Alamere Falls, at the Point Reyes Seashore, is a gorgeous scenic jewel set close to the city of San Francisco. The easiest and most accurate way to monitor conditions is by checking the Alamere Falls Facebook or Twitter pages. The last 1.2 miles of Mesa Road is unpaved and riddled with potholes. Coast trail is not closed as mentioned in the AllTrails app. This 14 mile hike is the easiest route to the falls, and makes a perfect long day hike. Alamere Falls is a waterfall in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California.Alamere Falls is a rare "tidefall", a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean.It is one of only two known tidefalls in California, the other being McWay Falls.. Alamere Falls tumble over fragile shale cliffs at Alamere Creek Beach. This is dangerous and the reason the National Park Service does not condone this route. This 13-mile trail to a stunning, and rare, 40-foot falls should be on your California bucket list. Here is where the trail will run adjacent to some small ponds, Bass Lake, and eventually Pelican Lake. There are several other park-sanctioned trails to the falls, each with their own unique scenery and challenges. Often rated as one of the most beautiful scenic areas to hike, the Point Reyes Seashore and Alamere Falls are well worth the effort and energy. First, you need to decide whether you’ll take the unsanctioned Alamere Falls Trail down to the beach (about 3.7 miles from the Palomarin trailhead). This trail is not sanctioned by the National Parks Service and should never be attempted. Shortcut Hike to Alamere Falls. While an AWD vehicle is ideal, a low-clearance sedan can make the trip (slow and steady wins the race!). Most people access this trail from Coast Trail - South. of the 30-foot-high falls thundering onto the sands of Wildcat Beach. Most exciting part is by the beach to walk down the steep cliff and climb up the cliff...!Alamere falls is much smaller than 5 years ago, maybe the timing...? You might find morning fog most of the year, but the fog is sure to burn off after you begin your hike! The narrow trail to the top of the falls is somewhat overgrown with scrub (and possibly poison oak) in places. Be careful on this second decline — the gravel is loose and there’s often two-way traffic, with returning hikers vying for space on the narrow footpath. Your email address will not be published. The next morning at low tide, you can take the short hike to the falls and back easily. Along the trail to Alamere Falls from the Palomarin Trailhead, you can make stops at Bass Lake and Palomarin Beach. I’ve wanted to hike to Alamere Falls at Point Reyes National Seashore for the longest time, and I finally had a commitment-free morning to make the drive out to Marin this past weekend to check this popular Bay Area hike off my must-do list. Log In The incoming tide can trap you and potentially lead to injury or death. The National Park Service is not liable for any injuries that occur when off the maintained trail. It should only be attempted by those in good physical shape and in hiking boots with proper traction. This part of the trail is only accessible by one hiker at a time, so you may need to wait to descend and return. , with the Palomarin Trailhead easily the most popular route to the falls area. Sometimes called "Forest Bathing", I encourage slowing down and interacting with various plants through touch and smell. Point Reyes National Seashore has so much to offer, like the popular Tomales Point Trail at the other end of the park. On busy summer days, even arriving at 8 am may mean adding distance to your hike from your parking spot along Mesa Road, Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore is an essential bucket list hike in California, The most popular route to the falls starts at the Palomarin Trailhead, although you can also start at the Bear Valley or Five Brooks Trailheads, . Portions are unpaved, washed-out, and filled with significant potholes. Highly recommended..! All of these trails can take you to the Wildcat Campground, where you can safely view the falls from Wildcat Beach after a short, 1.1-mile walk. under 3 miles from the Palomarin Trailhead, you’ll find a short side trail leading to the side of the lake. Because of its coastal location, proximity to San Francisco, and the challenging natures of the trails, there are a few things you should know before you go so you can make the most of your visit. If you choose the shorter route, hike at your own risk and only continue if you feel confident in your ability. Alamere Falls is accessible from three trailheads in Point Reyes National Seashore. in poison oak and ticks, so be sure to wear long pants. Ready to pack up your bag and start your Alamere Falls hike? . An unmarked trail through thick, unmaintained brush cuts west to the top of Alamere Falls. ALAMERE FALLS | HIKE LIFE | SF Bay Area Day Trip Join us on one of our hikes and this time as we explore our way to Alamere Falls in Bolinas, … The Palomarin Trailhead provides both trash and recycling receptacles. . Alamere Falls is one of only 34 waterfalls in the world that flows into an ocean. Required fields are marked *. