Fort Ross

The most scenic way to get to Fort Ross from San Francisco is by driving up the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). You can also bike along the highway, though there are no separate lanes for bikes.

Bus service from Santa Rosa (Mendocino Transit Authority route 95) stops at the Fort Ross Store, about two miles north of the Fort Ross State Park.

A day-use vehicle permit costs $8.

Expect a bit of a walk. From the visitor center and parking lot down to the fort proper it is a quarter mile walk. To get down to the beaches expect about a 20- to 30-minute hike.

1 Old Russian fort. Tours of the fort are available in Russian and English.

Russian Burial Grounds

Russian Orthodox Church

Visitor center and museum – Cultural and historical information about the Russian, Alaskan, and Kashaya people who lived and traded in northern California.

Whales

Sea Otters

Sea Lions

Hike at the park or along the beach. In the park, you can walk around the old fort and along miles of trails to the old cemetery and orchard. Some trails are challenging for people with mobility limitations, and all of them can be wet and windy.

Cultural Heritage Day – last Saturday in July every year, 10AM-5PM. The fort comes alive with costumed re-enactors. This is a fun way to see the fort as it was in its heyday.

Fishing and shellfishing (check warnings about seasonal marine biotoxins first).

Scuba diving. The S.S. Pomona wrecked nearby.

Stillwater Cove Regional Park is five miles north of Fort Ross. On hot summer days, Canyon Trail (a 1.6-mile loop, from the parking lot) is an excellent choice for a shady walk.

There is a souvenir shop at the visitor center where you can get some great Russian memorabilia, such as post cards with a historical California/Russia post card.

The fort does not sell food, so be sure to pack a lunch or expect to drive out of the park to a restaurant or local store to get some food. The nearest food is at the 150-year-old Fort Ross Store, which is located two miles north of the park and which sells everything you need for a picnic. There are picnic tables and wheelchair-accessible restrooms in the park.

Fort Ross Store, 20706 Highway 1, Jenner. (updated Mar 2021)

Fort Ross Vineyard & Winery, 15725 Meyers Grade Road, Jenner, ☏ +1 707 847-3460. Reservations required for the 90-minute wine-tasting.. (updated Oct 2021)

There are motels about a half mile drive further up Highway 1. You can also just camp in your car, although it is not recommended that you do this in the Fort Ross parking lot.

Fort Ross Lodge, 20705 Highway One, ☏ +1 707 847-3333.

Timber Cove Resort, 21780 North Coast Hwy 1, toll-free: +1 800-987-8319. About three miles north of Fort Ross, this is a romantic oceanfront retreat with a lovely restaurant. They allow pet dogs. Has an excellent restaurant menu; the room is made of timbers and stone, and cats lurk peacefully underfoot in the bar area. (updated Oct 2021)