We went in the off season so the parking was pretty easy. Hiking on the beach in the soft sand with hiking boots is a bit challenging. They are prone to crumbling and sliding, especially in wet weather. 18mi/7.5 hrs with lunch stop. [2] Alamere Falls tumble over fragile shale cliffs at Alamere Creek Beach. These fissures could indicate the possibility of a weakening cliff face in the area. The trail has suffered serious damage due to winter storms and hasn't been maintained since the 70's. Part of the shorter "trail" down to the beach. These are separate affiliate advertising programs that are designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products. (728) No Service Reservation Rules Five campgrounds/loops are available for reservations - four hike-in/bike-in campground/loops and one boat-in loop along Tomales Bay. Youll cross over 2 bridges and pass Bass Lake. Hamilton Branch State Park Camping, Fishing, Reservations, and More! If you keep your eyes peeled as you hike, you might be able to see deer, fox, quail, rabbits, waterfowl, and maybe even a bobcat. As a result, a section of the Tomales Point Trail is no more. Kent Lake Crystal Lake Alamere Falls Wildcat Lake Ocean Lake Pelican Lake Bass Lake C o a s t C r e e k A r r o y o H n d o A l a m e r e C r e e k High Tide Check tide tables before walking on beaches.
Was not an easy trip from Bear Valley visitors center with full packs. Hiked on 3/20. Alamere Falls, which drops 40 feet off a cliff onto the beach below, is one of the area's most popular day hikes. Reserved some spots at Wildcat campground a few years ago and backpacked in. We hiked down to the beach and entered that way. On September 15, 2008, the informal path along the West Pasture North Levee of the Giacomini Wetlands was permanently closed to allow removal of the levee, adjacent borrow ditch, and the tidegates/culverts on Fish Hatchery Creek. Saw antelope, quail, lots of wildflowers, garter snakes, banana slugs, lots of birds and fortunately butterflies & bees. Click picture below for campground . Hiking to Alamere Falls - a Rare Tidefall in California Finally, take a right onto Mesa Road at the next stop sign. 86 Reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Bolinas Nature & Parks, Waterfalls Bolinas, CA Save San Jose, California 1761 834 Impressive waterfall Review of Alamere Falls Reviewed January 7, 2022 We visited after a week of rain, and so the falls were very impressive. You can check out my adventure on my project outdoor life YouTube channel. Amenities 1 listed Alamere Falls is a beautiful waterfall deep within the Phillip Burton Wilderness. The trail has suffered serious damage due to winter storms and hasnt been maintained since the 70s. Alamere Falls is a beautiful waterfall deep within the Phillip Burton Wilderness. I saw tons of wildlife, Tule Elk were all around wildcat campground. Alamere Falls - Best Time To Visit This Place And Do Hiking The hike to Alamere falls is a 13.5 mile out-and-back trail through the Point Reyes National Seashore. The Alamere Falls hike leads to a stunning waterfall, at Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California. Directions to Bear Valley The multiple small falls above Alamere are worth the trip alone! Take the north side route towards Glen Camp then head South to Wild Camp. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. A few minimally muddy spots that are easily traversed. Instead of going down the shale path, go to the beach from Wildcat using the dirt trail. The New Ebook that is Shaking Up the Hiking World, 25 Best Tents with Screened Porches in 2022, 17 Best Outfitter Tents in 2021 Wall Tents, Canvas Tents, and More, 17 Unique Camping Light Ideas for Lighting Up Your Campsite, 21 Campfire Games for Adults That are a Total Blast, The 19 Best Beach Camping Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for an Awesome Trip, Camping With a Baby Checklist Download, PDF, Print, The 15 Best Camping Mattresses for Couples in 2021, The Most Comfortable Way to Sleep in a Tent [Infographic], How to Heat a Tent | 9 Safe and Efficient Ways, 13 Best Camping Air Conditioners for Tents and RVs in 2021, 15 Best Tents with Stove Jacks for Toasty Hot Tent Camping. Visitors arriving late in the morning or in the afternoon may be turned away. We give you the best places to visit, maps, pictures, things to do, tour guide facts and best time to go information for the most beautiful places in the World. Such wilderness areas are strictly controlled in order to ensure that they remain in a wild and natural condition. