The Mendocino National Forest was such a calm escape. The scenery is beautiful in a way that feels more “real nature” than a typical tourist spot—you get that quiet, fresh-air feeling as soon as you start walking around.
It’s great if you like being outdoors, and there’s enough variety that you can do a short walk or spend more time exploring depending on your mood. Sometimes trails can get busy, but it still feels peaceful overall.
Absolutely beautiful scenery. This time of year the leaves are changing color and temps are perfect! Definitely a must check out. Anthony’s Peak has gorgeous views.
Mendocino is such a beautiful place to go. Keep in mind that it is often closed to camping so check the website to confirm that you can camp. I would highly recommend day trips to here with friends if you are from SF. This can be a great spot to see some redwoods without going hella far. 8.3/10
Mendocino National Forest is a nice large natural area that I would consider to be rural. Reaching the central area of the forest is a journey in itself due to its isolation and 90% or more of the roads in the forest boundary are dirt. Could easily spend a few days here exploring all the dirt roads and landscape, but not to many unique features or trails available in the forest for hiking, definitely plenty for the off road enthusiast and overland campers.
This is all along Highway 36 from red Bluff over to the coast. It’s about 130 miles and you cannot really drive very fast, but that’s probably a good thing. It’s a beautiful drive with lots of great turnouts and places to explore. If you’re not in a hurry this is a great drive… Especially on a motorcycle.
Evelyn Lee
The Mendocino National Forest was such a calm escape. The scenery is beautiful in a way that feels more “real nature” than a typical tourist spot—you get that quiet, fresh-air feeling as soon as you start walking around.
It’s great if you like being outdoors, and there’s enough variety that you can do a short walk or spend more time exploring depending on your mood. Sometimes trails can get busy, but it still feels peaceful overall.
Nate Boyce
Absolutely beautiful scenery. This time of year the leaves are changing color and temps are perfect! Definitely a must check out. Anthony’s Peak has gorgeous views.
Asher Williamson
Mendocino is such a beautiful place to go. Keep in mind that it is often closed to camping so check the website to confirm that you can camp. I would highly recommend day trips to here with friends if you are from SF. This can be a great spot to see some redwoods without going hella far. 8.3/10
Brendan Kiely
Mendocino National Forest is a nice large natural area that I would consider to be rural. Reaching the central area of the forest is a journey in itself due to its isolation and 90% or more of the roads in the forest boundary are dirt. Could easily spend a few days here exploring all the dirt roads and landscape, but not to many unique features or trails available in the forest for hiking, definitely plenty for the off road enthusiast and overland campers.
John C.
This is all along Highway 36 from red Bluff over to the coast. It’s about 130 miles and you cannot really drive very fast, but that’s probably a good thing. It’s a beautiful drive with lots of great turnouts and places to explore. If you’re not in a hurry this is a great drive… Especially on a motorcycle.