This is the Great Runs guide to the best running on the North California Coast. It covers coastal communities in the 200+ mile stretch from Mendocino to Crescent City. This is a more rugged and less populated area of California, featuring crashing surf, fog, and enormous California redwoods. The emphasis is on scenic coastal runs, plus some routes inland among the famous California redwoods.
Working our way from south to north, there’s a lovely coastal bluff run and a trail along the Big River in Mendocino. There’s more scenic running on coastal headlands at Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, and in the Fort Bragg area along the Noyo Headlands and in Mackerricher State Park. For easy & scenic waterfront running, there’s a lovely route in Eureka, and two great options in Crescent City. There are also some fantastic beaches for running in this area, notably Ten Mile Beach and Crescent Beach. We’ve also researched some of the most scenic running among the redwoods in Humboldt Redwoods State Park and in the four parks comprising the Redwood National & State Parks system, including Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park & Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
Notes: Runners should be prepared for the unique weather in this geography. Generally it stays cool at the coast, in the 60s and 70sF in summer. Winters can be quite rainy. Also, fog is a possibility at any time…and difficult to predict! Also, some of the redwoods trails are closed or not accessible in winter.