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Discover this 17.4-mile out-and-back trail near Olema, California. The whole trail is still open and accessible, Forecast: rain! Geographic Coordinates: 37.9340, -122.7468, Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Directions from Bear Valley to the PalomarinTrailhead, Please only travel on authorized trails, respect posted signs, and practice. NPS Photo / A. Kopshever Quick Facts Location: Point Reyes National Seashore's Palomarin Trailhead is located at the northwest end of Mesa Road, Bolinas, California. Despite the mileage, I think it's pretty easy. Trail Map | Photo Gallery Giacomini Wetlands Trails: Here are other trails you could also follow to the falls that start near the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Here are the three plants to watch out for: After a short distance, the trail turns tough. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Point Reyes National Seashore only offers backcountry hike-in and boat-in camping. You can help park staff better protect park visitors by contacting the park's Dispatch at 415-464-5170, or by sending us an email if you find anything that looks hazardous in the park. Reality: warm (relatively) & sun & morning sprinkles & drama clouds & all things that make Pt. Need to go slow & have a 3 points in contact always. most views of the ocean were in the first mile and then it was mostly forest/shrubbery until wildcat campground. The National Park offers a number of camp-sites with the Wildcat Camp-ground being just a mile from the falls. And it all ends at a spectacular waterfall on a secluded beach! Many of the cliffs around Point Reyes are unstable and prone to collapse. Walkers using this route face very real dangers and difficulties. The cliffs themselves are very unstable presenting dangers to those both above and below. Hipcamp | Outdoor Stays: Tent Camping, RV Parks, Cabins & Glamping Let us know your opinions. Alamere Falls - California Waterfalls; Pt. Reyes Natl. Seashore The Alamere Falls Hike: The Best Point Reyes Trail Although any beach in the park can be affected, McClures Beach and Palomarin Beach are known to have these hazards. Estero Trail - Muddy Hollow Dam Removal: 8 Best Easy Hikes in Cathedral Gorge State Park, The Best, Easy Waterfall Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, How to Download Offline Maps to Your Garmin Watch With AllTrails, Full Gear Review: LuminAID Packlite Titan 2-in-1 Solar Lantern + Charger. This is wild and potentially dangerous country and visitors need to be extremely careful at all times. The truth is, there are actually 2 trails to Alamere Falls, but the significantly shorter trail has been closed indefinitely. The following trails frequently flood during wet winters and springs: During the January 2023 storms, severe rutting occurred on the Bolema Trail, which may make the trail too hazardous for equestrians to safely use. WILDLIFE SPOTTED:Quail, turkey vulture, falcon, banana slug, black lizard (unidentified), rabbit, grey fox, harbor seal. This route will take you to the Wildcat Campground from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Beautiful hike in the woods finishing on a descent along the coast. Also the little waterfalls above the big fall are so beautiful. Love Wildcat & Pt. If youve never been here before I do think it is worth it though. Visit our Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore and Trail Guide & Suggested Hikes pages for additional information. Those choosing to reach Alamere Falls via Wildcat Beach will also need check the tides as the sea sometimes reaches the foot of the cliffs. Descended to Alamere Falls from above. Besides being a rather long hike, the trail is overgrown at parts with poison oak, ivy, and stinging nettles. Swam in Bass Lake and the ocean. We ask that users please stay on designated trails to reduce impacts to areas actively being restored for critical wildlife habitat. On Saturday, January 14, 2023, a visitor reported that erosion had eliminated the lowest 12 feet or so of steps at the bottom of the Kelham Beach Trail. Thank you to the visitor that reported this new collapse. Less elevation change: Of course you have the extremely steep descent at the very end, but otherwise, I felt this trail had much less ups-and-downs. CABIN RENTALS - Delta County Parks Please do not use the Kelham Beach Trail until repairs have been made. We didnt take the beach route to Wildcat camp wasnt sure how high the tide was. It was a great day hike. