Noyo

Noyo is a toponym used in Mendocino County, California, associated with a coastal region near Fort Bragg. The most prominent uses are the Noyo River and Noyo Harbor, both located at the river’s mouth on the Pacific Ocean.

The Noyo River is a coastal river that originates in the coastal ranges south of inland towns and flows westward to the ocean at Fort Bragg. Its estuary at the harbor supports wildlife and provides an area for recreational activities such as boating and fishing. The river and its estuary are noted for salmon and steelhead habitat, and various local and state programs have focused on water quality and habitat restoration.

Noyo Harbor is a sheltered harbor at the mouth of the Noyo River in Fort Bragg. It functions as a working fishing harbor with commercial and sport fishing vessels, alongside facilities that support boating and harbor-related businesses. The harbor district is a focal point for maritime activity and seafood processing, and it also contributes to local tourism through its scenic waterfront and access to the coast.

Cultural and historical context: The Noyo area lies within the traditional homeland of Indigenous peoples, including the Pomo, and later became part of Fort Bragg’s maritime economy. Over time, the harbor and river have remained central to the local community, balancing commercial fishing with recreation and conservation efforts.

Etymology: The origin of the name Noyo is not definitively documented in common references; it is generally treated as a local toponym.