The Fort Ross Compound has one original structure and five restored buildings. The structures were built of redwood using joinery techniques that were typical of maritime carpentry in those days. A wooden palisade surrounded the site, in much the same configuration seen today, including two blockhouses complete with cannons. The interior of the stockade contained the two-story house of the manager, the officials' quarters, barracks for the Russian employees and various storehouses. The chapel was added in 1824. Outside the walls were homes of company laborers, a native Alaskan village and the dwellings of the local native Americans.
The Fort Ross Visitor Center and Museum is one of the most complete Russian, Alaskan, and Kashaya cultural museums north of San Francisco. The museum gives a good overview of the history of the site and its inhabitants. The bookstore has the largest collection of Russian History in Northern California. Many items of interest for history enthusiasts, teachers and students are to be found in the bookstore.
The Fort Ross Library the largest selection of research and reading material for Russian American Company History and local history north of San Francisco.
Sandy Cove and North Cove are two access areas to the beach and tide pools. Sandy Beach is a large sandy beach with plenty of space to roam. Some tidepooling is available. The North Cove is very rocky and can, at the right time, provide tide pooling. Please be safe and cautious at the ocean.
The Fort Ross Historic Orchard is across the highway on Fort Ross Road about 1/4 mile from Highway One. Several fruit trees are of the Russian period. Many ‘daughter’ trees have now been established. The types of trees you will find are gravenstein apple, plums, pear, and red Baldwin apple. Other types of trees the Russians grew were quince, prune, olive, peach, and bitter cherries. Osprey and other raptors are often seen in the orchard, as well as other wildlife. If you wish to visit the orchard you must do so with park assistance.
Nature Hikes: For more information go to our Natural History Section. Please remember that all plants and wildlife are protected in the state Park.
The Fort Ross Cemetary is a good hike from the compound. Please ask how to get there when you arrive if you plan on visiting it. You must cross a creek to get there. At times the creek can be too high for this hike. To learn more about the cemetery by going to our Archaeology Site.
Fort Ross sits on the ocean side of The San Andreas Fault Zone. If you look carefully at the lay of the land above the fort you can see it. If you would like, we will point it out to you.. The 1906 earthquake that destroyed San Francisco was centered near here. Many remaining original structures were destroyed at that time. For more information on the local geology of this land contact The USGS at www.geology.usgs.gov.
