People often arrive expecting redwoods on the beach. In fact this coast is exposed to salt wind, so most of the tall trees stand a few miles inland, in the river valleys. Much of the original forest was logged, which is why Fort Bragg exists, but second-growth redwoods are everywhere and some old groves survive.
Your choice depends on time. Rail trips bring the forest to you from downtown, while the state parks offer quieter walking.
What to see at Redwoods near Fort Bragg
Ride the rails
The Skunk Train and railbikes are the easiest way in from town, and the only ones you can book online here.
Russian Gulch State Park
Just north of Mendocino, Fern Canyon leads through second-growth redwoods to a waterfall of around 36 feet.
Hendy Woods State Park
In Anderson Valley on Highway 128, this park protects old-growth groves with easy loops. Combine it with the valley’s wineries on your way to or from the coast.
Navarro River Redwoods
Highway 128 runs for miles through a tunnel of redwoods as it follows the Navarro River to the sea.
Further north
Serious redwood fans can head up US-101 to the Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods State Park, a long day trip from Fort Bragg.
Getting to Redwoods near Fort Bragg
- Russian Gulch: about 20 minutes south of Fort Bragg.
- Hendy Woods: about an hour from Fort Bragg via Highways 1 and 128.
- Note: Highway 128 can flood near the coast in winter storms. Check Caltrans before you set out.
Tips before you go
- Forest trails stay damp and cool, so bring a layer.
- Cell service is patchy, so download maps first.
- Stay on trails around big trees, whose shallow roots are easily damaged.
Tours to pair with Redwoods near Fort Bragg
GetYourGuide has few products here. These pair well with a visit to Redwoods near Fort Bragg:
Railbike tour from $495 per group Mendocino County: Railbiking Tour Along the Noyo River
The most ambitious option here: half a day on the rails along the Noyo River, starting with a walk down through the redwoods. The listing mentions a lunch stop. Route details differ within the listing, so read it closely before you book.
- The longer railbike route
- Riverside rails deep in the redwoods
- A hike down through the forest to the river
Railbike tour from $265 per group Mendocino County: Pudding Creek Railbikes
Ride a small railbike up the old logging line along Pudding Creek, with a long stop among the redwoods at Glen Blair Junction. The price is per bike for up to two. Some reviewers find the riding time short for the price, so go for the setting.
- Pedal the rails through redwood forest
- Crosses wooden trestle bridges
- Layover of about 50 minutes at Glen Blair Junction
Train and bar from $55 From Fort Bragg: Redwoods Train Ride and Nightclub Ticket
A train from the depot takes you about 3.5 miles into the redwoods to a bar at Glen Blair Junction that can only be reached by rail. Check the listing for age limits and what the ticket includes.
- Train through redwood groves
- A bar in the forest reached only by train
- An evening out, not a sightseeing ride
Evening railbike tour from $349 per group Mendocino County: Moonlight Railbike Tour
An evening ride along the Pudding Creek estuary to a fire at Glen Blair Junction, returning in the dark. It has few reviews and they are mixed, with complaints about value, so we rank it last.
- Starts about 90 minutes before sunset
- Electric-assist bikes with LED lights
- Campfire stop at Glen Blair Junction
