The Northern California landscape is among the most ecologically diverse areas of the state. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve, located between Fort Bragg and Mendocino, offers visitors an opportunity to venture through a unique ecological terrace formed over 500,000 years.

Today’s Jug Handle State Natural Reserve is a result of five ecological succession terraces straddling the Pacific Coast Highway.

The landscape here encompasses a Pygmy Forest, ocean bluffs, an open prairie, and a breathtaking beach.

The rugged coastline we see today represents the marine terrace sequence aspect of Jug Handle State Natural Reserve.

The constant shifts in the earth's plate tectonics during what is called the Pleistocene period resulted in dramatic rising and falling water levels. This is what helped form the bluffs and coastline.

The wind played a major role in the shaping of the landscape and ecological terraces here as well.

Ancient dune-building materials and sand buffeted by the coastal breezes contributed to the inland portions of the reserve over time.

Visitors can gain an up-close-and-personal perspective of all the natural beauty here by embarking upon the Ecological Staircase Trail.

Extending 2.5-miles, the trail meanders through what has been called "one of the most interesting geologic areas in the Northern Hemisphere." From it you can see the bluffs, beach, intricate aspects of the forest, and a wealth of plant and animal life.

As you walk along, you’ll be amazed at how the evolutionary forces shaped the landscape.

Your journey along the Ecological Staircase Trail can be broken down into a short length if desired. If you only go the first ½-mile, it’s an easy and flat loop running along the coastline and covers seven stops along the trail. The five-mile roundtrip journey is more of a moderate level, with only about a 300-foot elevation gain.

In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps. constructed a bridge here.

Connecting two parts of the forest area, it offers spectacular views of the beach and the expanse of the Pacific Ocean beyond it.

Plan a trip to Jug Handle State Natural Reserve and enjoy all of the self-guided nature trails, pristine beaches, secluded coves, and more.

Whether you come for a few hours or plan to spend the day (you can stay longer at the Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center which offers camping and lodging facilities), you’re sure to find that a visit here is an unparalleled Northern California ecological experience.

Have you been to Jug Handle State Natural Reserve? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also learn more about the reserve on their Facebook page.

If you’re looking for great outdoor adventures, be sure to check out these scenic Northern California hikes.