Easy hikes and walks in Jackson Demonstration State Forest

The view, the short hiking trail and the historical story of this lighthouse are definitely worth it.

Historic Light House, now a State Park with great dirt trails and historic building.

Cabrillo Point Lighthouse is worth the quick half-mile detour, where you’re welcome to ride around the extensive complex. The views are outstanding, with trails leading out onto the bluffs. The buildings are open to visitors, including a charming lighthouse still in operation, two museums, a small aquarium, and the lighthouse keeper’s cottage. There are occasional tours of the lens upstairs inside the lighthouse, however, it is primarily a very nice gift shop with staff who are very knowledgeable.

A new era began for shipping along the Point Cabrillo coast when gold was discovered in California in 1848. The California Gold Rush created a high demand for lumber, which was available along Northern California's Pacific coast in the form of high quality coast redwoods. And to meet the demand, sawmills were set up at numerous points along the coast, and their production was transported by ship to San Francisco Bay. This led to a sharp increase in coastal shipping traffic in the second half of the 19th century

Explore the Point Cabrillo Light Station Trail and traverse the hiking paths that meander through the captivating coastal prairie and bluff ecosystems. For the safety of all visitors, please stick to the established trails, and if you bring your furry friends, remember to keep them leashed and well-behaved. Exercise extreme caution when approaching the ocean and bluffs, as erosion has created unstable bluff edges, and the ocean's waves can be unpredictable.

Embark on a captivating journey as you follow this scenic road to the Point Cabrillo Light Station. This historical site boasts an array of remarkable features, including an active Lighthouse housing the original Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens. Explore three meticulously restored Lightkeeper homes; one serves as a museum, offering a window into a lightkeeper's life in the 1930s, while the other two offer cozy vacation rentals. Don't miss the impeccably refurbished Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop, which hosts the Marine Science Exhibit, home to a captivating 240-gallon saltwater aquarium. Behind the residences, you'll find three renovated storage buildings; two have been transformed into charming vacation rental cottages, and the third serves as a public restroom. The main floor of the Lighthouse, along with the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s House and the Marine Science Exhibit, are accessible to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and the wonders of the sea.

Explore the Falls Loop Trail, a circular path that starts with an uphill climb. This is the part of the trail where you'll get a bit of a workout. As you walk, you'll come across stairs, tall redwood trees, and an abundance of ferns on the ground. It's a beautiful walk with some uphill sections for a little exercise.

Right here, the trail splits in two. If you're coming from the Fern Canyon Trail, you can take the Falls Loop Trail to see the waterfall and continue on to the East Trail. If you're on the Falls Loop Trail, you have the option to switch to the Fern Canyon Trail, which leads back to the campground, or the North Trail.