You don’t need a car to transport yourself plus a backpack or bicycle to Mendocino County’s most exhilarating places. Here are six day or weekend trips for hikers and bikers who want to maximize the scenic factor while minimizing their carbon footprints. MTA’s van-style buses have bike racks for two to three bicycles and room for several more inside. There is no extra charge (but do bring your own bungee cords). You’ll be surprised by how much local lore and history you can learn from your driver, so don’t hesitate to tell him or her where you’re headed.

North Coast Ride: MTA offers frequent trips to Fort Bragg from as far south as Santa Rosa (two round trips daily through Saturday, one on Sunday). Get off on Elm Street at Denny’s in Fort Bragg and ride north over the Pudding Creek trestle bridge. Follow easy paths for about 10 miles to McKerricher State Park and Ten Mile Beach where you can walk the beach for miles. It’s a gorgeous out-and-back trip with ocean views the whole way.

South Coast Ocean Hikes: Take the #95 MTA bus (schedule HERE) from Santa Rosa north to Gualala and camp in old growth redwoods at Gualala Point Regional Park or stay at one of several hotels in town. Trails from the campground lead to a broad beach and miles of trails south along ocean bluffs and hidden beaches in Sea Ranch. Next day, hop aboard the early #75 (schedule HERE) headed north to Point Arena, and tell your driver you want to get off at the Rollerville Cafe. Enjoy breakfast (they can pack you a lunch too), then find the trail across the street on the south side of Lighthouse Way that leads onto Stornetta National Monument public lands and miles of trails that follow coastal bluffs between the Point Arena Lighthouse and town. You can see whales offshore year round. Catch the 5pm bus back to Gualala. 

Hendy Woods: Hike the Redwoods. Take the MTA #75 bus from either Gualala or Ukiah to the hamlet of Philo in Anderson Valley, and ask your driver to unload you and your backpack at Hendy Woods State Park. Hendy Woods is home to enormous old-growth redwood trees and miles of pristine hiking trails that wander among them. You can camp overnight or — if you’re coming from the coast and returning there later in the afternoon — indulge in a day of hiking before catching the bus back.
RedwoodHikes-HendyWoods

Willits Backroads Adventure: This 24-mile ride is best suited for cross or mountain bikes because of several miles of gravel and a few springtime stream crossings. Experience gorgeous woods, vineyards and backcountry farmland with a thrilling downhill finale. Get more details HERE.

Ukiah’s Old River Road: This is one of the most scenic 30-mile out-and-back bike trips anywhere, with options for more miles and big hills. Take the MTA #65 or local #9 to the Pear Tree Shopping Center on East Perkins Street in Ukiah to begin. Ride east on East Perkins Street across the Hwy 101 overpass and turn right onto Oak Manor Road. Continue south onto Babcock Road and turn left onto Talmage. In a quarter mile, turn right onto Ruddick Cunningham Road and follow it through vineyards until it merges with Old River Road. Ride the mostly flat road all the way to Hopland where you can have a great lunch at the Golden Pig or ride back to Ukiah and choose a restaurant downtown. For longer, more challenging rides, either turn left at the roundabout just before Hopland and ride Route 175 toward Lakeport and some steep hills, or continue riding west past Hopland up the steep hills of Mountain House Road.

MORE INFO: Check out the MTA Bus schedule HERE or MAP to plan your adventure. 

Next Up: #2 – Spa Resorts

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If you’re headed from Hopland to Ukiah and you’re not in a hurry, and if you’d like to take in some Northern California countryside not often seen by visitors, here’s a 55-mile tour with stretches that range from the serene to the pulse-pounding. It’s perfect for experienced motorcyclists looking for a challenging ride, and it’s a treat for adventuresome motorists. There are twisting, turning mountain roads with spectacular scenery, gentle country roads and even a few miles of straight and rarely congested freeway.

From its T-junction at Hwy 101 in Hopland take Hwy 175 East, even though Ukiah is to the north. This is probably the most interesting leg of the journey, with the road closely hugging mountainsides in places, and sheer drop-offs to one side. Follow Hwy 175 about 18 miles to Hwy 29, just south of Lakeport. By the time you get there you will have crossed into Lake County and gained about 850 feet in elevation. Hwy 175 has some pretty steep grades and turns with limited visibility, so keep an eye out for oncoming drivers taking blind turns too quickly.

Turn north on Hwy 29 and follow it 11 miles to Hwy 20, just before the town of Upper Lake. Then turn west onto Hwy 20 and take it about 19 miles to Hwy 101. You’ll pass Lower Blue Lake and Blue Lakes, re-enter Mendocino County, and drive past Lake Mendocino. Once you’re on Hwy 101 it’s only 7 miles south to Ukiah.

A heads up: although you won’t have trouble finding fuel in Hopland, Lakeport, Upper Lake or Ukiah, there’s really nothing in the way of gas stations in between.

