POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP

Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:30 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 9:50. Walk north until you reach a road that will lead you to the bluff and spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, and the Lighthouse before turning around and walking south along the bluff towards Arena Cove. This is mostly coastal grassland so there isn't much elevation change, but the ground is uneven and there are gopher holes so good hiking shoes are helpful.  A suitable lunch spot will be found with a good view before returning to the cars.
Leader: Mary Heibel
mileage: 4.3
photos contributed by Bob R

TIMBER RIDGE ROAD -- POSH SQUASH

Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and/or at the end of Verdant View near the Ranch Cafe at 10:15. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk on informal path west to Timber Ridge Road. Walk south on this road until the end of the road. This is a forested road with ups and downs so a hiking stick could be helpful but is not mandatory. When we reach the end, we will turn around and walk back stopping at the Posh Squash where there are picnic tables where we can eat our lunch and survey the vegetable gardens. Note: added on a side trip to the tower.
Leader: Laura Bridge
Mileage: 3.8
photos contributed by Bob R, and Phil

SALT POINT/TIMBER COVE

 

Meet at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:15 and at Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25. Start at 9:45 at Salt Point State Park. Turn west at Main Entrance and follow road down to ocean where large parking lot and restrooms are.  There is a $6 charge per car so if you have a State Parks pass bring it. Hike the coastal trail along the bluffs north for about 30 min and then return.  If we are lucky the waves will be BIG and beautiful.  We will return to our cars and then continue south to Timber Cove Inn where we will hike their trails, including a visit to the smallest state park in California.  The hike will conclude with lunch at the Timber Cove Inn so please RSVP to Mary Sue by December 9th so she can give them an idea of how many people might be coming.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner
Mileage: 3.3
photos contributed by Leader Laura and Phil

GUALALA REGIONAL PARK NORTH SEA RANCH LOOP

Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside entrance just left after pulling past fee post.)  There is a fee per car. (Or park across the street and cross Hwy 1 if you do not have a pass.)  Cross the highway and pick up the Badger Trail.  Take the Badger Trail and hike the Pomo Hillside Trail to Deer Trail. Turn left (post 147) and walk along the road, turning right on Halcyon and crossing the highway. Turn right on Leeward, left on Fish Rock, taking the trail through the hedge row to the Bluff Trail. Walk along the trail until you pass post 70. Take trail off to right to 70A and Sea Lion. Walk to the end of the road, turn left and walk along Leeward Road to the end, entering the trail at post 76A. Connect to the Bluff Trail again and then walk to the park taking the first right back to the Visitor’s Center and back to the Hidden Parking lot. Optional lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Linda Kennedy
mileage: 4.5
photos contributed by Bob R. & April

GUALALA ROAD TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE AND GAC HIKING TRAILS

Meet at 10:00 in back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot. We will walk one of the new GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the green bridge and back. There are some mild elevation changes. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the Arts Center, and after lunch those interested can view the art shows inside.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
photos contributed by Phil and Liberty Laura

CORMORANT, BREAKER MEADOW, OHLSON BEACH, SHELL BEACH LOOP

Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of the bridge and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith's house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Close (right on Breaker Reach, right on Hedgegate, left on Bluff Reach.). Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn right and follow the trail to 26D and continue on Breaker Meadow Trail to 25D. Take the bike trail from 25D to marker 21, passing by Knipp-Stengel Barn. Turn right to Ohlson Beach, then return to 21, turn left and walk along the bluff to marker 24, overlooking Stengel Beach. Follow the bluff trail from 24, 24A, 25 to marker 31. Check out the cormorant nesting area at the point, then continue along the bluff to Shell Beach and loop back via 33, 33A, and Cormorant Reach to complete the loop. Enjoy your bag lunch at the Coffeysmith's on their deck or inside, out of the elements.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith
photos contributed by Bob R and Phil