, generally late fall. Such grapes have a much higher sugar content, or Brix, that can translate to a sweet wine that is high in alcohol, making them a perfect complement for after dinner.

Anderson Valley

Wine, Beer, More Wine, and Redwoods

Anderson Valley, located between Cloverdale and the Mendocino Coast, stretches along Hwy 128. Yorkville marks its eastern end, Boonville and Philo are located in its center, and Navarro sits at its western terminus. The main highway is busiest on the weekends as tourists head to and from Mendocino Village and Fort Bragg on the North Coast. The valley is sparsely populated on mostly large parcels, with Boonville leading Anderson Valley in activity and population. The town holds another distinction: it has its own language, called Boontling. Widely used in Boonville during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there are still about 100 people who speak it fluently. An example: “harp a slib of the ling” (speak a little Boontling). The Anderson Valley is filled with rolling hills, shaded with oak and madrone trees, and home to apple orchards, vineyards and colorful wildflowers. Some 1,000 acres of wine grapes are produced in the area, and many local wineries with tasting rooms are found there, primarily along Hwy 128. According to Food & Wine magazine, “Anderson Valley may be one of the best places in the country to grow Pinot Noir.”

Covelo

Adventure Through Redwood Forests

A scenic turn off Hwy 101 northeast onto Route 162 will bring you to one of California’s prettiest pockets of nature. The drive takes you along the old Northwestern Pacific Railroad and the ancient waters of the Eel River into a land that Native Americans venerate to this day. Covelo and the Round Valley, with its breathtaking mountains, the majestic Eel River, and groves of conifers and valley oaks, offer a rare glimpse of the wilderness to share and remember. The air is fresh, crisp and clean, and the view is literally panoramic. The oldest known inhabitants of Round Valley were members of the Native American Yuki tribe, who lived there for thousands of years. Tragically, in the late 1850s they were driven onto a small remnant of their land that had been designated an Indian reservation, and eventually seven other California tribes were forcibly relocated there as well. Over the past century, the area around the reservation became populated with small settlements. Industry did pass through briefly, but today the natural beauty of the landscape is essentially unscathed, as over time many of the scars slowly healed. Even the old railroad line with its turn-of-the-century designed trestles and tunnels now seems almost a natural work of art. Today the little town of Covelo at the middle of Round Valley is a unique cultural enclave set in the heart of the natural world. Close to half of its population are Native Americans. The town has a vibrant artistic community and a Community Radio Station, KYBU 96.9 FM. With a large number of talented artists who specialize in many different media including ceramics, basket-making, drumming, photography, painting, Japanese textiles, quilting and sculpture, Covelo is one of the most culturally rich and artistically exciting towns in Mendocino County. It is an exceptional place to stop for gallery-browsing and purchasing unique local items.

