Bed and Breakfast Ranch on the Northern California Coast

Howard Creek Ranch is alive with the rural splendor of sweeping ocean and mountain views, sixty acres of peace and beauty on the beach near the "Lost Coast," a 60-mile-long wilderness. The ranch was settled in 1867 as a land grant of thousands of acres and included a sheep and cattle ranch and a blacksmith shop. Horses, cows, sheep, and llama graze the pastures. The buildings are constructed from virgin redwood from the ranch forest.

In the middle of a wide green lawn sits a large 1871 farmhouse filled with antiques. A 75-foot swinging bridge spans Howard Creek as it flows past barns and cabins to the beach 200 yards away. Prize-winning flower gardens, musical instruments, books, warmth and hospitality soothe the city-weary guest.

Suites, rooms, and cabins are available for your comfort, all nestled in a scenic ranch nominated to the National Historic Register. Each offers a comfortable bed with handsome quilt, plus extras such as fireplaces or woodstoves, skylights, and private decks or balconies. Several rooms and cabins also feature the modern conveniences of microwaves and refrigerators. Every accommodation is individually decorated and has delightful views of the surrounding ocean and countryside.

Breakfast is a hearty farm meal with fresh juice, omelets, bacon, sausage, hotcakes, fried potatoes, grits, and baked apples with granola and whipped cream. Menus change daily. Coffee is strong and early, and tea is available anytime. Breakfast is the perfect way to begin a day of enjoying this coastal paradise.

Come back to the ranch and enjoy the hot tub and sauna. A massage by a professional German masseuse can be arranged in advance.

A day at Howard Creek Ranch might include beachcombing, whale-watching, or exploring tidepools. Those who prefer to stay on the land may wish to arrange a horseback ride on the beach or through the redwoods.

Bring a bicycle and explore a paved lane through ten miles of sand dunes. Some visitors may want to hike the Sinkyone Wilderness or venture into Fort Bragg and take the Skunk Train through the redwoods.

Deep sea fishing at Noyo Harbor is also a favorite pastime of many guests. Art buffs might consider surveying the galleries and shops of Mendocino and Fort Bragg just a half hour down Highway One.

In the evening, watch the sun set over the lovely Pacific and look forward to an evening of peaceful seclusion, a perfect end to a day at the Howard Creek Ranch.