Jackson Demonstration State Forest

Fort Bragg’s beautiful, mountainous backyard, Jackson Demonstration State Forest spans 48,652 acres due east of town. Demonstration forests are managed by CAL FIRE as living laboratories for how to care for California’s timberland. Of the 14 demonstration forests, Jackson is the largest, with a mission to provide research on forest management best practices, along with recreation – from camping, hiking, biking and horseback riding to swimming, mushroom collecting, hunting and picnicking.


Forest Stats:


Established:

1949


Area:

48,652 acres


Elevation:

80 - 2,200 ft


Temperature:

Max: 100 F
Min: 25 F


NOTABLE TRAILS


Chamberlain Creek Demonstration Trail

0.79 miles of trail
Allowable uses are walking/hiking


Forest History Trail

3.71 miles of trail
Allowable uses are multiple


Trestle Trail

4.31 miles of trail
Allowable uses are multiple


MORE TRAILS

There’s Mountain Biking Gold In The Hills Above Fort Bragg


There’s Mountain Biking Gold
In The Hills Above Fort Bragg

– by Yuri Hauswald

Yuri Hauswald
When he’s not racing his bike or working his day job as Elite Athlete Manager for GU Energy Labs, Yuri spends much of his time seeking the path less traveled with his wife, Vanessa, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Kingston.

It’s not easy to get “lost” in California these days, but maybe that’s because we’re not trying hard enough. 164 miles north of San Francisco, and just south of the village of Westport, sits the town of Fort Bragg, perched on the rugged, remote Northern California coastline where little has changed since the area’s gigantic redwoods were just seedlings. Before European settlers, the area in and around Fort Bragg was home to one of North America’s most dense and diverse populations of native peoples, with Pomo being the largest native culture in the area. Today the town is experiencing a rebirth of sorts as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and for some very obvious reasons.

Though most folks might venture to Fort Bragg to visit Glass Beach, to hike MacKerricher State Park, to sample libations at one of several breweries in town, to kayak the coastal nooks and crannies of the North Coast, or to take a ride on the infamous Skunk Train through the majestic redwoods, the more intrepid and adventurous can seek out some two wheeled adventures in this coastal town because there are endless opportunities to explore this region by bike.

If you’re looking to get out on your mountain bike, you’ve struck it rich here, because there are over 200 miles of trails and secondary connecting roads that make the zone between Fort Bragg and the town of Mendocino a cyclist’s paradise. For the most part, the miles of single and doubletrack that stretch between the towns of Fort Bragg and Mendocino see little recreational use – and even less fanfare. One might assume that the locals want to keep this paradise to themselves, which spans the Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF), Woodlands State Park, and Big River State Park. But this is not the case. When I ask why more people don’t know about the riding in this area, the answer isn’t quite that simple. The fact is that part of what makes this area so incredible is the coming together of the local cycling community and the unique aspects of the Demonstration Forest.

When it comes to recent bike access success, what’s got long-time local, Roo Harris, most excited is, “the dialogue and cooperation that has picked up between JDSF management and the bike club – Mendocino Coast Cyclist. There are more trails planned for the future and a greater awareness of the extensiveness of the trails and the secondary connecting road system here.”

Let’s start with Jackson Demonstration Forest. Owned by CAL FIRE, it’s the largest of the 14 statewide demonstration forests, spanning 48,652 acres. As the name implies, it’s a place to demonstrate, and learn, and pass on important insights into forest ecosystems and management. But another key mission of the forest is recreation, and recently, CAL FIRE has been working with the local cycling community to make the forest, its gorgeous landscapes and miles of well-maintained trails more accessible – especially to responsible cyclists who understand the forest’s important role in preserving and promoting healthy forestry practices.

The other spectacular extreme in biking Fort Bragg is the easily accessible Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail, a ten-mile stretch of paved multi-use path that runs along the coast, just west of town, winding through  carefully restored coastal bluffs that were hidden behind fences of the former mill site for a century. And not too far off in the future, this scenic coastal path will become  part of the California Trail, eventually slated to run along the entire California coast from Mexico in the south to Oregon in the north.

What does the future hold for this biking paradise? Plenty. “This area is just in its infancy as far as really developing trails,” says  Harris. “The Fort Bragg business community and county politicians are very receptive to the idea of bringing more recreational users to this area and the number of trails and diversity is worth a visit. Ours is a unique riding area which happens to be in the largest state forest in California.”

Looking to immerse yourself in a unique cycling experience? Want to ride in a place that reminds you at every pedal stroke to find the beauty in the natural surroundings and, more importantly, that there are discoveries to be made when you get “lost” on a bike (preferably figuratively). If you want to unplug and challenge yourself with a two-wheeled journey, wander out to the North Coast and explore Fort Bragg.

Back to Biking the North Coast

Nor Coast Rodders Classic Car Show


Nor Coast Rodders Classic Car Show

Saturday, June 17, 2023 – Downtown Fort Bragg

Classic Car Show in the heart of downtown Fort Bragg

If you need an entry form or more information send an email to ncrodders@outlook.com or call Danny (707)964-6660 or Mike (707)964-8648. 

When: June 17, 2023

Where: Downtown Fort Bragg, CA

Nor Coast Rodders Classic Car Show

INQUIRE

Summer Kick-Off


Summer Kick-Off

Launch into the Summer Season with a fun party on the streets of Downtown Fort Bragg. Enjoy music by the Caspar Kings, a corn hole tournament, food trucks, plein-air painting, scavenger hunt and more.

  • Where: Laurel and Franklin Streets

  • When: Friday, June 2


Art In the Gardens


Art In the Gardens

Late summer is dahlia season, and that means Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens’ annual Art in the Gardens.  Mingle with more than 50 artists while enjoying live music, food and drink and, of course, dramatic summertime blooms. 
• Where: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens’
• When: August 5 and 6

Art In the Gardens

VISIT

Wednesday2

Fort Bragg Farmer’s Market

Wednesday2

Fort Bragg Farmer’s Market

There’s fresh local fruits, berries and veggies to free-range meats, eggs and wild-caught local seafood and more, along with baked goods cheeses, plants and flowers and so much more, even live music, hot food and fun for all.
• Where: Downtown at Laurel and Franklin Streets
• When: Wednesday, May – October 3:00 to 5:30 PM, Nov. – April 2:30 to 4:30 PM

Fort Bragg Farmer’s Market

VISIT

Noyo Harbor Fish Market


Noyo Harbor Fish Market

It doesn’t get any fresher. Join the Noyo Harbor Fish Markets for fishermen selling the catch, other vendors selling veggies, hot food, art, music, coffee and more.

  • Where: Grader Park, Corner of Basin and South Harbor Drive
  • When: Second Saturdays, June through October – Noon To 4:00

Noyo Harbor Fish Market

VISIT

Downtown First Fridays


Downtown First Fridays

Join your friends and neighbors in downtown Fort Bragg on the first Friday of every month for live music and fun activities for the whole family.

  • Where: Downtown Fort Bragg Business District

  • When: First Fridays of Each Month


Mendocino Film Festival


Mendocino Film Festival

Where: Coast Cinemas (and theaters throughout Mendocino County)
When: June 1-4, 2023

Not only is this year’s line-up loaded with thought-provoking, award-winning and independent films, The festival offers extraordinary hospitality, personal engagement with filmmakers, curated special events and parties in a stunning environment. Check #visitfortbragg social media for a chance to win free tickets to films and exclusive parties.

Mendocino Film Festival

Link: Information & Tickets

 

Mendocino Film Festival

MORE INFO