Fisk Mill Cove - Sonoma Coast, CA

(Closed) Fisk Mill Cove offers visitors a range of amenities including paved parking, picnic tables, small barbeque setups, restroom facilities, and drinking water.

History buffs will appreciate the legacy of John Colt Fisk, who arrived on the Sonoma coast in 1860 in search of a site to operate his steam sawmill for railroad timber. Fisk's endeavors led to the establishment of a bustling village, where between 1868 and 1874, hundreds of schooners docked at Fisk Mill Cove. Although the milling business waned by the mid-1870s, local ranchers continued to utilize the chute for shipping cordwood and tan bark well into the 1890s.

Today, Fisk Mill Cove stands as a testament to the area's rich maritime heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into its storied past amidst the rugged beauty of the California coastline. Caution is advised as the surf can be intense, with formidable sneaker waves crashing ashore!

The cove is accessible via a distinct park entrance off Highway 1. Visitors should turn right upon exiting the highway to reach the beach directly. Alternatively, a pullout parking area along the highway to the north of the entrance offers parking but would require a longer hike to access the shoreline.

For those seeking a scenic viewpoint, the Sentinel Rock Viewing Platform provides a picturesque picnic area overlooking the expansive ocean.

A coastal hiking trail tracing the bluff links Fisk Mill Cove to Stump Beach Cove to the south, offering an immersive exploration of the coastline. Additionally, across the highway lies Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, promising a different hiking experience, particularly enchanting during the spring bloom.