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