Del Norte County, California and Southern Oregon

From the Redwoods to the Adventure Coast

California’s northern coastal county — Del Norte — and Oregon’s southern coastal county, Curry — share a common lifestyle. Both counties contain miles of unspoiled beaches and rivers famous for salmon and steelhead. On the other hand, Southern Oregon’s Josephine and Jackson Counties, which are east of Curry County, offer warmer summertime temperatures, winter skiing, whitewater excitement, wineries and Shakespearean performances at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. California’s Del Norte County is located roughly halfway between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. One of the many attractions of this county are the coastal redwood forests, particularly the Redwoods National and State Parks. Trees of Mystery, located off Hwy 101 in Klamath, the southernmost town in Del Norte County, offers visitors the opportunity to ride the SkyTrail through towering treetops. Exciting Jet Boat tours on the Klamath River are also available near there. Crescent City is the county seat and Del Norte’s largest city. Here visitors can enjoy parks and sandy beaches, restaurants, museums, art galleries and other attractions. One favorite of tourists is the always exciting and educational Ocean World, one of America’s best privately owned small aquariums. Nearby the majestic Smith River flows to the ocean and offers an array of recreational activities, including rafting, inner-tubing, kayaking and fishing. Just north of Crescent City is the quaint agricultural community of Smith River, where the river of that name enters the Pacific. The Southern Oregon coast offers visitors dazzling ocean vistas and lush green forests, sand dunes and sea lions, water sports and sailing adventures. Brookings, the southernmost town in Oregon’s Curry County, offers spectacular coastal parks, such as Harris Beach and Samuel H. Boardman State Parks. Still further north, Gold Beach and charming Wedderburn flank the mouth of the Rogue River. Gold Beach hosts the Curry County Fair in the summer and the Whale of a Wine Festival in May. At the crossroads of Hwy 101 and County Road 595 in Gold Beach, many travelers don’t realize what making that turnoff could do for them. County 595 becomes Agness Rd. after about 20 miles, and leads to the small town of its namesake, Agness. The world famous Rogue River runs right through the center of town. The Historic Lucas Pioneer Ranch, Singing Springs Resort, and Cougar Lane Lodge, all in Agness, offer Rogue River visitors hospitality, fine food, casual overnight accommodations and an escape from the hustle of everyday life. Inland Southern Oregon offers warmer summertime temperatures, wintertime skiing, whitewater excitement, wineries and Shakespeare performances. From beautiful coastal communities like Gold Beach, Brookings Harbor and Florence, to the inland cities of Grant’s Pass, Ashland and Medford, to the gorgeous Willamette Valley and everything in between, Oregon is a natural paradise.

Driving to Interstate 5 Through the Mendocino National Forest

Experience the Scenic Beauty of the Redwoods

## Getting There To reach Interstate 5 from Hwy 101, travel east on Hwy 162 north of Willits, past Covelo and through Mendocino National Forest. The journey is approximately 85 miles over both paved and dirt roads, and can take over three hours to drive, but the beautiful scenery and sweeping vistas will turn the chore of reaching the interstate into a delight. The route through Mendocino National Forest is usually closed until mid-May due to snow. Closures are possible at other times of the year and road conditions may vary; for more information on conditions and closures before departing call the Covelo Ranger District at 707-983-6118 or the Grindstone Ranger District at 530-934-3316 ## More About Mendocino National Forest The Mendocino National Forest, just to the east of Covelo, covers an enormous area and is perfect for outdoor recreation. Of all of California’s 18 national forests, it is the only one that is not crossed by a paved road or highway. It is especially attractive when seeking tranquility and solitude. Approximately 65 miles long and 35 miles across, Mendocino National Forest consists of one million acres of mountains and canyons that offer abundant recreational opportunities. Elevations in the forest range from 750 feet in the Grindstone Creek Canyon in the Sacramento Valley foothills on the forest’s eastern edge, to 8,092 feet at South Yolla Bolly Mountain in the northern part of the forest. The average elevation is about 4,000 feet. Four wilderness areas are located in the Mendocino National Forest: Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel, Yuki, Sanhedrin and Snow Mountain, running north to south respectively. The forest is also home to two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers: the Eel River received its designation in 1981, and the Black Butte River in 2006 ## Camping The camping experience in Mendocino National Forest is outstanding, with developed campgrounds offering facilities from backcountry camping to dispersed campsites (which are not as developed as the regular campgrounds and will usually have one or two primitive vault toilets, one or two picnic tables and fire rings). For up-to-date information contact the Covelo Ranger Station located just north of Covelo on Hwy 162 or phone 707-983-6118. Getting there is easy. Take Hwy 162 North of Covelo for 1.5 miles; there you will find the ranger station. From the station turn east on Hwy 162 for 11 miles to Eel River Work Center, where Hwy 162 arrives at the Mendocino National Forest. As the roadway enters the national forest it becomes Forest Hwy 7 (FH 7) and changes from a paved road to a dirt road. From there all the campsites are accessible. Some of our favorites are listed below. Eel River Campground is adjacent to the Eel River Work Station with river access. Hammerhorn Lake Campground is 18 miles north of Eel River Work Center via Road M1 (Indian Dick Rd.), and offers a 5-acre lake for trout fishing in a mixed conifer setting. Little Doe Campground is 12 miles north of Eel River Work Center via Road M1 (Indian Dick Rd.). No piped water here, but a beautiful mixed conifer setting at 3,600 feet. Howard Meadows Campground is great for picnicking with fishing and nearby boat launching ramp. At 3,500 feet this campground is within walking distance of Howard Lake. Howard Lake Basin Recreation Area is a popular primitive experience. The 20-acre lake is accessible; however, it is recommended that vehicles with good clearance be used, such as a 4WD pickup truck, since the access road is not improved. Several nicely dispersed camp sites include Atchison Camp on Forest Hwy 7, Section 24; Surveyor Camp, off Forest Hwy 7, 7 miles east of Eel River Station; Green Springs Camp and Rock Cabin Camp are trailhead camps and popular jumping off spots to the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness. Georges Valley and Soldier Ridge Camps are located at the northeast terminus of the Indian Dick Road. (M-1); both camps are at trail heads accessing the wilderness. ## Recreation The diverse geography of this forest offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, backpacking, boating (no motors), fishing, hunting, nature study, photography, and off-highway vehicle travel. The Mendocino National Forest supports an extensive resident trout fishery as well as salmon and warm-water fisheries. Rainbow trout are found in over 300 miles of streams and 2,000 acres of lakes and ponds. The varied terrain of the Mendocino provides endless challenges for mountain bikers. Wilderness areas are one of the few places in the Forest where bicycles are not permitted. Mendocino National Forest offers one of the finest opportunities for OHV recreationists in Northern California, with designated routes and facilities. Free OHV maps are available at the Covelo Ranger station.