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Restoration work required the temporary closure of a couple trails at the south end of the Giacomini Wetlands. Hiked this trail on 12/30. ), or speak with a ranger. Palomarin Trailhead is about 5 miles further, at the end of Mesa Road. Only show listings you can book instantly with no waiting for a Host's confirmation. Glen Camp via Alamere Falls: 69 Reviews, Map - AllTrails (117 KB jpg) We found a shortcut to the main trail but anyone without sure footing might want to go around to Wildcat Beach, but it does add on about 2 miles. The main waterfall has a drop of around 40 feet and this is the most widely visited and photographed waterfall but, depending on the route taken, some visitors may also wish to visit the Upper Alamere Falls where there is a drop of around 30 feet over a series of cascades.Alamere Falls Location Map. Bear Valley Trailhead: 7.3 miles to Alamere Falls. Longer: The total length of this trail is 14 miles and it will probably add another 2-3 hours to your hike, at least. Use of the trail by anyone was deemed unsafe until these hazards were mitigated. Love this trail and have gone a couple times before, but they recently closed off the road to get to the trailhead. This path is the shortcut to get to Alamere Falls. It's the shortest and most popular route to the falls. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Follow the trail down to the beach, turn left (heading South down the beach), and walk along the shore until you reach the tidefall (about 1 mile). (Yes, Maps.Me does display the shorter, closed trail. Hope you have fun in SF , [] https://recklessroaming.com/alamere-falls-hiking-tidefall-trail/ [], Your email address will not be published. If youre unsure if you can do it or get back up, consider taking the alternative way to the beach (see below). PDF Alamere Falls Map - U.S. National Park Service I clocked in at 15 and I didn't make it all the way to Alamere Falls so I'd expect more around 16 miles total if you take the beach route, longer if you take the trail most likely. Erosion from the January 2023 storms has also eliminated the lower section of steps at the bottom of the Sculptured Beach Trail. Overall great hike! Please observe all "No Parking" signs. If you go to the bottom, you will feel like this: Check out the amazing Alamere Falls on the San Francisco Bay Area Coast! Hike to WildcatBeach:11 miles (17.8 km) roundtrip, moderate The trail had become impassable due to water and mud and presented an unsafe condition for park visitors and was therefore closed on June 1, 2012. Left Bear Valley trailhead at 8:30am. Alamere Falls - Wikipedia Wildcat Camp Is The Best Waterfall Campground Near San Francisco Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Its about 4.4 miles each way to Alamere falls (8.8 miles total to get there and back) and there are a few tough scrambles down the side of a cliff to get to the actual falls. Mount Wittenberg, Sky, Woodward Valley, Coast, Bear Valley Trail, Mount Wittenberg, Sky, Old Pine and Bear Valley Trail Loop, Valley, Woodward, Coast, Sky, Meadow Loop Trail, Mount Wittenburg, Coast Trail, Glen Campground, and Bear Valley Loop, Bear Valley, Ridge, Lake Ranch, and Coast Trail Loop, Bear Valley to Sculptured Beach and Sky Camp, Meadow Trail and Sky Trail to Coast Trail, Horse, Sky, Old Pine, and Bear Valley Trail, Bear Valley, Mount Wittenberg and Wildcat Campground, Bear Valley, Coast Trail, Greenpicker, Rift Trail. Kelham Beach Trail: Arrived at Wildcat around 1 & set up camp. Happy trails!! My route: Review of Alamere Falls, Bolinas, CA - Tripadvisor Injuries are a frequent occurrence on this trail. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Or is the just me? After this, start watching carefully. It was a great day hike. Watch for poison oak if you take this path. After passing a eucalyptus grove with gorgeous eucalyptus trees, the trail quickly meets up with the Coast Trail which you will follow almost all the way to Alamere Falls. No bathrooms on the way so gotta squat somewhere to pee. Great hike to Wildcat beach and Alamere Falls. I clocked in 11.5 miles (round trip) and 1750 feet of elevation gain on my Garmin Fenix 6x What's not to love? FOR ALL CABIN RENTAL INFORMATION PLEASE CALL (906) 786-1020. Some small flooding/muddy after rain storm 3/21, absolutely gorgeous with wildflowers blooming. The "shortcut" trail is popular but unmaintained. This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. I like the fact that right away you're on the coast overlooking the ocean with amazing views. Definitely worth it. Steep Cliffs The cliffs of Point Reyes are likely to crumble and slide. Beautiful World is a travel guide and travel blog with photos of the most naturally beautiful locations to inspire plans for your next holiday or trip. Erosion by waves, rockfalls, or landslides occur frequently. 