Mendocino County is absolutely stunning during the crisp fall months. It’s best to layer up during this time because the mornings can get as chilly as 50 degrees while the afternoons might reach 80. This gives you the perfect opportunity to put on your cute and cozy fall sweaters for photo ops in front of beautiful scenery and is one of the best reasons to visit mendocino in September, October, and November.
If you only have a limited time in Mendocino, there are three activities you need to consider when you visit Mendocino.
Canoe Big River
Although I can swim, I’m still scared of the water. Some will say it’s an irrational fear, but it still doesn’t stop me from wanting to kayak, or canoe, or swim. If you are like me, you HAVE to try canoeing in the Big River with Catch a Canoe when you visit Mendocino. Here’s why:
Outrigger Canoe
The stars here are the handcrafted redwood outrigger canoes. Ultra stable, yet narrow and efficient, each one has an intuitive foot controlled rudder for ease of steering. Designed in house, and constructed by local artisan Bob Cummings from re-purposed redwood barns, these unique boats are only available here in Mendocino. Several configurations are available which can accommodate families and friends from 2 to 7 persons. The pet friendly Canine series are the only canoes worldwide that are designed for both humans and dogs. THIS is why I recommend this activity when you visit Mendocino because I felt SO stable canoeing, that I forgot about being scared on the water! It was an absolutely epic way to enjoy the outdoors and a great workout.
Big River Estuary
Nestled in a small cove on Big River Estuary, just before it flows into Mendocino Bay, is the adventure destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Established in 1982, Catch a Canoe and Bicycles Too offers ultra stable redwood outriggers, kayaks, canoe, SUP and bicycle rentals for anyone who wants to explore beautiful Big River and beyond. Pets are welcome.
Big River is a tidal estuary and a gentle class 1 waterway. You will see harbor seals, playful river otters and a variety of birds. Guided Tours aboard the 9 person Solar Wind Tribrid are offered daily during the summer months and feature wind and solar electric power for effortless cruising.
How to book
Before you visit Mendocino, make a booking by emailing Catch a Canoe, or visit their website to reserve a canoe. Their team will email you back with recommendations on the best time to be out on the river with respect to wind and the tide. Tip: Once you start out from the dock, going down the river is easy because of the wind/tide. But the way back can be tough due to the wind, so don’t get excited and go too far down the river unless you’re a strong rower! If you do go far, give yourself plenty of time to return within the time limit. I was in a two person canoe, once with my friend and second time with my husband and both times we had quite the workout on our way back.
Ride the Skunk Train to Glen Blair
This is one activity I highly recommend for all ages when you visit Mendocino. Not knowing what to expect, I boarded the famous Skunk train at 6:30pm on a Friday evening from Fort Bragg. The train takes you deep into the redwoods to a late-night watering hole called the Glen Blair Bar!
The train departs from the Fort Bragg depot where you can leave your car in the large parking lot. The train has an indoors and outdoors carriage so you can pick between standing outside or sitting inside. Tip: Stand in the outdoors carriage because then you are surrounded by the redwoods on your ride, and the smell of the trees and the gentle breeze is intoxicating. Wear layers!
The train runs most Friday nights and select Saturday nights beginning at 6:30pm, and journeys along Pudding Creek to The Glen. There you’ll find firepits, heaters, group games, live music, and a world-class bar offering up local beer and wine, and signature cocktails. This was SO fun! You can even purchase sandwiches and play jenga. Tip: You can return back anytime. The last train out from the bar is at 10pm.
How to book the train
To book this ride, click here. (Adults Recommended: $49.95 (21+ suggested) Limited Number of Dog Tickets Available (well-behaved dogs ONLY)).
Try the Pudding Creek Express for the same experience, without the bar. Leave from the station and travel to The Glen. Enjoy the beautiful redwoods, have a picnic, take a short walk through the forest; then re-board for a short trip back into Fort Bragg. Departure times vary, I recommend the morning/afternoon time slots for this ride.
To support the ongoing preservation and rehabilitation of the railroad, an 8 percent historic preservation fee will be added to each purchase.
