Cycle along the river to the coast and enjoy a day at the rivers protected estuary at its mouth and stroll along its sandy beaches. Lunch is available at Jenner or as a rest stop before pedaling to Bodega Bay.

For the hardy and brave, there are roads that lead deep into the coastal mountains, they take you from the base of tall redwood stands where gentle streams mirror the giants above and as you climb, the vegetation begins to change. You’ll pass through groves of oak with Spanish moss hanging on their weathered limbs that shade the rural back roads. There’s plenty of spruce, pine and bay trees mixed in to scent the air around you. Once on top, a spectacular panoramic view of the region is at hand, you can see miles of forest in every direction from your eagle perch. Your path might take you pass a Buddhist monastery with gold domes and bright colored flags waving on their pinnacles. You might ride through reservations of Native Americans where there are no casinos or trinkets to buy but friendly people waving back at you with a smile.

Pedal your way through rhododendrons and coastal rain forests near Stewart’s Point where ferns sprout from the asphalt beneath you. You will see native bracken larger then most cars. It feels like your exploring Jurassic park and it’s easy to envision dinosaurs living here in this ancient and primitive land.

Along the coast where black volcanic monoliths jut from the coastal tide pools as the blue-gray Pacific Ocean beats against them, spraying white foam high in the air. Each hill brings another view, each valley another stream and a small-secluded beach. Stop at Fort Ross, and explore the history of the first Russian settlers in this area that trapped beaver and traded with Native Americans.

There is no place on earth where you can enjoy so many diverse environments in one day, even a petrified forest, geysers and ballooning, and at days end, a fantastic dinner of your choice. Stop at a family run Mexican restaurant and have, Siete Mares (Seven Seas) soup filled with delicate fish, crab, shrimp, mussel and octopus for less then ten dollars. Dine at the Applewood Inn, renowned for their innovative cooking. Each dish perfectly prepared. In Occidental, made famous from the days of logging, family style meals of Italian fare are piled high with tempting pastas and specialties to pass around the table.