94956. The reroute of a 1.1 km (0.7 mile) section from Fir Top to the Stewart Trail/Ridge Trail junction was completed in late May 2009 and this section of the Greenpicker trail is now open to the public. so hand-wrote details on paper & left on dash. There is no cliff to descend. On the way back, we used the Bear Valley trail which starts from the fire road to the left instead of going back the way we came. The park cannot drain them as they are protected and provide important habitat for a variety of species. If you descend onto the beach, you may not be able to get back up. Then head south along the beach for about a mile. The Coast Trail was open but we were met with a gate 2.6 miles from the trail head (still walked in). https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/pt-reyes-bear-valley-to-wildcat-alamere-falls-0801a45?u=i, Beautiful trail, lovely view of the coast and not super exposed. Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead , Bolinas, California - The Outbound Reyes. Forgot printed permits at home (d'oh!) Walk back up the hill you just descended and start looking for the rock arrow. Somebody didnt get their facts straight. It is on the south end of Wildcat Beach on Point Reyes National Seashore which is within the Phillip Burton Wilderness Area. I thought that the short cut up the waterfall was the best part because the mini waterfalls above were far more beautiful. Feel free to message me on my Instagram account @sertanusanmaz if you have specific questions about trail conditions and dont forget to shoot a follow for more dope hiking adventures! For Backpackers who Hike with Camping Gear in their Backpack. Cracks were reported on a portion of the bluff near the Chimney Rock Trail on December 21, 2015. If your shoes are not waterproof there is a chance your feet will get wet. To Camp and Falls:
Discover Alamere Falls in Bolinas, California: This rare example of a "tidefall" is a spectacular drop from the cliffs down onto the beach. Very quiet on a weekday in the winter. Please provide as many details as possible, i.e., exact location of the tree on which trail, type of tree (bay, fir, etc. For any outdoor excursion involving a long hike, the weather is an important consideration. great hike but I don't understand or agree with the no dogs/ no pets. The Bear Valley Trail and the Coast Trail in this area remain open. If youre interested in a side trip, there is a spur trail that takes you along the north side of Bass Lake. Its now about a 2.5mile hike to get to the start of the trailhead (the coordinates provided here). I suggest visiting the beach waterfall via wildcat camp, the shortcut trail to it is heavily eroded and overgrown with lots of poison oak. A very nice hike with spectacular views. Or, if you do use these trails, plan on getting your feet wet. No mud, crowded when nearing the falls, great day. There is a ford just south of the Teixeira trail junction at which the water is frequently knee-deep and opaque with silt, the current strong, and the bottom uneven and covered with unstable, loose stones. Super-low tide exposed many tidepools & allowed for an easy safe walk to Wildcat Camp along the beach. Two garter snakes, banana slugs, lots of wildflowers. Hiking the Coastal Trail via Palomarin trailhead is not the only way to access Alamere Falls. Updated: Monday, July 17, 2023 Beautiful!! Woodpecker Trail: Visitors are reminded to stay on designated trails. The most common complaint is that there are too many people, No dogs allowed or bikes allowed (but see alternative route below for bike route), Watch out for poison oak, poison ivy, and stinging nettles (see pictures below if you dont know what they look like). The most direct hike to the falls is from the Palomarin Trailhead and this largely follows the Coastal Trail and the route passes Pelican Lake and Bass Lake. Prolonged sun exposure: After the turn-out for the shorter Alamere Falls trail, there is very little shade. Trail Map Trip Reports Comments Alamere Falls - 8.6 Miles Round-Trip Alamere Falls drops 40' from a steep bluff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. The park service has even closed the trailhead before due to Elephant Seal activity. There are several small trails that appear to be game trails, but one (on the left side of the trail) is marked with a pile of rocks in the middle of the trail forming an arrow. Visitors who disregard