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

by Tom Kavanaugh

Haul Road Coastal Trail

Hike or bike the Haul Road Coastal Trail

The Haul Road Coastal trail connects the Coastal Trail and MacKerricher State Park to Ten Mile Dunes Preserve. This 6.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.  

 

 

Haul Road Coastal Trail


Fort Bragg, CA 95437

EXPLORE

by Melissa Holberton

Fort Bragg Coastal Trail

Hike or bike the Coastal Trail

The Coastal Trail is an 8 foot wide paved trail along the coast of the town of Fort Bragg, stretching North and South. Great for walking and biking and very family friendly. The trailhead and parking lot are located at the west end of Elm Street adjacent to Glass Beach. The trail winds through miles of carefully restored coastal bluffs that were hidden behind fences of the former mill site for a century. Trail is open dawn to dusk.

 

 

Fort Bragg Coastal Trail

Elm Street at Glass Beach
Fort Bragg, CA 95437

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by Melissa Holberton

Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

About midway between the towns of Mendocino and Fort Bragg is stunning Jug Handle Creek Beach. The beach impresses the visitor with a deep sandy cove, clear blue water and steep bluffs on both sides. The park is known for its hiking trail: the Ecological Staircase Trail which winds you through geological features and ends up at the Hans Jenny Pygmy Forest. Trails also explore the the headlands above the cove providing gorgeous views of the sea and coast.

 

HIKING

No TIDE POOLS

RESTROOMS

NO FIRES

PARKING

NO DOGS

by fortbraggmain

Lost Coast Trail

Really want off the beaten path?

For the extreme hiker/backpacker, who is a fan of steep terrain and lack of trail maintenance, head North about an hour and seek out the Lost Coast Trail.

Lost Coast Trail

Mendocino District
Office: 707 937-5804

Russian Gulch SP
Kiosk: 707 937-0497 (seasonal)

Explore

by fortbraggmain

Russian Gulch State Park

Take a hike!

Do some hiking in beautiful Russian Gulch State Park, a few miles south of town. For a moderate to difficult hike, take the Fern Canyon to Falls Loop Trail (6.3 miles and some major changes in elevation), featuring a 36 foot waterfall and wildflowers galore in spring and summer seasons. 

Russian Gulch State Park

Mendocino District
Office: 707 937-5804

Russian Gulch SP
Kiosk: 707 937-0497 (seasonal)

Explore

by fortbraggmain