1 acre hosted by Carmen K.
Razor Ridge is part of the Muniz Ranches and earned its name from loggers back in the late 1940's. Long before settlers started making claims on this land and the surrounding areas, the Kashia Pomo Indians were the first inhabitants of the coastal Sonoma County area around Fort Ross. The Kashia lived in lands that extended from the Gualala River in the North to Duncan’s Point south of the Russian River.
From the West, Kashia territory extended from the pacific coast over coastal mountain ranges down the Warm Springs Creek to the confluence of Dry Creek, thirty miles inland.
An estimated 1,500 people inhabited this area pre-contact, and migrated seasonally throughout this territory to take full advantage of the resources for their subsistence.
By 1870, only 3 villages remained and by 1914, the United States Federal Government began the process of taking land into Trust, establishing the Stewarts Point Rancheria.
Rancho Muniz (also called "Maniz") was a 17,761-acre (71.88
km2) Mexican land grant in present-day Sonoma County, California given in 1845 by Governor Pío Pico to Manuel Torres. The grant extended along the Pacific coast from Salt Point State Park on the north to the Russian River on the south. The grant included Fort Ross.
The Mexican government, which had been concerned about the Russian presence at Fort Ross, was happy to see them leave in 1841, but less pleased when the Russian-American Company sold it to John Sutter. The position of the Mexican government had been that neither land nor improvements had ever belonged to the Russians and hence they could not legally be transferred to anyone else. Within two years after the purchase of Fort Ross, everything Sutter considered salvageable had been removed to his Rancho New Helvetia. In 1843, William (Wilhelm) Benitz, from Baden, Germany, became manager of Sutter's Fort Ross holdings. In 1844 Sutter leased the land to Benitz and a partner, Ernest Rufus, from Württemberg. Both Benitz and Rufus had been in Sutter's militia. That transaction again brought into question the validity of Sutter's title to the property, and Governor Manuel Micheltorena granted Rancho Bodega in part of the southern half of the former Russian claim to Captain Stephen Smith in 1844, and Governor Pio Pico granted the coastal four square league Rancho Muniz in the northern half of the former Russian claim to Manuel Torres in 1845. Manuel Torres (1826–1910) was born in Lima, Peru, and came to California in 1843 on a merchant ship with his brother-in-law, Captain Stephen Smith who was married to his sister, Manuela Garcia Torres. Torres married Mariana (Maryanna) Richardson the daughter of William A. Richardson. Manuel Torres leased Rancho Muniz to Benitz and Rufus, who also owned Rancho German on the Muniz’ northern border, and in 1849, he sold the entire rancho to them. Manuel Torres later operated the Estudillo House in San Leandro, and also the Marin Hotel in San Rafael. Torres was elected to the California State Assembly in 1858-9. With the cession of California to the United States following the Mexican-American War, the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo provided that the land grants would be honored. As required by the Land Act of 1851, a claim for Rancho Muniz was filed with the Public Land Commission in 1852, and the grant was patented to Manuel Torres in 1860. Benitz and Rufus now owned approximately two thirds of the Sonoma County coastline, from the Gualala River in the north to the Russian River in the south. Rufus left the partnership in June, 1849. William Benitz took another partner, German immigrant, Charles Theodore Meyer. In 1867, John Rule bought 4,000 acres (16.2
km2) in the southern half of the rancho. In 1874, Benitz sold all of his property and emigrated to Argentina.
Learn more about this land:
Breathe in the glorious Sonoma Coast as you make your way slowly through the tiny town of Jenner, pass the river mouth and up the mountain. Plenty of hiking for all, as the ranch borders the world renown Jenner Headlands.
The Pole Mountain hike, averaging about 6-8 hours round trip for most people, begins just next to Highway 1, about three miles North from Jenner. As our special guests, you will have the option to enjoy a short-cut hike and be to the top in an hour or so.
As the stewards of this land, we invite respectful and responsible small groups and families to share it's beauty. Settle in amongst a sprinkling of beautiful Redwood, Madrone, Tan Oak, Bay and Fir. The campsite is at about 1400 ft above sea level and over looking an inspiring Russian Gulch view.
A photographers dream awaits as dusk kicks off, often times lighting up the ripples of clouds below. Soft peachy pinks, so delectable you'll want to make sure you brought your best wine to savor it with. Now, often times we are above the fog line, though high fog belts will roll in every once in a while.
There are a few places to stake your tent and a nice spot to pull up an RV. A port-potty and propane shower are both near by the main tent site.
Well behaved dogs are welcome; though they need to be in your car or tent at night to sleep and you will need to clean up any of their smelly messes. In the day time, they should be on a leash. Please leave barky, nervous dogs at home; as there are homes somewhat near by, though not visible at the tent site. Dogs are not allowed on the shortcut trail to Pole Mountain; although, if you access the Jenner Headlands Preserve from the main entrance, you can hike with your dog on a leash there.
Please note: the well maintained dirt road leading up to the campsite has many blind curves and extremely steep drop-offs. Good tread on car tires is important & all wheel drive is advised, especially when pulling a travel trailer. The speed limit is 15mph. The weather here is beautiful and can be quite fickle, bring layers.
Update: For now, we have dropped our nightly price; as we are no longer offering kayaks until a few kinks are worked out.
To fully enjoy West-West County (as the locals call it) booking Friday (check in at 1pm) through Sunday morning (check out at 11am) is recommended.
For great coffee and award winning baked goods, our favorite bakery, Gold Coast is not far away, in Duncan's Mills.
There are two places to grab a bite to eat; which are right on the River: Rivers End Restaurant and Aquatica (All Organic Menu) both in Jenner. The Jenner Gas station has a fair amount of Natural/ Organic snacks and many essentials for camping.
Thanks for checking out our camp.
Happy Trails & Blessings,
Carmen