trail closures risk their own safety (and those of rescuers) and/or may prevent new sections of trail from properly hardening, which results in the degradation of the trail surface, which in turn may require the closing of the trail for further repair. Water is available at campsites. Would recommend taking a right on Ridge trail to reconnect to Stewart trail - much more scenic and single track. Long hike but well worth it - be sure to take lots of water. Mostly covered. Lots of mud, downed trees and puddles. A visit to Alamere Falls is a true adventure and an experience never to be forgotten. I clocked in 11.5 miles (round trip) and 1750 feet of elevation gain on my Garmin Fenix 6x This is a backpacking route that takes you from the Alamere Falls parking area to Glen Camp. More information about trail closures may be found in the Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project: Restoration pages. more information on current conditions Understanding Working Rangelands: Sharing Open Space: What to Expect from Grazing Livestock, closed to all visitors, employees, and local residents until further notice. Beautiful weather and waterfalls!!! The first section of the trail was re-routed around the copse of trees at the start of the trail. Less Treacherous: If youre afraid of heights or just not great at navigating slippery slopes, this trail will be much easier for you. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. People on the cliff scramble between the top of Alamere Falls and its bottom more Drakes Beach Trail: The falls can be reached via an easy stroll South on the beach or via trails on the cliff for views. And it all ends at a spectacular waterfall on a secluded beach! And spring flowers are out! Alamere Falls - Bolinas, California - Atlas Obscura Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead , Bolinas, California - The Outbound Take Wildcat Beach to the falls if you want. As of late May 2011, the Muddy Hollow Trail, having been rerouted out of the valley's floodplain, is now open to the public. Site 1 - Organic Cattle Ranch in West Marin. Turn right and drive 4.7 miles to Palomarin trailhead. If you encounter any downed trees along the Rift Zone Trail south of the Vedanta Society Retreat access road and north of the Stewart Ranch, please contact Marin County Parks (click on the "Email Parks" button). Thanks! Close-up photograph of the fissure. After following the coast for a short time, the trail turns inland and shrubs give way to douglas fir forests. You should be able to see Pelican Lake on your left around 3.25 miles and then around 3.7 miles, there is a path that splits off to the left. Only went to Alamere falls. The best part is when you pass by these lakes that you just don't expect to be there. There is a ban on portable radios or similar music systems and the flying of drones is prohibited. The falls are a dramatic sight as water cascades over a ~40-foot-tall (~12 m) cliff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach. Pay special attention to the warnings and advisories mentioned here. Palomarin Beach Trail: If you pass over the 3rd bridge, youve gone too far. Visitors who disregard trail closures may endanger themselves and any potential rescuers, harm threatened and endangered species, exacerbate erosion, or prevent new sections of trail from properly hardening, which results in the degradation of the trail surface, which in turn may require the closing of the trail for repair. except they leave way more mess and tear up the trail. Scenery is beautiful compared to the service road the app wants you to take. The latter is accessed via a side trail and is a popular spot for swimming during the summer. Wildflowers are looking amazing right now. The Muddy Hollow Dam removalwhich occurred between August 1 through October 31, 2008resulted in the rerouting of the southeastern section of the Estero Trail. There are many different paths in this area but, disregarding the redundant Alamere Falls Trail, the most popular hikes commence from the Palomarin, Bear Valley and Five Brooks trailheads. The main point is to use your judgement here. Alpine Fit Rendezvous Ridge Review: The Last Camp Shirt Youll Ever Need? It would be easy to miss if you werent looking for it. But, alas, the journey to the falls is not easy. The majority of the trail was a road wide enough for a truck to drive on. If you can get the permit absolutely worth an overnight. The Palomarin trailhead parking lot fills up quickly as this is a very popular hike. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Hiked this trail on 12/30.