North Coast & Redwoods - Coastal California - page 529

Sights & Activities
Ten miles north of Willits, Hwy 162/Covelo Rd makes for a superb drive following the
route of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad along the Eel River and through the Mendo-
cino National Forest . The trip is only about 30 miles, but plan on taking at least an hour
on the winding road, passing exquisite river canyons and rolling hills. Eventually, you'll
reach Covelo , known for its unusual round valley.
Mendocino County Museum MUSEUM
( www.mendocinomuseum.org ; 400 E Commercial St; adult/child $4/1; 10am-4:30pm Wed-Sun)
Among the best community museums in this half of the state, this puts the lives of early
settlers in excellent historical context - much drawn from old letters - and there's an entire
1920s soda fountain and barber shop inside. You could spend an hour perusing Pomo and
Yuki basketry and artifacts, or reading about local scandals and countercultural move-
ments.
Outside, the Roots of Motive Power ( www.rootsofmotivepower.com ) exhibit occasion-
ally demonstrates steam logging and machinery.
Ridgewood Ranch HISTORIC SITE
( reservations 707-459-7910; www.seabiscuitheritage.com ; 16200 N Hwy 101; tours $20)
Willits' most famous resident was the horse Seabiscuit, which grew up here. Ninety-
minute tours operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (June to September) at 9:30am;
three-hour tours for eight or more people are available by reservation and there are other
events listed on the website. Reserve-in-advance, docent-led nature tours of the surround-
ing natural area are free.
Skunk Train HISTORIC TRAIN
( 866-866-1690, 707-964-6371; www.skunktrain.com ; adult/child $54/34)
The depot is on E Commercial St, three blocks east of Hwy 101. Trains run between Wil-
lits and Fort Bragg .
Jackson Demonstration State Forest HIKING