Fort Bragg

The Smallest Big City on the Mendocino Coast

Originally established as a military garrison overseeing the Mendocino Indian Reservation in 1857, by 1869 small lumber mills and ranches had become the area’s dominant features. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906, which leveled much of Fort Bragg, also brought prosperity to the town in its wake, as its mills provided much of the lumber used to rebuild San Francisco. Today, Fort Bragg is the largest city on the Mendocino Coast. Much of Fort Bragg’s history can be viewed at the Guest House Museum, located on the corner of Main (Hwy 1) and Laurel Streets. Built for the Fort Bragg Redwood Company in the 19th Pudding Creek Trestle, photo by Gregg Gardiner Century, the building later became the Union Lumber Company guest house and now houses artifacts, photos and exhibits from the town’s early days. Noyo Harbor, on the south end of town, is a working port with a commercial fishing fleet, charter boats, fish markets and processing plants, as well as several seafood restaurants. The harbor is also a haven for local seals and sea lions.

Hopland

Olive Oil, Wine & More Wine

Although only a few blocks long, the town of Hopland packs a lot into its short length. Its primary attraction, however, is a host of great winery tasting rooms, with more just outside of town. Hopland’s focus is wine, boasting the area’s top-awarded wineries. It is home to 18 wineries, and there are eight tasting rooms in downtown Hopland alone, with more along Old River Road and Hwy 101. You can also sample organic olive oils and wildflower honey. Local wines can be paired with delicious food made from the freshest, local ingredients. Visitors can share tapas-sized small plates or tasty pizzas and farm-to-table salads, or for that matter sample Mexican food from a taco truck. Some local hotspots will waive the corkage fees on any wine bottle purchased from a Hopland wine tasting room. Several Hopland area winery tasting rooms offer special complementary food and wine pairings. Wineries in the greater Hopland area hold two great gatherings for wine and food lovers each year, a spring and a fall Hopland Passport event

