Sandwiched between the tiny village of Mendocino and the nearest big city, Fort Bragg (pop. 6,000), Jug Handle State Reserve is a short hike for the whole family. It covers 100,000 years of geological history in less than three miles (one way). It’s really an easy stroll that takes only about 45 minutes each way.
The reserve stretches along a strip of land roughly one mile wide, enclosing a set of five terraces resembling a staircase.
The Ecological Staircase Trail takes the visitor on a tour of the geological updrift from the coast to the Pygmy Forest. Few places on earth display a more complete record of ecological succession. No cost for admission.
