the wandering chick
...the Sonoma coast
sonoma coast
where the river meets the ocean

Sonoma. It's a county with everything. The valley with its lush vineyards and picturesque towns, the lazy Russian River that makes its way to the ocean, the rugged coastal beaches, a grove of Redwood trees and, if you like the cities, Santa Rosa.

I spent most of my time along the coast, as the pictures reflect. But the whole county has a lot to offer for both tourists and locals.

A farmhouse along the Highway One just north of Bodega Bay. And, no, that cow in the foreground is NOT wearing a biker's helmet. She just has strange coloring.
coastal houses
coastal homes
rocky cliff
The rocky cliffs of the Sonoma coastline. And that's Grandma down below....or maybe it's Grandpa!
houses along the highway one
seagulls on rock
trail, Carlevaro Way
Highway One
There's never a loss for walking trails all along the Sonoma coast. This one is on an off road from the Highway One, on a street called Carlevaro Way.
Highway One
Along Highway One near Wrights Beach
silver grass
farm building
The Silver Grass seems symbolic of the Pacific coastline.
wind-blown trees
seagulls resting
Highway One at Jenner
residential homes just off the Highway One
This is Highway One near Jenner. Jenner is a small coastal town, and it's here that the Russian River that flows through the county empties into the Pacific Ocean. The area called Goat Rock Beach is a state park and offers beach access and great views of the Pacific and the Russian River.
Russian River meets Pacific
The meeting of the Russian River (foreground) and the Pacific Ocean (in fog).
the Russian River
the Russian River
Above and Right: The Russian River at Jenner before it empties into the ocean
Goat Rock Beach
In this photo you can see the merge of the river and ocean. The land on the left is a part of Goat Rock Beach.
Highway One at Jenner
The Russian River at Jenner
Goat Rock Beach
On Goat Rock Beach
pup sea lions
Sonoma coast
What at first I thought were just logs turned out to be pup sea lions. There is a protected habitat for them at the river and ocean merge.
Goat Rock Beach
Goat Rock Beach
Sonoma coast
Goat Rock Beach
My favorite spot along the Sonoma Coast was Duncan's Landing. At this time of year, the ice plant, or a variation of it, was a deep red and running wild across the whole landing. In spring it must have been even more spectacular. The next several pictures were taken along the cliffs of Duncan's Landing.
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
At Duncan's Landing looking north
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Duncan's Landing
Arch Rock
Portuguese Beach
Arch Rock can be seen from several beaches along the coast.
Looking north from the Portuguese Beach overlook
Schoolhouse Beach
Carmet Beach
Schoolhouse Beach
The next few shots were taken from the Carmet Beach parking lot.
Carmet Beach
Carmet Beach
ocean wave
ocean waves over rock
The ocean waves can be mesmerizing as they swell, then crash into rocks, leaving waterfalls in their wake.
Arch Rock Beach
Arch Rock Beach

Above: Looking inland from Arch Rock Beach

Left: From the Arch Rock Beach parking lot, looking south

The Russian River
The Russian River
Inland, almost from any town the Russian River is close by, offering lots of river activities such as canoeing and paddleboating. Locals go for the sunny, sandy beaches as well.
Historic Duncans Mills
On the Highway 116 between Jenner and Guerneville is this little shopping district called Historic Duncans Mills. It's whimsical and sweet, mostly souvenir and bougique-type shops, 21 of them (though not all were open). The food at the Cape Fear Cafe looked good, though I didn't eat there.
Duncans Mills
Duncans Mills

To view more California locations, please return to the California home page.

Also in Sonoma County is the Armstrong Redwoods State Park. If you've not seen those few pictures, they can be found at the California here and there page. Here's a link.

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