Fort Ross

Understand

The fort is in a remote area with little food or services. There is no cell phone service in this region.

History

Fort Ross was a Russian fur trade outpost in what is now Sonoma County, California. It was established by the Russian-American Company in 1812 and sold to John Sutter in 1841, owing to the depletion of the local population of fur-bearing marine mammals, and to the decreased strategic importance of a supply base for Russia's Alaskan colonies following the Convention of February 28, 1825 with the British. It was the southernmost outpost of a Russian presence in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The fort and the surrounding settlement was home to Russians, Aleut hunters in their employment, and native Kashia Pomo. This unique site has been the subject of intensive archaeological investigation. It is designated a National Historic Landmark. It has also been significantly reconstructed over the years, due to its wooden construction and damage from earthquakes.

Landscape

The fort is on a small peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. The edge of the peninsula forms a large bluff (20 m) that can make it somewhat difficult to gain access to the beaches. Large coastal mountains covered in a thick forest tower over the park.

Flora and fauna

There is a wealth of wildlife activity in the region, particularly on the isolated beaches that run below the bluff. Sea otters, sea lions and many impressive sea birds are abundant in the area. Whales are also known to migrate along the coast.

Much of the beaches are covered in large piles of kelp (seaweed) with the occasional tide pool near by. It makes for a great place to explore for wildlife but not great for beach swimming.

Climate

Warm in summer, rainy and foggy (and occasionally sunny) in winter. Fort Ross is often foggy earlier in the day, so you may prefer to be there a little later in the day. Dress in layers, and if you are planning on swimming, expect the Pacific Ocean to be cold.

Get in

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.

Fees and permits

A day-use vehicle permit costs $8.

Get around

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.