Jug Handle State Reserve, Mendocino

Had a great time at Jug Handle. This preserve offers a variety of ways to explore nature such as coastal bluff trails, a beach and a forest trail to a pygmy forest. The beach and coastal trails are very nice but my favorite part was definitely the Ecological Staircase Trail which meanders through 2.5 miles of forest where you can experience the majestic redwoods, spectacular mushrooms that don't seem real and the pygmy forest where old growth trees are stunted due to the acidic soil. I spent about 2 hours on the trail, taking my time on the way out to stop at all of the numbered markers and explore the pygmy forest. The hike is pretty easy as I did it with just two water bottles and some running shoes. I suggest downloading the trail guide to your phone or printing it out as there weren't any available at the parking lot. Had no issues with mosquitoes since I went in December. Overall a very nice experience and I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area.

Had a great time here! The ecological staircase is an easy and nice trail with redwood forests, pygmy forests, and riparian habitats. Well worth it!