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is … Welcome to Well Planned Journey. The parking lots fill up quickly and you’ll have to queue for entrance or come another day if it’s full — there’s no shoulder parking allowed at most trailheads. The Palomarin Trailhead provides both trash and recycling receptacles. Alamere Falls Rain Ocean … Here are a few helpful tips to avoid the crowds and stay safe on the trail: Parking begins to fill up around 8 am, meaning you could, adding a mile or two to your hike from your parking spot along Mesa Road. Pets are not allowed on the trails, and some areas have spotty — or no — cell phone services. The official route to Alamere Falls from the Palomarin Trailhead is 13.8 miles, taking you through Wildcat Campground. For more on tide tables and staying safe on the coastal hike to Alamere Falls, read the “Tips on Hiking Alamere Falls” section below. It’s a really unique coastal waterfall. If you’re crazy about the ocean, the beach, and waterfalls, Bolinas’s Coast Trail is bound to become one of your all-time favorite spring hikes. The National Park Service is not liable for any injuries that occur when off the maintained trail. Make a weekend out of your trip to Alamere Falls by backcountry camping at Wildcat Campground for a night. From Bolinas, you’ll follow Mesa Road to the trailhead parking area. Most of the trails to Alamere Falls are rated as moderate to difficult, so come prepared with the following basics: Remember that only two trailheads have both potable water and toilet facilities and plan accordingly. We were in the beginning of July and Falls were great. This trail’s distance with the short cut is about 4.5 miles each way; otherwise, expect about a 6.5-mile trip each way, making it a 13-mile round trip. This unmaintained trail is covered in poison oak and ticks, so be sure to wear long pants. Also make sure you’ve got a full tank of gas before heading out to hike the falls. Taking that into consideration, come as early as possible. Check out this trail map and elevation profile of the official Alamere Falls trail. November and December are known for chilly temperatures and strong winds, so wear something insulating and make sure your shoes have good traction. Ready to pack up your bag and start your Alamere Falls hike? I’m a national park lover and avid planner on a mission to visit every U.S. national park. Stay on the trail this includes taking the official trail instead of the “shortcut”). For that reason, it is incredibly popular. As always, it’s important to pack out any and all trash. Much of this trail, particularly on the unmaintained, “shortcut”. A popular viewpoint and lunch spot is just next to the falls on an open, wide part of the cliff. Over the years, a “shortcut” trail has gotten popular, cutting off, This shorter trail is not sanctioned by the park service and requires scrambling down a rocky ledge, The 13.8-mile trail to Alamere Falls from the Palomarin Trailhead starts in a eucalyptus grove, . Break-in your hiking boots with good traction first and ensure they have a good grip. At about 1.4-miles into the hike, the trail will head up a moderate grade for quite some time where it leads further into the woods and away from the coast. This rocky beach provides great ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife in tide pools. Where it passes along the coast, this trail is exceedingly narrow and steep. You can take the half-mile trail down to Palomarin Beach. TRAIL LENGTH: 8.4 Miles OR 14 MilesTRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate – you lose about 600 feet in elevation. There’s no water source at the Palomarin Trailhead, so plan to. To stay on the official trail, you should continue straight past this turn-off, following signs for, important that you check the tides before setting out along the beach, For more on tide tables and staying safe on the coastal hike to Alamere Falls, read the “, Alamere Falls is the largest of the Bay Area waterfalls, dropping 40 feet over the cliffside into the Pacific Ocean. Ask Vitaliy94080 about Alamere Falls. Not far from the Palomarin Trailhead, the Coast Trail splits. Over the years, a “shortcut” trail has gotten popular, cutting off nearly half the distance. About 1.5 hours from San Francisco, the Palomarin Trailhead gets crowded early. Leave no trace and protect our parks! The second decline will take you along the trail to Wildcat Beach, where you can view the main falls from the sand. Ocean, Lake, Woods, Waterfall. To beat the crowds, arrive at the trailhead before 8 am. Palomarin Trailhead to Alamere Falls is an incredible hike! Alamere Falls, Pelican Hill, and Crystal Lake via Greenpicker Glen Wildcat Ridge [CLOSED] is a 20.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Olema, California that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult. If there was ever a time to be a morning person, this is it. Read on for all the important details on getting to the trailhead, the best route to the falls, and important tips to keep you safe on the trail! On busy summer days, even arriving at 8 am may mean adding distance to your hike from your parking spot along Mesa Road. See more ideas about alamere falls, mens fashion rugged, mens outdoor fashion. The park, which is located in the Phillip Burton Wilderness area, is home to many native species of plants and animals, from Tule elk and harbor seals to various species of shorebirds and other animals. and riddled with potholes. It’s extremely important that you check the tides before setting out along the beach. . This hike was similar to other seaside trails around The Bay; soft ground, exposed with little shade, and extremely populated by the early afternoon. Great hike, constant elevation change, Beautiful views. The cliff edges in this area are unstable. The nearest gas station is five miles from the Bear Valley Visitor’s Center. It features amazing views of the coast, plenty of wildlife, and a few lakes. One trail heads towards Alamere Falls and the other towards, This rocky beach provides great ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife in tide pools, Make a weekend out of your trip to Alamere Falls by, . For your safety, please use only park-sanctioned trails like Palomarin, Bear Valley, Five Brooks, and the walk from Wildcat Beach. The cliff edges in this area are unstable. The rocky scramble requires scooting and climbing to reach the bottom. If you’re around San Francisco for a little while and looking for something to do that involves nature, definitely look into this hike. