History

Fort Ross is a former 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, as well as 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 with the surrounding settlement was home to Russians, Aleut hunters in their employment, and native Kashia Pomo. This unique site has recently been the subject of intensive archaeological investigation. It is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Landscape

The fort is located on a small peninsula that juts out into the pacific ocean. The edge of the peninsula forms a large bluff (20 meters) 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. Dress in layers, if you are planning on swimming expect the pacific ocean to be cold.

Dining

The fort itself does not offer much in the way of food so be sure and pack a lunch or expect to drive out of the park to a restaurant or local store to get some food.

Lodging

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

Camping
Basic camping facilities are available (according to the state parks web site)

Back country
The coastal mountains that tower over the fort probably have some great hiking trails.

Links

California State Parks - Fort Ross 
History of Fort Ross 

Get in

The most scenic way to get to Fort Ross from San Francisco is by driving up the pacific coast highway (highway 1).

Fees/Permits

A Day use vehicle permit is $6.00.

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.

Attractions

 • Old Russian Fort
 • Russian Burial Grounds
 • Russian Orthodox Church
 • Visitor Center (nicely done)
 • Whales
 • Sea Otters
 • Sea Lions

Activities

Hike along the beach.

Shopping

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.