Hiking

• We have a private loop trail on the property that goes up the hill and through the woods to the Enchanted Forest featuring stunning mountain and ocean views along the way to the redwoods.
  
  
• There is a 60-mile long wilderness that begins a couple of miles north of us, that is, the Sinkyone Wilderness known as The Lost Coast. Access to it begin 10.39 miles north of the ranch by taking a left at MILE POST 90.88 onto a 6-mile dirt road to Usal Beach, which is where there are trailheads. The journey is nothing short of spectacular.
  
  
• Jughandle Trail, an educational ecological staircase.
  
  
• There is the beach just a few hundred yards away via our private access path which provides 3+ miles of bluff just west of the ranch.
  
  
• Among the animals seen on the property have been bobcat, deer, fox, elk, mountain lion, whales, seals, sea lions, elephant seals, numerous birds, otter, coyote, porcupine, weasel and bear.
  
  
• Only a few miles north of us is the beautiful Redwood Forest, with picnic area, where you can stroll through old growth redwoods by a steam.
  
  
• East of the ranch is 7,500 acres of Nature Conservancy. The combination of trees, the Eel River and complete privacy is very sweet. Go south one mile to Branscomb Road, east 9.7-ish miles to Wilderness Lodge Road, turn left, go four more miles and the road ends in the Conservancy. Hike through the redwoods or swim in the Eel River. (Note: dogs aren’t permitted in this area).

NOTE: be sure to take water / food / supplies with you. We also have hiking books at the ranch. There are also many other excellent hiking spots on the Mendocino Coast and we will be happy to help you find your personal preference.

Dining

Just 3 miles south of us in Westport is a great Abalone Pub (707-964-3688) which offers an eclectic mix of California cuisine, as well as a deli counter / convenience store with sandwiches, munchies, picnic food, etc.

Further to the south of us in Fort Bragg are a number of restaurants, as well as in Mendocino where we're fortunate to have some of the finest restaurants in the world. You can go formal or casual, dress up or down, amidst a wide variety of dining experiences in the area: gourmet treats, a seaside platter on the pilings of the harbor, an organic or completely vegetarian entree, or an afternoon in a sports bar with great burgers and fries.

To the north of us, however, there are only trees for miles and miles (and miles!).

Here at the ranch, we feed you an ample breakfast. And while we do have some ideas for the future in terms of offering additional food, for now you'll need For the other meals in the day, we will try to help you find the dining experience that you desire.

Performances/Theatre

• Mendocino Theater Company
  mendocinotheatre.org
  (707) 937-4477
  
  
• Gloriana Opera Company
  gloriana.org
  707-964-7469
  
  
• The Footlighters Theatre
  (707) 964-3806
  
  
• Symphony of the Redwoods
  symphonyoftheredwoods.org
  (707) 964-0898
  
  
• Mendocino Music Festival
  mendocinomusic.org
  (707) 937-2044
  
  
• Coast Cinemas (five screens)
  thecoastcinemas.com
  (707) 964-2019

Nearby Shopping

In nearby Mendocino and Fort Bragg there are many quaint boutiques, galleries, shops, and bookstores featuring local crafts, gifts, clothes, antiques, and more.

Gardens & Art

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Mendocino Art Center

Wineries

Wine tasting can be experienced at Pacific Star Winery, which is the only coastal vineyard with a magnificent ocean view. You can also Indulge on the way to or from Howard Creek Ranch via Route 128 via the array of Anderson Valley Wineries.