Humboldt County

Legendary and Unforgettable

Humboldt County is a haven for travelers and residents alike. It boasts half of all remaining old growth redwoods, including the world’s tallest trees, 160 miles of unspoiled beaches, many of them along the fabled Lost Coast, and bustling seaports, quaint farming communities and historic fishing villages. Everywhere in the county, travelers will find exceptional accommodations, fine restaurants, a multitude of shopping opportunities and numerous campgrounds. The county is situated on the Northern California coast and begins about 50 miles south of the Oregon border. The largest towns are adjacent to Hwy 101. The southern end of the county lies about 200 miles north of San Francisco. Humboldt County has a variety of climates and terrain. Coastal Humboldt is wild, mostly rocky, and cool in the summer. Inland, Humboldt has small communities that get quite warm in the summer. Many sit next to scenic rivers such as the Eel, Trinity and Klamath. In northern Humboldt, Orick is the gateway to Redwood National Park, home of many of the world’s tallest trees. Many notable redwoods grow along the Newton B. Drury Parkway, a short stretch of old Hwy 101. Twenty miles south of the park is the fishing village of Trinidad, which overlooks a beautiful sheltered harbor. Another 10 miles further south along Hwy 101, McKinleyville has the California Redwood Coast - Humboldt County Airport, the county’s only commercial airport. A few miles south of there is Arcata, home to Humboldt State University and a unique marsh and wildlife area that serves as a natural wastewater treatment system. Arcata is a vibrant university town, with many businesses clustered around its historic central plaza. East of Arcata along Hwy 299 is the charming, sunny town of Blue Lake, home of the Blue Lake Rancheria Indian tribe. Curiously enough, there is no lake in Blue Lake. Further east is Willow Creek, known for outdoor recreation along the Trinity River, including whitewater rafting, and the site of many purported Bigfoot sightings. Eight miles south of Arcata is the Victorian seaport of Eureka. It’s situated on Humboldt Bay, which offers kayaking, fishing and wildlife-watching. There are harbor tours aboard the M.V. Madaket, and the Woodley Island Marina is a great spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfront. Eureka is the county seat and contains many fine examples of Victorian architecture, particularly along the waterfront in Old Town. Most noteworthy of these is the ornate Carson Mansion, perhaps the most photographed Victorian in the United States. Eureka’s population of nearly 28,000 makes it the largest coastal city between San Francisco and the Oregon border. Eureka has many excellent restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and lodging facilities. The city is also known for its large and active arts community. In fact, Humboldt County has the distinction of having more artists per capita than any other of the state’s 58 counties. Further south and 5 miles west of Hwy 101 is the Victorian village of Ferndale. The entire downtown has been named a State Historical Landmark (No. 883) because of its outstanding preservation of its buildings. Eight miles east of Ferndale is the sunny inland town of Fortuna, known as the Friendly City. Right along Hwy 101, it has many newer hotels and an attractive community lodge overlooking the Eel River. East of Fortuna along State Hwy 36 is Grizzly Creek State Park, a favorite for hiking, camping and summer sun. South of Fortuna on Hwy 101 is Scotia, a historic lumber mill town just recently transitioned from “company town” to independent community. In southern Humboldt, Hwy 101 and nearby roads pass near some of the finest specimens of old-growth redwoods in the world. From Redcrest south to Phillipsville, motorists can detour along the renowned Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of two-lane road that parallels Hwy 101 and winds through stands of huge redwoods along the Eel River. Humboldt Redwoods State Park, located along the Avenue of the Giants, covers more than 51,000 acres. The park includes the Rockefeller Forest, the largest single stand of virgin redwoods. After leaving the avenue, the traveler will once again be on Hwy 101. A jaunt west on side roads that exit Hwy 101 will lead travelers to the King Range National Conservation Area and the legendary Lost Coast. This adventure leads to several colorful hamlets and ultimately the picturesque resort town of Shelter Cove. Near the southern county line, 9 miles south of Garberville, Richardson Grove State Park is a magnificent 2,000 acres of redwoods. The state acquired the area in the early 1920s, making it one of the oldest state parks in California.

