A shorter there-and-back hike than Alamere Falls (by about 3 miles), Bass Lake is a destination unto itself that boasts a picturesque lake as a reward and a tucked away swimming hole for those warm summer and fall Marin days. To visit Alamere Falls safely, Point Reyes National Seashore recommends hiking to Wildcat Campground and, from there, walking a mile south on Wildcat Beach (more about this section of the hike below). The larger of only two tidefalls in the entire state of California, it is an unusual and enticing site for even the most seasoned explorers.The beautiful 7.5 mile out and back hike to get to it offers countless spring wildflowers, wide ocean views, gray whale watching opportunities, and access to both Bass and Pelican … Alamere Falls is work the hike. Longer: The total length of this trail is 14 miles and it will probably add another 2-3 hours to your hike, at least. There are two vault toilets at this trailhead, along with garbage and recycling receptacles. Please be aware that on weekends throughout the year and on many weekdays throughout the summer, the parking lot at the Palomarin Trailhead fills very early in the day. Months before my family visited, I went on hikes to see what 10-14 mile hikes would feel like. Hiking is refreshing, fun, and great for family bonding. Hope you have fun in SF 🙂, Your email address will not be published. Directions to the Bear Valley Visitor Center, Directions from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the Palomarin Trailhead, Directions from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to the Five Brooks Trailhead, more about this section of the hike below, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Watches, Warnings & Advisories page for the Coastal North Bay. However, the most kid-friendly portion of the hike should only take 30 to 45 minutes to complete. She is not. ), or speak with a ranger. The Alamere Falls Vista via Coast Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore near Bolinas, California is a moderate 8.8-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a beautiful vista point above Alamere Falls. This trail is 2.6 miles round-trip. It is located at the northwestern end of Mesa Road, approximately 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Bolinas. There are two places to start this hike, we chose the Palomarin Trailhead. The return hike is almost completely uphill. Comment*document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "accc29affda4fc1d332f63dc7f11504b" );document.getElementById("a2f73dc8f6").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Just a mediocre person with mediocre skills seeking extraordinary adventures. Photo: Fall color in Washington's North Cascades. A spectacular sight like no other, Alamere Falls is the endpoint of a great 4.3-mile hike with sweeping mountain views through the Palomarin Trailhead just past Bolinas, covering other wonderful natural waterworks like the popular swimming hole of Bass Lake and the lush wildlife haven of Pelican Lake. Tip: If you are ever in doubt as to which way to go, there are signs at every official trail junction indicating some of the significant trail junctions and destinations in a given direction, as well as distances to those locations. If you get to a trail and the Palomarin Trailhead and the parking lot is full, please choose another trail to hike. Want to see the falls at sunrise, when no one is around? WILDLIFE SPOTTED: Quail, turkey vulture, falcon, banana slug, black lizard (unidentified), rabbit, grey fox, harbor seal. Beyond this location, one enters the Phillip Burton Wilderness, in which bicycles are prohibited. should carry one with them and must wear a facial covering when interacting with others who are not members of their household in public and private spaces if they cannot practice physical distancing. Access status can change day by day; please double check before you go, and please follow guidelines for recreating outdoors to keep your family and others safe. 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; weather forecast; fire danger information; shuttle bus system status; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. From the Palomarin Trailhead, the minimum hiking distance to Alamere Falls is 6.5 miles (10.4 km). AMENITIES: Pit toilets, water faucet (most often potable, but not guaranteed), charcoal grills, picnic tables, and food storage lockers. She currently feels like she's writing a dating profile. So which trail is best? Take this is short, less than 1/2 mile Alamere Falls access trail down to the cliffs where the 50 ft falls land on the beach. The hike to Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the best Bay Area gems and a landmark for any park enthusiast. Another incredible waterfall in the lower mainland, Bridal Veil Falls got its name from the way the waterfall falls across the smooth rock surface, creating a ‘veil-like’ effect. Alamere Falls 3. Hike through the woods, along the beach, and end up at a beautiful, cascading waterfall. Gem Type: ... Alamere Falls … I recommend starting early and hiking … Alamere Falls. Turn left onto the Glen Trail and begin climbing up the side of a ridge. Beware of getting too close to cliff edges and be mindful of coastal erosion! Eventually you’ll break out of the forest and into the low scrubland that surrounds the Coast Trail, a long, pleasantly undulating trail that stretches from the aforementioned HI Hostel to the Palomarin Trail Head, which is the where you’d start the more popular route to Alamere Falls. The Coast Trail then heads inland and drops in elevation to a valley floor before switchbacking out the other side. Visit our Recreate Responsibly page for guidelines for responsible recreation in the outdoors at Point Reyes and other park lands during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Injuries are a frequent occurrence on this trail. Turn left. Make sure and grab high up on the rope to avoid rocks at the bottom. Such an incredible hike! Please help do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying close to home; if you do visit Point Reyes, please maintain at least six feet of physical distance. Both routes reconnect after 1.1 miles (1.7 km) after passing on opposite sides of Wildcat Lake. Somebody didn’t get their facts straight. Note: You’ll only receive e-mails once weekly, at  the absolute maximum! TRAIL DIFFICULTY: Moderate – you lose about 600 feet in elevation. The trail has suffered serious damage due to winter storms and hasn’t been maintained since the 70’s. I can also be a "hit 'continue watching' 15 times in a day" kinda gal. After the Hike: Check out the Meadow Farm Museum, where you can explore a living outdoor museum recreated as an 1860 farm, with guided animal tours and living history demonstrations. Alamere Falls is a very popular spot, with the Palomarin Trailhead easily the most popular route to the falls area. Shady fir forest before the lakes. Somebody didn’t get their facts straight.Or did they?The truth is, there are actually 2 trails to Alamere Falls, but the significantly shorter trail has been closed indefinitely. , forest trails, such as ginger and aroid color is on waterfall cascades onto. 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