Hey Jeff
We stayed in Fort Bragg for 4 days two summers ago.
Talked my wife into heading up there for a night.
We took our truck & camper, my parents followed us in their 2x4 Chevy Conversion van. It was summer, so the road was pretty dry -- few wet spots from mountain seepage. Fun drive ! Didn't need the 4x4, but it was nice to have. We saw people in there with honda civics, the road was rough, but good enough to get it if you don't mind some bumps.
I can't imagine getting through there in the winter rains. Bbring your winch if you are gonna do that, few steep spots, tight curves, could be very muddy.
We stayed at the first beach we came to (maybe 5 miles in) -- you will cross over a long wooden bridge and hang a left. We parked right on the beach, but there are primitive campsite there if you want em'. We were the only camper in there. Everyone else was tent camping or car camping. Really sweet to put it in 4x4, cross the river bed, and drive right along the beach. No cars on the beach -- some of the 4x4 trucks were getting stuck. Most had their tires really under infalted to deal with it. A few people digging out. I didn't get too wild and crazy with the wife & 2 kids along.
Great place to visit -- well worth the drive !
Watch for this sign below for the road. If your going up from Fort Bragg, it will be a left turn. If you are heading in from 101, it will be a right turn. It is not marked well (no street sign). The locals don't like people going up there (it is kinda their secret spot).
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