Next Up: #6 – Gualala Point Regional Park

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Located right off California Highway 1 just outside of Point Arena, the Garcia River Casino offers the latest and best in new and progressive slots, including top titles like Wheel of Fortune, Lightning Link, Buffalo Grand and Fort Knox. The River Grill serves Breakfast until 2pm, as well as tasty lunches, nightly dinner specials and tantalizing desserts.

Relax between games and watch your favorite sports event on their big screen TVs, and drop in on the First Thursday of every month at 7pm for Oldies Music & Trivia with The Casuals. Check the Garcia River Casino website for upcoming entertainment and special promotions. And don’t forget — seniors get 20% off at the Grill every Tuesday!

WHERE: 22215 Windy Hollow Rd., Point Arena.
MORE INFO: 707-467-5300, www.thegarciarivercasino.com

Next Up: #9 – Schooner Gulch State Beach & Bowling Ball Beach 

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In the mid-1850s, about a mile north of Elk, sat Cuffey’s Cove. Resident James Kennedy built and operated a wharf and a purpose-built chute to move railroad ties and shingles down the steep bluffs to be loaded onto schooners moored below. At its height, the town hosted nearly 500 residents and included hotels, bars, and restaurants, supported by abundant local timber and a beloved variety of locally-grown red potatoes. A large steam sawmill was built a few miles away in Greenwood (Elk) in the 1870s; then fires in 1886, 1892, and again in the early 1900s destroyed the business district. By the 1920s, Cuffey’s Cove had largely disappeared. All that remains now are two fenced-in cemeteries, one Catholic and the other Protestant, building foundations, a few remnants of the lumber chute, and some weathered cypresses acting as sentinels. The proper spelling of Cuffey is disputed, as are the origins of the name itself.

WHERE: Along Hwy 1 about a mile north of Elk, near the 35 mile marker post. Parking along Hwy 1 is limited, there is a pull-out just south of the cemetery, beyond the gate accessing the adjacent private property.

MORE INFO: MendoRailway:Cuffey’sCove

Next Up: #17 – Point Cabrillo Lighthouse & Preserve

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Touch a sea star, look through whale baleen, zoom in on migrating whales using high-powered telescopes, and walk next to a life-sized terra-form blue whale. Those are just a few of the things you can do when you follow the Fort Bragg Coastal trail to The Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center by the Noyo Center for Marine Science, located on the southern portion of the Coastal Trail with closest access through the Cypress Street entrance. Staffed by a dedicated group of volunteer ocean stewards, the Center is home to engaging, interactive, and dynamic exhibits telling the story of the Mendocino Coast and current state of the ocean. Become a “citizen scientist,” learn about ocean conservation, meet the intertidal creatures in the aquarium, and learn about marine life from the fully articulated marine mammal skeletons on display. Fun for all ages!

WHERE: South Fort Bragg Coastal Trail near the Cypress Street entrance.
OPEN: Open daily 11am Thurs. – Mon., closed Tues. – Wed. Call or go online for seasonal hours. Admission is free.
MORE INFO: 707-733-6696, NoyoCenter.org

Noyo Center for Marine Science – Downtown Discovery

Come meet the world’s largest killer whale skeleton at the Noyo Center for Marine Science’s Discovery Center, located in the heart of downtown Fort Bragg. This 26’ long orca skeleton is gracefully displayed in mid-dive, jaws wide open with massive teeth greeting all who enter. Learn his story, what he ate, how he died, and the incredible community-driven citizen science project he inspired in our local community. Be sure to check out the Ocean Immersion Dome, a 360-degree theater that allows visitors to go underwater without getting wet. Pick up souvenirs from the marine-themed eco-gift shop and catch a workshop or class in the OceanWorks MakerSpace, a community lab for exploring marine technology, art, and science (see schedule online). Come be a part of the Noyo Center’s mission to advance ocean conservation through education, exploration and experience. Fun for
all ages!

WHERE: 338 N. Main St., Fort Bragg
OPEN: Open daily 11am Thurs. – Mon., closed Tues. and Wed.
Call or go online for seasonal hours.
MORE INFO: 707-733-6696, NoyoCenter.org

Next Up: #38 – MacKerricher State Park

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There’s now an amazing new way to experience the Redwood Route — on the back of a custom-built railbike. These two-person railbikes sit securely on the track, allowing passengers to make their journey in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere unlike anything else found on a railway. These railbikes are quiet enough that it’s likely you’ll see a great collection of animals, including blue herons, osprey, egrets, deer, river otters, and more.

Travelers depart as part of a small group, with a trained guide overseeing everything and leading the way along the track. Since the track is owned and operated exclusively by the Skunk Train, they are able to guarantee no trains or other traffic along the route. The guide is there to help out should anything come up, but these bikes are incredibly easy to ride — perfect for all ages and skill levels.

