Spring Ranch Trail sits in the northwest corner of Van Damme State Park near Mendocino, where the redwoods give way to dramatic coastal bluffs. The main trailhead is west of Gordon Lane on the north end, though you can also start near Peterson Street at the south end if that’s more convenient.

The trail itself winds along the clifftops with genuinely spectacular views of the Pacific stretched out below. What makes this place special is the rocky intertidal shelf exposed at low tide—it’s worth timing your visit to see it. The rocks come alive with activity when the water goes out: seals haul themselves up onto offshore rocks to rest and sun themselves, and if you’re patient and quiet, you’ll see them clearly from the trail. It’s a reliable spot for wildlife watching, way better than most California coastal hikes.

The trail is dotted with memorial benches placed over the years, and they’re genuinely nice places to stop and sit with your dog. Some have genuinely nice views, so it’s worth picking your spot rather than sitting at the first one you see. The combination of the vista, the wind, and usually fewer crowds than you’d get at more famous Mendocino spots makes it feel pretty wild and windswept—bring a jacket.

Dogs on leash are welcome throughout, and the trail is well-maintained with clear paths. The northern trailhead near Gordon Lane tends to be less crowded, though both access points work fine depending on where you’re staying. If you’re in Mendocino for more than a day, this is worth doing at low tide to see the seals and get a real sense of the intertidal zone. The rocks are slippery and the edges are real drop-offs, so keep your dog close and watch your footing.