Recently, while camping at Van Damme State Park just outside of Mendocino, I made a stop by the Point Cabrillo Light House State Historic Park (SHP).
The park is easy to find, as it’s just off of Highway 1, less than two miles down the road from Russian Gulch State Park.
You can actually take Point Cabrillo Road all the way to Russian Gulch.
Mendocino Headlands, Jughandle, Fort Brag, Glass Beach, Noyo Headlands, and Mackerricher State Park are all within fifteen miles up the road.
I had never seen this lighthouse before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I think I had the tall lighthouse from Point Reyes in mind.
The walk down to the lighthouse is either half a mile down a paved road from the parking lot, or a three quarter mile hike.
Obviously, I went both ways. The hiking trail was not very interesting. The paved road was actually more interesting, since it led to the museum and vacation rentals.
Unfortunately, since I arrived past 5pm, I was not able to see inside the museum. But, obviously, I could still see the lighthouse.
On the other side of the lighthouse, I saw one of the most beautiful coves I’ve ever seen. The entrance was tall, but narrow.
As a result, the water in the cove was calm. Two juvenile sea otters were playing in the sea kelp, purposely tangling themselves up, and then dramatically setting themselves free.
They looked like they were having a ton of fun, until one suddenly leaned upward, and looked straight at me.
It stared at me for a few seconds before diving deep under the kelp. Within seconds, the sibling followed. Once I backed away, I could see that they resumed playing.
I thought, they must be afraid of being hunted. I guess that makes sense, since they swim long distances, and some people do hunt them.
I honestly didn’t care too much about the lighthouse, but thought the walk down was worth it just to see the ocean and the coves.
The vacation rentals were really cute, and looked like they were bright and clean on the inside. It would be interesting to stay there.
Both cottages are two stories, and both are accessible. One has three bedrooms, while the other has four.
As a bonus, this park probably has the nicest bathrooms of any park in the area. They are clean, private, and spacious, and have soap and good electrical outlets.
Since this was less than a two mile walk, it was a quick trip. Most people would only need about an hour or less to check this out.
There is a fee to park at the lighthouse, but, if you are camping at any of the state parks nearby, it’s actually included in your day use fee. Just be sure that your registration slip is in your window.
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