They even come with an electric assist — ideal for taking a relaxing breather while still moving along the track, or for a little bit of extra oomph while you make yourself up the gentle grade on the return trip. The 7-mile trip isn’t too tiring, so the electric motor probably won’t be necessary for most people — but it can certainly provide a nice break along the way. The excursions are about an hour long, and currently depart only from Fort Bragg.

WHERE: (Depot) 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg
MORE INFO: 707-964-6371   |  RailBikesInfo

Next Up: #44 – Historic Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Depot

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The steam engine and the highly specialized logging railroad formed an integral part of the Mendocino coast’s rich history from the late 19th century through the 1930s. Though now long gone, they have not been forgotten. In a barn just behind the Skunk Train Depot in Fort Bragg, the Mendocino Coast Model Railroad and Historical Society has built a remarkable model logging railroad layout displaying miniature structures and equipment from logging operations that existed along the coast here in Mendocino County. The model is set in the 1900 to 1940 period, when steam was still king and diesel power was just entering the scene.

The layout is built in G (Garden) scale, meaning everything is approximately 1⁄24 of life size. There are about 1,800 feet of 2-1⁄4-inch wide track, with seven model trains usually running on them at the same time. There is an incline, a switchback, tunnels, a re-creation of the existing downtown Fort Bragg depot and an engine house. Three of the five trestle bridges that existed between downtown Fort Bragg and Ten Mile River have also been re-created, and the club plans to add the other two to the layout as well. There are even scale models of the Point Arena and Point Cabrillo lighthouses, the latter with a working Fresnel lens and foghorn.

The model railroad is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Admission is free with your Skunk Train ticket stub, or at nominal cost otherwise.

WHERE: Located right behind the Fort Bragg Skunk Train Depot at 100 W. Laurel St.
MORE INFO: Virtual Tour and Website and on Facebook

Next Up: #51 – Glass Beach Treasures

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Kyle Siler (aka Carlos Amigos) set his sights to building his own roadside attraction back in 2008. His artistic journey was well-rounded; he learned to weld and completed a pilgrimage to Wisconsin to view the art of Fred Smith, his inspiration. His goal was to put his small town on the map with a classic roadside attraction. Deciding on a whale them was easy, what better way to celebrate the annual migration visible from his yard? Built with his newly-acquired welding skills, several tons of concrete, and a dash of mosaic sculptures, Amigos slowly transformed his yard into a destination. True to the tradition of roadside attractions, the whale features bright colors, and it has a few special tricks, too. At the top of the hour between 10am and 3pm, the whale spouts water from its spout. The whale is supported by donations and the income generated by renting out the artist’s studio for overnight stays.

Where: 37060 Hwy 1, Westport
More Info: Stay overnight at the Whale or visit on Facebook

Next Up: #57 – Anderson Valley Wineries

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A gate of three arches located welcomes visitors to the City of 10,000 Buddhas. In the 1930s, this complex served as a state hospital and featured over seventy large buildings including 3 gymnasiums, a swimming pool, fire station, and incinerator with underground connections for electricity, water, and even air-conditioning. A severe drought in the 1970s forced a closure of the facility when all efforts to drill a well failed to find any water. After purchasing the facility, the Venerable Master Hua directed an effort to dig down more than 100 feet, and water was finally discovered. An elementary, secondary school and the Dharma Realm Buddhist University are now housed within the City. The Administration Building  registers and welcomes visitors, and features an exhibition room, museum, and book and gift shops. Of all the treasures of the City, the most memorable is the Jewelled Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which is where the assemblies of disciples gather to attend daily ceremonies. Although the hall was once an indoor basketball court, it now features a massive wooden Buddha with a thousand hands, and the walls are covered in compartments. These alcoves house 10,000 Buddhas, all created by Venerable Master Hua himself. Day visitors can enjoy the campus every day from 8am to 6pm; the restaurant 11:30am to 3:30pm every day except Tuesday; and the gift shop and bookstore on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 1-5pm.

WHERE: 2001 Talmage Rd., Ukiah
MORE INFO: 707-462-0939, www.cttbusa.org

Next Up: #70 – Corner Art Gallery/Art Center Ukiah

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Each October since 1992, this two-day event dominates the streets of downtown Ukiah. The festival features craft and food vendors, fine arts exhibits, live music, a haunted house, pet costume contests, a children’s carnival, the Deep Valley Brew & Wine Fest, and “Scarecrow City.” Those blessed with green thumbs can enter the giant pumpkin weigh-off, while those with culinary talent get a chance in the Pumpkin Baking Contest, and everyone gets to enjoy the parade.

VisitUkiah.com has more information on local events or to plan your visit.

WHERE: Downtown Ukiah
MORE INFO: Call the Visitor’s Center at 707-467-5766

Next Up: #72 – Grace Hudson Museum

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