Laytonville & Leggett

South of the Redwood Curtain

## Laytonville Named after Frank B. Layton, a blacksmith who settled there in 1875, Laytonville sits at 1,670 feet above sea level, giving it the highest elevation of any town along Hwy 101 in Mendocino County. Small yet lively, it is a federally designated Frontier Community and has a warm and friendly “Old West” feel to it. Home to the “Best Lil’ Rodeo Around,” the area also hosts the annual Kate Wolf Music Festival at a ranch 5 miles north of town. At one time a center of both the logging and ranching industries, today Laytonville’s economy relies primarily on service occupations and educational, community service and arts employment, along with some remaining ranching and agriculture. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, dramatic redwood forests and rich prairie land graced with beautiful, gnarled valley oaks and canyon live oaks dripping California Spanish moss, this is a sleepy little hideaway where the frantic pace of modern city life gives way to the measured cadences of nature. ## Leggett Approximately 25 miles north of Laytonville is the town of Leggett, located at the junction of Hwy 101 and Hwy 1. The former logging town attracts campers and travelers during the summer months, and hordes of fishermen when the salmon swim upstream to spawn in the late fall. The population of Leggett fluctuates between 350 and 500 depending on the season. Summer temperatures can hover in the 90s, but the Eel River is always nearby for cooling off. Piercy, about 9 miles northwest of Leggett and located on the South Fork of the Eel River, is an unincorporated area immediately below the MendocinoHumboldt County line.

Mendocino, Little River & Albion

Small Town, Big Luxury

## Mendocino Village A trip to Northern California would not be complete without a stop in the quaint, charming Village of Mendocino. This historic town, which sits on rugged bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, features dozens of shops, art galleries and bed-and-breakfast inns, and is host to a number of special events every year. These include the Mendocino Whale Festival in March and the Mendocino Music Festival in July. The beauty of the town is what first impresses visitors. The New England-style architecture is the influence of homesick pioneers who “came ’round the horn” in the mid-19th century to be a part of the town’s lumber boom resulting from the Gold Rush. San Francisco was a booming city in need of building materials, and harvesting the coastal redwoods abundant around Mendocino provided a source of prosperity for people in the small town. Then after the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, timber from the Mendocino area was shipped south to help rebuild the city. The area’s history is evident in its buildings, and the town of Mendocino has been designated a National Historic Preservation District. Visitors will be delighted in and around this picturesque town. The area offers deep-sea fishing, whale-watching, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Trails lead from the headlands down to beaches where visitors can search for seashells or explore the numerous tide pools. However, beachcombers and hikers should always keep an eye on the ocean. Large “sneaker waves” are common, and can sweep unsuspecting hikers off the rocks and out to sea. The Mendocino Hotel on Main Street is an attractive inn that was built in 1878. It still serves the same function today that it did more than 100 years ago, and its rooms are furnished with antiques, fireplaces and historic memorabilia. The Kelley House Museum on Albion Street is another historic building popular with visitors. Built in 1861, the Kelley House has period artifacts and photographs, as well as a lovely pond and gardens. ## Little River Little River began life as a mill town. Its first lumber mill was built in 1864, and next to it arose the shipyard of Thomas Peterson, whose vessels won prizes for their design and craftsmanship, including first prize in San Francisco at the Fourth of July Regatta in 1876. On average, three prime trees were used to build each ship. The mill closed in 1893, then burned down in 1910. Little River Cove offers one of the most popular beaches on the Mendocino Coast. The protected cove is a great place for water recreation. The cove is also near the entrance to Van Damme State Park, one of the coasts most-loved parks. It offers beautiful hiking trails in the lush Fern Canyon trail system along the fern-carpeted floors of the Little River Canyon. You will feel like a giant in the Pygmy Forest with its mature cypress and pine trees that grow between 6 inches and 8 feet tall, or you might decide to follow your nose to skunk cabbage at the Cabbage Patch bog. Van Damme offers several camping options and year-round guided coastal kayak tours. ## Albion In 1853 Captain W.A. Richardson built the first lumber mill in the town of Albion, on the river flats below the high wooden trestle bridge that spans the Albion River. Albion, an ancient name for England, was chosen for the town in memory of Sir Francis Drake landing in Northern California in 1579 and naming it “New Albion.” Today the town features restaurants, lodging, a fully equipped grocery store and deli, and other amenities for the traveler. The area around Albion is rich with sheltered coves that are excellent for tide-pooling, hiking and exploring. Albion Ridge Road, which travels east of Hwy 1, affords the traveler panoramic views of the area’s rolling hills as they slope down to the ocean. It is an excellent place to watch red-tailed hawks, and in winter, the migratory tundra swans on their way to the Garcia River, south of Albion.

