Coast Ranges – North

The coast ranges north of the Bay Area are much like their counterparts to the south. The main difference is that the mountains here grow taller and their slopes grow wetter as one moves north. The coastal population of this region is also much smaller and more spread out. Besides Eureka, there are no medium to large cities on the California coast north of San Francisco.

At one time a nearly unbroken redwood forest stretched from the Golden Gate north into Oregon. While many of the redwood groves have fallen to the axe, the legacy of the Redwood Empire lives on. The north coast has seen its share of booms and busts. As such, the region is characterized by a fierce individualism that straddles both sides of the political spectrum. But like many of the other more rural and remote sections of the state, the economy is often dependant on forces beyond local control.

The Pink Lady

The Pink Lady is a Victorian mansion in Eureka that was constructed in 1889 by lumber baron William Carson. Much of this town, as well as nearby Ferndale, showcases fine examples of Victorian architecture.

Point Arena

Small shore platforms created by wave action sit at the base of tilted sedimentary formations while a lighthouse rests on the marine terrace above.

Point Reyes

The lighthouse at Point Reyes was built in 1870. According to the National Park Service, Point Reyes is "the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent." Though you might not surmise that from this picture.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore preserves 71,028 acres on the Point Reyes peninsula. The park and peninsula are tectonically separated from the mainland of California by movements of the San Andreas Fault.

Dividing Line

San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge peek out in this view from the Marin Headlands. Heading south from the Golden Gate we transition to the southern coastal ranges. With each mile southward, the annual summer drought becomes progressively longer. The hills and fields stay golden brown for a longer period each year and become less densely vegetated. The opposite is true heading north from this point. But in either direction the change is gradual.

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