Petrolia

Petrolia sits in the Mattole Valley about 10 miles southeast of Cape Mendocino, in one of the least-developed stretches of the California coast. It is where the state's first oil well was drilled. The roads in are slow and winding, and services are minimal.

Good to know

• Fuel and food are scarce; stock up in Ferndale or Redway
• Allow more time than the map suggests on the winding roads

Best time

Summer to early autumn

Open

All year, but winter storms may close roads

Getting there

Winding sealed road

Vehicles

No campervans

Dogs

Dogs welcome

Data: Roadtrip. Things change: check opening times, prices and rules before you go.