Mendocino’s South Coast – Gualala, Point Arena, Manchester Beach, Anchor Bay & Elk

Beaches & the Mendocino Banana Belt

Gualala sits at the dramatic convergence of rolling coastal hills, the Pacific Ocean and the Gualala River. The southern coastal gateway to Mendocino County, Gualala is a delightful resort area and a favorite whalewatching spot. Its name comes from the Pomo Indian name for the river, “ah kha wa la lee,” which means “where the water flows down.” People from out of town usually call it GWAla-la, but locals pronounce it wa-LA-la. Once a logging town, Gualala’s primary economic activity is now tourism. It also serves as a commercial center for the surrounding area. Gualala is an ideal spot for viewing the elusive “green flash” that can sometimes be seen for a second or two as the sun sinks into the ocean. Mendocino’s “banana belt” stretches south from Anchor Bay through Gualala and down to Sea Ranch, just across the county line in Sonoma County. Visitors to this area often enjoy warm and sunny weather while the rest of the coast is shrouded in chilly fog. The warmer weather and more frequent sunshine can be attributed to Point Arena: the protrusion of land into the ocean there, less than 20 miles north of Gualala, provides both fog-break and protective shelter for the coastline to the south. Located on the coast of southern Mendocino County about 130 miles north of San Francisco, Point Arena is one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state of California, with a population under 500, and also one of the most beautiful. Surrounded by the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, a unit of the California National Coastal Monument; the Point Arena Lighthouse, the tallest on the West Coast of the United States; and the Point Arena Public Fishing Pier in Point Arena Cove, the city and its surrounding area offer incredible natural beauty and a wide range of recreational activities. These latter include fishing, surfing, tide-pooling, whale-watching, sightseeing, fine dining and lodging, enjoying music and film, and taking jaunts to well-preserved historical structures. The Point itself is a land mass jutting out into the ocean, and the spot closest to Hawaii in the contiguous 48 states. For food, fun and live entertainment on the Mendocino Coast, the Garcia River Casino is a short scenic drive on Windy Hollow Road in Point Arena. As you travel north from Gualala, you’ll find the beautiful and secluded village of Anchor Bay. It has a rich and colorful history. Prior to the mid-19th century, the Pomo Indians were the only inhabitants of the area. Settlers began trickling in after 1844, when the Mexican government made a large land grant to a man named Rafael Garcia. Garcia brought in cattle, and the area became used for ranching. Loggers came to the area in 1870, and a wharf was constructed and used for lumber products, fishing and occasionally rum-running during the Prohibition days. Today, visitors enjoy Anchor Bay for its privacy and pristine beaches. Services available in Anchor Bay include a small shopping village, restaurants, lodging and a campground nestled amid redwoods and ferns. Anchor Bay offers relaxation, natural beauty and a peaceful, tranquil environment for spending vacation time along Mendocino’s South Coast. The Village of Elk, previously known as Greenwood, is a charming stop along the Northern California Coast. In this little town you’ll encounter stunning views of the shoreline and Pacific Ocean in a mesmerizing meeting of land, sea and sky, punctuated by waves breaking against picturesque off-shore rock formations known as sea stacks. On a coast celebrated for its scenic beauty, Elk is truly exceptional. In the 1800s trappers and hunters found their way to the area in search of game. Britton Greenwood, the son of the noted tracker-explorer Caleb Greenwood, was the first to establish a ranch there, which he named the Elk Ranch. A community grew up around the ranches and dairy farms, and soon small mills were established to process the spectacular old-growth redwood. In 1883 local businessman Lorenzo White purchased most of the land around Elk, establishing a large mill and building a railroad to support it. At one point Elk supported a population of almost 1,000. At the turn of the century Elk was alive with hotels, dance halls, saloons and general stores. Probably because of its vibrancy, Jack London found Elk a perfect place to write. According to local legend, in February of 1902 he wrote his masterpiece, The Call of the Wild, while staying in the old White boarding house, today known as the Hospital House, across from Li Foo Gulch. This claim has been questioned. Manchester is a beautiful, tiny village with a population of about 200. Situated in an area of rich grazing land about 13 miles south of Elk, flocks of sheep and herds of cattle can be seen, adding a pastoral note to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Nearby Manchester Beach State Park offers a beach, sand dunes, flat grasslands and 5 miles of shoreline. Manchester State Park, with nearly 18,000 feet of ocean shoreline, offers a beach with an abundance of driftwood, sand dunes and rich grasslands. A beautiful sandy beach runs southward for about 5 miles towards Point Arena. Among its many attractions is the excellent steelhead fishing in its two streams, Brush Creek and Alder Creek. Please check with the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 530-225-2300 for seasonal closures and restrictions.

