FORT ROSS

SONOMA COUNTY, CA - Many people know that the Russians at one point controlled Alaska, but few people know (outside the bay area anyway), that the Russians settled as far south as present day Sonoma County in the northern reaches of the San Francisco Bay Area.  Fort Ross was established as an agricultural outpost to help supply the larger Russian settlements in Alaska.

Today it's a California State Historic Park and a great place to learn about a lesser known part of California history. The park has some good quality exhibits and replicas of the structures that would have been there in Russian days. The Fort is on small bluff on the coast, between two deep revines.  A very defensible location and a location with sweeping views of the ocean. There are also some hiking trails along the coast near the fort.  It's about a 2 hour drive from from the Golden Gate Bridge, and would be great combined with a trip to Bodega Bay or wine tasting in Sonoma County.

At the time of this writing, the park is open on weekends, and there's a day use fee that was $8.00. The park also has a campground available for an additional fee. More information is available at the State Park's website.