No American writer has ever come close to the worldwide fame and popularity of Jack London in his day. It was in Sonoma Valley, at his hillside ranch above Glen Ellen, that Jack London reached the peak of his prolific career. It was here, too, that he spent the final days of his life.
"When I first came here, tired of cities and people, I settled down... on some of the most beautiful, primitive land to be found in California."London called it his Beauty Ranch. Today, about 800 spectacular acres comprise a state historic park, where you can hike, picnic or stroll among the oaks, madrones, California buckeyes, Douglas fir and redwoods; immerse yourself in Jack London memorabilia at The House of Happy Walls; wander the haunting ruins of Wolf House; or go horseback riding up a three-mile trail to the summit of Sonoma Mountain for a magnificent view of the valley.
The House of Happy Walls, close to the main parking lot, was built in 1919 by Charmian London, three years after her husband's death. This rough stone structure contains London's personal collection of South Pacific art objects, original furnishings and many mementos of the writer's adventurous life. A half-mile down an easy walking trail are located the lonely remains of London's famed Wolf House.
Born January 12, 1876, London was only 29 when he and Charmian, his second wife, began to develop his ranch in the hills above Glen Ellen. But he was already famous internationally for "Call of the Wild" (1903), "The Sea Wolf" (1904) and other writings.
In 1909 following a troubled two-year voyage through the South Pacific on their boat, the Snark, Jack and Charmian London returned to Glen Ellen, making it their permanent home.
In one of his later novels written at the Beauty Ranch, London brought new fame to the countryside around Glen Ellen. The novel was "The Valley of the Moon" (1913). In it, he perpetuated an Indian legend that says Sonoma means "many moons."
An avid horseman and a determined farmer, London over the years became deeply involved with experimental agricultural methods, along with his continued writing. It was during this later period, too that London's dream house began to take shape. It was to be Wolf House, a grand stone mansion "designed to remain standing a thousand years." However, on the night of August 22, 1913, only days before the Londons were to move into the completed structure, Wolf House mysteriously burned.
Was the fire deliberately set? This is a mystery that remains unsolved to this day.
Meanwhile, the remaining walls of Wolf House and the surrounding lands that make up the state historic park delight visitors from around the world. The park is a beautiful and continuing memorial to Jack London, the man‹ author, sailor, prospector, socialist agitator, war correspondent, farmer, laborer, railroad hobo, horseman, lover and adventurer.
The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to sunset. Admission is $5 per car. The House of Happy Walls is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Just down the hill from Jack London state park you'll find the vineyards and tasting room of Benziger Family Winery.