ADDRESS
On the Noyo Headlands Park Coastal Trail
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
HOURS
10-4, Thursday through Monday
CONTACT
(707) 733-6696
Crow's Nest Interpretive Center
AMENITIES
Picnic Facilities, Restrooms, Trails, Wheelchair Accessible
The Noyo Center for Marine Science Crow’s Nest Interpretive Center sits directly on the Noyo Headlands in Fort Bragg. It is accessed via the Noyo Headlands Park Coastal Trail on a easy walking paved path. The Crow’s Nest has an expansive view of the Pacific Coast and supplies spotting scopes for marine mammal watching. There are also rotating marine science exhibits.
WHERE THE WHALES ARE
Gray Whales migrate right past the Crow’s Nest in Fall and Spring and can be seen all along the Coastal Trail. Other species, such as Blue, Minke and Humpback are also frequently spotted from the Crow’s Nest and Trail. Harbor Seals and California Sea Lions haul out on the off shore rocks visible from the Trail.
WHICH ANIMALS YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE
SEASONALITY
For the Gray Whales, peak viewing is during the migration periods, October to February and March to May. The other mammals are year round.
WHALE FESTIVAL
Fort Bragg hosts a Gray Whale Festival the third weekend in March. At this time, the Crow’s Nest has special exhibits and the bones of the Noyo Center’s Blue Whale skeleton are on display.
TRAVEL TIPS
The trails are paved and easy walking, but there is limited water — bring your own food and drinks for picnics.