Historic Orchard at Fort Ross

The Fort Ross Orchard is situated on Fort Ross Road, up hill from the Fort Ross main parking lot. It's an easy thirty minute walk up the road, or a few minutes by car. 

Please be respectful of these old trees -- do not climb or hang from their branches. 

The original Fort Ross orchard was started by the Russians in 1814 with a single peach tree; it was further expanded with grapes in 1817 and again in 1820 with apples, peaches, cherries, pear, quince and bergamot. These trees began to bear fruit in 1828, and helped prevent scurvy, which had been a problem in the Fort’s early years. By 1840 there were two orchards planted.  

Both were located on the steep sunny hillside, about ½ mile up the slope above the Fort.  The orchard had a redwood stockade fence.  By 1841, when the Russians left, there were 260 trees planted. During the Ranch era, these orchards were expanded greatly, and became a cash crop. Much was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, though a small portion was kept in production by Carlos Call until 1932. It is uncertain whether all of the Russian-planted trees are now gone.  

After receiving a generous grant from Renova Fort Ross Foundation, we are currently in the process of stabilizing the trees and orchard perimeter to better protect the trees.

In addition, FRC would like to re-create the Russian orchard by:

• Identifying existing fruits & locate/purchase named Russian varieties;

• Make cuttings/propagate existing apples;

• Replant missing trees;

• Provide regular & long-term maintenance, including replacement of Russian-era fence.