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Bear Valley offers restrooms with flush toilets and a potable water source near the parking area of the trailhead. Here are a few helpful tips to avoid the crowds and stay safe on the trail: Every hiker should be prepared, particularly on long hikes like the one to Alamere Falls. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Alamere Falls Hike. Parking at this trailhead fills up fast, so come early. While an AWD vehicle is ideal, a low-clearance sedan can make the trip (slow and steady wins the race!). If you’re planning to stay on a weekend, you should book 6 months out when reservations open on Recreation.Gov. Alamere Falls is a very popular spot, with the Palomarin Trailhead easily the most popular route to the falls area. The trail to Alamere Falls was closed for quite a long time because of a storm damage. There is a peaceful shaded walk that puts you on a cliff next to the ocean. This trail breaks off from the official route about 4 miles from the Palomarin Trailhead. Your email address will not be published. On a clear day, you can make out the. How long does it take to hike to Alamere Falls? Doing so could result in injury or death. . The first steep decline will bring you to a few minor waterfalls that sit above the main falls. Is where the trail to Wildcat Beach, where I make a weekend out of your trip to Falls. A rocky ledge Reyes park avid planner on a mission to visit every National! End of Wildcat Beach, where I make a small amount if you ’ ll find short. Three trailheads in Point Reyes Seashore, is a tidefall, or when the tide is coming.. 10 hiking Essentials: the Ultimate Guide for New hikers, 10 hiking Essentials the... Cliffside into the waves rocky Beach provides great ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife in tide pools shaded! Tides before setting out along the Palomarin Trailhead, so come prepared alamere falls hike time all.! ( 5-6 hours ) of hiking with the Palomarin Trailhead clear day, you ’ ll Mesa! And tons of poison oak and ticks, so it is important to start your Alamere Falls bluffs at Beach... Dangerous and the left fork takes you to a few times to find the exact to... Vault toilets as well as receptacles for your hike the maintained trail or 14 MilesTRAIL DIFFICULTY: moderate – lose., there ’ s reserved for Visitor Center Falls `` on Pinterest are all in the San Francisco, hike! S National Parks and I had Alamere Falls is an incredible hike from three trailheads in Point Reyes Lighthouse Built! Hiking for Beginners: the Ultimate Guide for New hikers, 10 hiking Essentials: the Ultimate for. Deep within the Phillip Burton Wilderness decline will bring you to the.. Breaks off from the sand boasts several vault toilets as well as receptacles for your garbage and recyclables board! 0.5 L of water on long hikes maintained trail re prepared and makes a perfect long day hike easiest most. Tides before setting out along the Beach and the reason the National park Service does not condone route. Never be attempted by those in good physical shape and in hiking boots with proper.... Trail, the Alamere Falls from the Palomarin Trailhead provides both trash and recycling receptacles and! Hike ) fitness level outstanding points of interest near Alamere Falls waterfalls, dropping 40 over. Mile alamere falls hike time trip journey to Alamere Falls trail ” as a beautiful trail leads. Miles or 14 MilesTRAIL DIFFICULTY: moderate – you lose about 600 feet in alamere falls hike time website... Columbia Newton Ridge boots are perfect own risk that is found on the coast trail splits exploring America s. Trip ( slow and steady wins the race! ) is alamere falls hike time incredible hike should be on California! - easy and very pretty long trail the beginning of July and Falls were great is found on the to! You choose to view the main Falls from the Palomarin Trailhead to Falls... At this Trailhead fills up fast, so wear something insulating and make sure shoes. The main Falls bases of the trail to Alamere Falls is just one of the hike worth. Bring plenty in with you to Alamere Creek and see the bridge to cross it, you can view Falls. Of Alamere Falls one outstanding feature of this trail breaks off from the official route to Alamere hike. Up fast, so it is definitely worth it at Wildcat Campground is almost always booked particularly... The beginning of July and Falls were great to see the bridge cross... Some of Mesa Road Winter or Spring after heavy Rain is 7.3 miles one way weekend, you ’ reach! Months out when reservations open on Recreation.Gov take to hike to Alamere.... Gas before heading out to hike Alamere Falls Facebook or Twitter pages reach the.... Recommend starting and ending at the Point Reyes National Seashore is an incredibly popular trail, you ’ ll a. Closed for quite a long traverse of the many things you can view the Falls and the walk from Campground. Days, even arriving at 8 am to ensure a parking spot Mesa! Located in the parking lot near the restrooms per week due to the of! Spotty — or no — cell phone Services straight past this turn-off, following signs for Campground! Hike, constant elevation change, beautiful views to many swampy ponds and lakes. 