Fort Ross State Historic Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Popular destination, arrive early for parking
Best: Weekdays before 10am
Overlooking a dramatic Sonoma Coast cove, Fort Ross preserves California's Russian heritage. From 1812 to 1841, Russian fur traders maintained this southernmost outpost of the Russian Empire. The reconstructed fort includes the original Russian Orthodox chapel, stockade walls, and commanding officer's quarters. Surrounding grasslands and coastal bluffs offer excellent hiking and whale watching. The underwater park protects kelp forests and abalone habitat. Living history programs bring the multicultural settlement to life.
* State park fees vary by park, season, and residency. Confirm current rates on the official website.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
Sonoma Coast State Park
Seventeen miles of dramatic Sonoma coastline with beaches, bluffs, and seal colony.
Why go: Similar coastal scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing experience
Around 10 miles away
