Your guide to the redwoods, the coast, and everything in between. Built for the Ten Aker Wood cast and crew.
From Devon. I've lived up here for 7 years. This guide is everything I wish someone had handed me when I first arrived. If something is missing or wrong, find me on set or in the group chat.
Cell service is limited
Cell service is unreliable on every carrier up here. Free WiFi at the General Store and firehouse (network: EQAC). Download maps and music before driving up.
No gas in Cazadero
Fill up in Guerneville or Jenner before heading to set. Nearest station is 15 min away.
Roads are narrow and winding
No streetlights. Deer at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly, especially at night.
Poison oak is everywhere
Leaves of three, let it be. Wear long pants on hikes. Check the emergency page for more.
Most of the people out here are wonderful, but many are reclusive. They're not used to the level of activity a film production brings. People ride dirt bikes and horses to the General Store. We're a bit stuck in a different time, and that's by choice.
I've found that a little patience and respect goes a long way. Most folks will warm up to you and be genuinely interested in what you're doing.
If I had to pick a handful of things, these are it.
The heart of Cazadero. Sandwiches, fresh-baked bread, breakfast burritos, and the local gathering spot.
Devon: This is the community hub. Everyone ends up here. The fresh bread loaves are incredible and the sandwiches are what everyone gets.
Legendary wood-fired bakery in Freestone. Lines form early for their sourdough, scones, and sticky buns. One of the best bakeries in Northern California.
Devon: This is the best bakery in the entire county. Get there before 10am or the good stuff is gone. The cheese bread and fruit scones are life-changing. Go Friday morning for the best selection.
The famous biscuit spot, formerly Big Bottom Market. Their biscuit mix was named one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2016. Same recipe, new name.
Devon: The savory biscuit sandwich is the move. It used to be called 'The Sneaky.' Same Grandma Steiner recipe that got Oprah's attention. Closed Tuesdays.
Woman-owned coffee house, restaurant, and curated market in Occidental. Farm-fresh menu, natural wine, soft serve, incredible mochi donuts, and the hippie bowl Ashley swears by.
Devon: This is where Ashley gets her hippie bowl. Beautiful space in a historic building. The natural wine selection is solid and they do pop-up art events. Worth combining with a trip to Wild Flour Bread or Howard's.
Ancient old-growth redwood grove minutes from Guerneville. Easy walking trails through cathedral trees up to 1,400 years old.
Devon: This is why you came to Northern California. The Pioneer Trail is an easy loop that will make your jaw drop. Colonel Armstrong is over 300 feet tall. The East Ridge Connector trail is currently closed.
5,630 acres of coastal wilderness with 14+ miles of trails. Views from Goat Rock to Point Reyes. Telescope installed at Sentinel Point.
Devon: Free, uncrowded, and the views are insane. The Wildflower Loop in April is worth the trip alone. Guided wildflower hikes sometimes available.
Dramatic beach where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean. Harbor seals haul out on the sand. Stunning coastal scenery.
Devon: One of the most dramatic beaches on the coast. The seals are usually on the south end. March through June is pupping season, so give them space. The volunteers will be there with scopes and info. Stay at least 50 yards away. It's the law, and mama seals will abandon pups if stressed. Spring is seal pupping season. State Park docents are there weekends with binoculars. Stay 50 yards from the seals.
The only cedar enzyme bath in North America. A Japanese meditation garden, massage treatments, and field of hammocks on 5 acres in Freestone.
Devon: There is nothing else like this. The enzyme bath is warm cedar fiber that heats from natural fermentation. Pair it with a massage and walk the garden. Wild Flour Bread is right across the road, so you can do both in one morning.