View the calendar for availability here.
Ride the Railbikes on the Noyo
I discovered a new way to get outside and explore the Redwoods on this trip! Riding railbikes on the Noyo is such a beautiful experience. Imagine you’re on ebikes (electric powered) breezing along the world-famous Redwood route. This new excursion will take you 25 miles far off the beaten path along the meandering Noyo River and deep into old-growth redwood groves, on a section of track now reserved exclusively for the railbikes. To book, click here.
The journey
Park at the parking lot in the address given to you when you book this trip. Begin the day at the Sherwood Road property with a scenic hike down through the redwoods to the Noyo River and the east end of Tunnel #1. You’ll get acquainted with your bikes and guides, and get a to-go lunch box if you signed up for one that will include a sandwich, drink, chips and a fruit/cookie. Trips will be staggered by a few minutes so that you can enjoy the solitude of the route as you make your way 11 miles inland along the tranquil river. You’ll pass South Fork, Ranch, Redwood Lodge, Grove, and other historic stops, crossing over 12 wooden trestle bridges that offer stunning views of the river below. Pull into Camp Noyo and take an hour break, with a picnic and refreshments offered complimentary for your enjoyment. Take a swim in the river, relax, or stroll among the redwoods before setting off home.
How hard is it to bike through the redwoods?!
When I was going to visit Mendocino this time for this activity, I was warned this is a strenuous activity and here’s the truth: it’s really not. It’s a long day, yes. You’re there from 9:30 to almost 3:30pm. The hike down in the beginning is just for about 10-15 minutes (downhill) and then you’re biking with stops along the way. The bikes are e-bikes which means you are not really doing anything other than just …sitting and occasionally pedaling. The bulk of the time you’re enjoying the redwoods, reveling in the smell of the woodsy earth, enjoying the scenery, and breathing in the fresh air!
Mendocino Hotels
Little River Inn Mendocino
So now that you’ve booked these activities, where do you stay?! Look no further than Little River Inn, a home that was built in 1853 by Silas Coombs, and has remained in the family ever since. This is my second time staying with them and although I have experienced staying at two other properties around Mendocino, here’s why I recommend LIttle River Inn so strongly.
The Place
Imagine a quaint, charming inn facing the coast. That’s right, 60 ocean view rooms throughout the property is the big draw here. Each room has a balcony, fireplace and some rooms even have an outdoors soaking tub facing the ocean! Also you feel like you’re at an English countryside property here. The flowers out front are simply stunning and set the stage. Check in is seamless, and the restaurant is right next door. You’ll get ocean views if you sit at the bar for happy hour and there are two seats in the dining hall that also give you ocean views during dinner time. BUT, consider their patio seating out back. It’s romantic, heated, and the fairy lights just add to the ambience.
The Food
Food is surprisingly good and overall I found that Mendocino chefs are pretty creative. At Little River Inn, the cuisine is fresh American regional cuisine with a hint of Thai flavors. They also have a great brunch/lunch menu. Dinner includes dishes like Kale & Bean Ceasar, Peach & Heirloom Tomato, Thai inspired Rock Cod, Roasted Cauliflower with tikka masala sauce etc.
The Amenities
Tucked among the redwoods, Little River Inn’s Audubon-certified golf course is a major draw if you like golfing! It’s a great place for special events like a luxurious wedding perched on the sweeping bluffs of Mallory House, or an unbelievable corporate event in their well-appointed Abalone Hall would be pretty cool!
The Location
The inn is situated on the road to Mendocino town and it literally just 10 minutes away from the town and 4 minutes away from Catch a Canoe. The inn also gives you walking distance access to the Van Damme beach right below the inn. I thought staying away from Mendocino town may be a disadvantage but in many ways it’s great to get away from the town and have your own ocean view facing room with a soaking tub outside tucked amidst the Redwoods.
Conclusion
If you have more time to do a slightly longer stay when you visit Mendocino, check out my other more extensive blog on Mendocino that gives you 13 things to do in Mendocino including hiking some beautiful trails! Let me know if you’ve been to Mendocino or if you have any questions, looking forward to your comments!