Ukiah

Hot Springs, Public Art, and All Things Outdoors

Ukiah is the Mendocino County seat and its largest city. First settled about 5,000 years ago, people of European descent began to arrive there around 1845. It took the arrival of the railroad in 1889, however, for Ukiah to begin to really grow. Now its population is approximately 16,000, while that of the greater Ukiah area numbers about 35,000. Framed in a deep mountain valley (its name is derived from the word “yokayo,” which means either “deep valley” or “south valley” in the Pomo Indian language), Ukiah is a beautiful destination that combines a wealth of natural resources with an independent character. Off the beaten path, Ukiah’s unique setting, spirit and people inspire you to explore further. For those seeking to escape urban angst and experience life in a more relaxed environment, Ukiah offers a getaway rich with activity, creativity and small town charm. With countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, good food and drink, year-round events and cultural attractions, Ukiah has something for everyone. And, unlike any city named anything else, its name spelled backwards is “haiku.”

Westport

All About the Beach

The beautiful, laid-back village of Westport perches on bluffs 80 feet above sea level, approximately 28 miles west of Hwy 101 and 13 miles north of Fort Bragg. During the redwood lumber boom, for a while it was the fastest growing coastal town north of San Francisco. It served as a busy commercial shipping harbor, with two massive wharves loading lumber as well as wool, oats, tanbark, shingles and railroad ties into schooners bound for San Francisco. At its peak Westport boasted 14 saloons. Just south of Westport were two other bustling lumber towns, Newport and Kibesillah. They only existed for about 40 years, from 1867 to the early 1900s. During their heyday it was hard to imagine that their future would be anything but bright, but in the long run their harbors proved too difficult and dangerous to be viable. The beginning of the end for them came in 1885, when lumber operations moved to Fort Bragg. Today not even a ghost town remains to mark where they once stood. These days, residents settle in the Westport area seeking a strong sense of community and an escape from the harried pace of city life. Visitors find a charming windswept seaside village with a bluff-top park suitable for picnics, volleyball games and weddings, where a bustling shipping yard once sat.

Willits

Explore the Heart of the Redwoods

Willits, the third largest town in Mendocino County, is located on Hwy 101, approximately 22 miles north of Ukiah. Willits calls itself “Heart of Mendocino County — Gateway to the Redwoods” and was incorporated in 1888. In 1911, tracks were extended from the California Western Railway’s Skunk Train to reach Willits. The former logging train no longer connects Willits with Fort Bragg (on the coast), but remains a favorite attraction for visitors to both cities. Willits features excellent retail stores, restaurants, dispensaries, lodging, business and service establishments. Most of the businesses line Main Street, but a few can be found on quiet side streets. The town itself is set amid the beautiful rolling hills and forests of central Mendocino County.

Mendocino County

Your Guide to Activities, Lodging, Dining, Shopping & More