Ukiah, California is a relaxed town offering easy access to hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and camping amidst scenic rivers and forested hills. It’s an ideal base for exploring Northern California’s natural beauty from spring through fall.
Ukiah, California is a relaxed town offering easy access to hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and camping amidst scenic rivers and forested hills. It’s an ideal base for exploring Northern California’s natural beauty from spring through fall.
Outdoor Adventure in Ukiah, California
Ukiah is a welcoming town in Mendocino County, California, serving as a perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts. With its proximity to forests, rivers, and protected natural areas, Ukiah offers diverse activities across land and water.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Ukiah, California special.
★ 7.8⌖ 28.16 milesModerateExplore Jackson Demonstration State Forest in Fort Bragg, California. This moderate trail features stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and is ideal for hiking, biking, and camping. Best visited in spring, it's a haven for adventure seekers seeking nature and tranquility.
★ 8.5⌖ 38.51 milesExplore the Coastal Trail in Fort Bragg, California, for scenic hikes with stunning ocean views and unique geological formations. Ideal for birdwatching and tide pool exploration, it's a peaceful escape with moderate use, especially popular in spring and fall.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Ukiah, California, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Ukiah, California.
⌖ 11.0 miA seasonal day tour from Hopland that takes you to a working Mendocino cannabis farm, local dispensaries, and outdoor tastings—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 17.3 miA five-day rental of pontoons, ski boats or a fishing skiff—ideal for cruising, tubing, wake sports or fishing on Lakeport.
⌖ 17.3 miAn eight-hour private boat rental that lets you cruise, swim, fish or tow tubes and wakeboard—this guide explains boat choices, what to bring and the on-water flow.
⌖ 17.3 miDisney's Boat Rentals in Lakeport offers hourly Yamaha Waverunners — this guide explains what to expect, who can ride, and what to pack for a high-adrenaline session on the water.
⌖ 17.3 miOne Day Boat Rental in Lakeport lets you choose pontoons, ski boats or a fishing boat for a 24‑hour outing on the lake — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
⌖ 17.3 miSix-hour rentals from Disney's Boat Rentals in Lakeport let you pick pontoons, ski boats, or a 17-ft fishing boat for cruising, wakeboarding, tubing, or fishing—this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.
⌖ 17.3 miA two-day boat rental from Disney's Boat Rentals in Lakeport offering pontoons, ski boats and fishing boats; this guide explains what to expect, what to pack, and who can rent.
⌖ 17.3 miA four-day boat rental from Disney's Boat Rentals in Lakeport — choose pontoons, ski boats or a fishing skiff for up to 10 people; this guide explains the fleet, what to pack, and how the days typically flow.
⌖ 19.6 miA two-hour Skunk Train excursion departing from Willits featuring Easter egg surprises, a special treat and pink lemonade, plus a visit from the Easter Bunny — this guide details what to expect and how to plan.
⌖ 20.0 miBoard the Skunk Train in Willits for a 2‑hour Pumpkin Express round trip to a summit pumpkin patch where you can choose a pumpkin and sample seasonal treats.
⌖ 26.3 miA self-powered railbike outing from Cloverdale that threads a tunnel and bridge to a shaded picnic at the Russian River—this guide explains what to expect on the 1½-hour experience.
⌖ 36.0 miA four-hour outing that pairs a short redwood hike with a 12.5-mile electric‑assist railbike journey to Camp Noyo, useful for planning logistics and what to expect.
⌖ 37.3 miA kayak nature tour on the Noyo River in Fort Bragg, California, operated by Kayak Mendocino; this guide presents the verified basics you need to evaluate the trip.
⌖ 37.6 miA 5-hour sport-fishing and whale-watching trip aboard the Telstar out of Noyo Harbor, targeting rockcod, lingcod and salmon along the Mendocino coast.
⌖ 37.7 miA guided, two-person railbike outing on Skunk Train’s Redwood Route: a roughly 90-minute roundtrip along the Pudding Creek Estuary with a 50-minute stop at historic Glen Blair Junction.
Make the most of your visit to Ukiah, California with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Ukiah, California hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Ukiah, California during the iconic Mendocino County Fair. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Ukiah, California during the iconic Ukiah Thursdays on the Plaza. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Ukiah, California during the iconic Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Ukiah, California is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Mendocino National Forest offers a diverse landscape perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and photography.
Point Reyes National Seashore is a rugged coastal expanse in Northern California, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and diverse ecosystems.
Mount Tamalpais State Park offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area with its extensive trail network and diverse ecosystems.
Pack layers; temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Reserve camping spots in advance during peak season.
Be bear aware—carry bear spray when hiking in Mendocino National Forest.
Download offline maps; cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
Check river conditions before paddling, especially in summer drought or after storms.
Visit local tasting rooms for wines made from Ukiah’s surrounding vineyards.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Ukiah, California. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.