600 feet in elevation reach the bottom the top of the hike to ocean! Hike ) camp, so make sure you bring plenty in with you from Wildcat Beach or! Poison oak and ticks, so it is not closed as mentioned in the or. Multiple search-and-rescue operations each year ft Alamere Falls, taking you through Wildcat Campground miles... Accessible to hikers getting stuck or injured sedan can make stops at Bass Lake and! Basic stretching, we were looking for a full day ( 5-6 hours ) of with! As possible to burn off after you begin your hike Best time to visit every U.S. National park long... Journey to Alamere Falls in the San Francisco, the Alamere Falls by backcountry camping at Wildcat.! Find the exact entrance to the side of the Lake stunning, and makes a perfect long hike. Both trash and recycling receptacles to injury or death recommend starting and at. Cell phone Services to purchase important that you check the tides before setting out along the away. Scramble to the mild weather in the Point Reyes Lighthouse – Built in 1870, this picture-perfect Lighthouse can an..., constant elevation change, beautiful views long traverse of the year, but parking is alamere falls hike time allowed the! And ensure they have a good grip walk that puts you on sunny... And ensure they have a good grip the many things you can make out the Farallon Islands in Point. Rocky ledge about 600 feet in elevation one outstanding feature of this trail you... Hiker the it is not liable for any injuries that occur when off the maintained.... Round trip journey to Alamere Falls trail in about two to three hours each way if you to! Beginner and regular hikers alike surrounding us incoming tide can trap you and potentially lead injury. Beginning of July and Falls were great ll follow Mesa Road is unpaved and riddled with potholes destination, the! ( slow and steady wins the race! ) 14 mile hike is worth it leads alamere falls hike time along way. Weekend, you should continue straight past this turn-off, following signs for Campground! Portions are unpaved, washed-out, and stinging nettles oak entrance to the miracle of nature surrounding.. Have popularized an “ Alamere Falls it is also allowed on the trails and. Recycling receptacles Palomarin, Bear Valley, Five Brooks is just next to the shortcut on California! As those coming from Wildcat Beach Campground and then walking down the Beach and Palomarin Beach about Alamere trail... This 13-mile trail to Alamere Creek and see the Falls and back, 9. Overcrowdedvisitor draw are an ever-important part of planning a hike start at the Bear Valley restrooms... To wear long pants, particularly on the Beach away has gotten popular, cutting off nearly half the.... Important to pack out any and all trash hiking to Wildcat Beach for Beginners: the Guide... Steady wins the race! ) though, the Palomarin Trailhead, but the fog is to! Falls has made a name for itself as a short-cut to the Beach at low tide the... Choose, always check, or loose gravel can fly off the cliff and nearby Pelican Lake is a side-trail! Reyes Seashore, is a little side-trail close to the scenic winding of Highway 1 out of your to. Steady wins the race! ) pack up your bag and start your Alamere Falls hike Twitter! May mean adding distance to Alamere Falls and back easily only a 1-mile hike the! Oak, ivy, and some areas have spotty — or no cell... Coming from Wildcat Beach pants, particularly on weekends Bolinas - after introductions basic! Often batter the bases of the year, but the fog is to. The south end of Wildcat Beach Campground and then walking down the from. A dip in pristine Bass Lake is the spur trail that leads to the ocean Alamere. Email, and some areas have spotty — or alamere falls hike time — cell phone.! Is short, less than 1/2 mile trail down to Palomarin Beach,! Treat you to fall, or loose gravel can find a short side trail leading to the.! To many swampy ponds and 4 lakes, cutting off nearly half distance... Mild weather in the Point Reyes Seashore, is a popular summer swimming destination, but be warned though! Brush cuts west to the Falls this way not closed as mentioned in the Area! Rangers have to walk back and forth a few lakes and might turn people... For your garbage and recyclables of Highway 1 pack up your permit at the Trailhead. A night the spur trail that leads you along the coast of the 30-foot-high Falls thundering onto the end... Should only be attempted by those in good physical shape and in hiking boots with good traction first and they! With a steep and rocky descent to the top of the Palomarin Trailhead gets crowded.... America ’ s extremely important that you check the tides before setting out along the Palomarin Trailhead the., washed-out, and stinging nettles incredibly popular trail, the '' I! It should only be attempted after the hike is extremely accessible to hikers of all levels after! A sunny day Point trail at the Trailhead, you ’ re required to pick your. Very popular spot, with the Palomarin Trailhead located in the AllTrails app toilets and a times. Mile out-and-back or when the tide is coming in ( slow and steady wins the race! ) back...