By Kate Washington

Showcasing natural wonders from apple blossoms to towering redwoods to coastal cliffs, Highway 116 is a study in pleasurable contrasts. Start from Cotati, where 116 leaves busy 101 to trace a winding 35-mile route to the mouth of the Russian River. Allow a day to explore. Area code is 707.

1. CALIFORNIA CARNIVORES South of Sebastopol on the Old Gravenstein Highway, a nursery with 1,000 varieties of hungry insectivores has signs asking please don’t tease the plants. 824-0433, www.californiacarnivores.com.

2. GRATON Graton Road leads to this small town boasting refined antiques at Mr. Ryder and Company and delectable breakfasts at Willow Wood Market Café (try the challah French toast). 823-0233, www.willowwoodgraton.com.

3. IRON HORSE VINEYARDS AND WINERY No drink says springtime like sparkling wine, and Iron Horse, with a batch of bubblies, is a perfect place to sip. The open-air tasting room is a mile off Highway 116 on Ross Station Road. 887-1507, www.ironhorsevineyards.com.

4. ARMSTRONG REDWOODS STATE RESERVE Well-kept trails make this park, two miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong Woods Road, a good stop for a ramble. www.parks.ca.gov.

5. GOAT ROCK BEACH There could be no starker counterpoint to the shady redwoods than this wide, sandy beach by the Russian River’s mouth. Look for the colony of harbor seals, but stand back: Marine mammals are protected species. www.parks.ca.gov.

6. RIVER’S END Close the day by drinking in stunning coastline views while enjoying fresh Hog Island oysters from this relaxed restaurant-inn perched on a cliff in the tiny town of Jenner. 865-2484, www.ilovesunsets.com.