KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION

 

Carpool at 10:00 at pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:15. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:30. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available. If it can be arranged, we will have our lunch in Bruce Johnson's Osprey Theater at the Plantation Children's Camp. After lunch it is all downhill. The views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great. 

Leader: Dona Dougherty 

photo credit: Dona & Laura B

 

POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP

 

Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:40 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 10:00. 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

 photo credit: Laura B, and John Petersen

GUALALA POINT PARK #5

Meet at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on the west side entrance, just left after pulling past fee post.) Or park across the street and cross Highway One if you do not have a pass. Walk through the Serge Poles and then cross the road to the bench overlooking the Gualala River. Take the trail from there that leads to the Visitor Center and from there the grass trail to the Beach. Walk as far as you can on the beach, turning around and retracing your steps and then hike south past the restrooms and along the bluff doing the loop for views of Whale Watch Point and then walking south until you reach the trail that goes south to Walk On Beach but take the trail that takes you back towards the Visitor's Center. Leader's choice for eating at the tables at the Visitor’s Center or walking back to the Hidden Parking lot and eating at the tables there.Leaders: John & Lynn Walton

photo credit: Laura B, Lynn, & April

HORSESHOE COVE - SALT POINT NORTH

Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:15. Park at MM 44.00 at Salt Point where we will start the hike at 10:30. The turnoff is tricky; turnoff at MM44 even though the sign says Turnout 1/4 mile. This hike is quite steep in places so hiking sticks and boots are recommended. Hike on the trail staying right at the fork until you go over the crest of the hill and have a beautiful view of Horseshoe Cove. Descend sharply until you reach the Bluff. Walk south along the bluff until about 11:30 and retrace your steps until we reach a magical rock formation for lunch. The return to the cars after lunch will be uphill, but this is a gorgeous spot so worth the effort.  (NOTE: we modified and went down the steep way and up the northern trail after lunching at the north most rocks - and whale watching!)

Leader: Mary Sue & Harmony

 photo credit: April, Mary Sue and Laura B

DMC LOOP #3

 

Carpool at 9:50 at Gualala Business Sign pullout just north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Del Mar Center on TSR. Hang tags needed for parking for non Sea Ranch hikers. Walk south on Leeward until you reach the Walk-On Beach access trail and walk on it to Bluff. Turn north on the Bluff Trail and walk north as long as you wish. Return north of the bridge past post #62a , turning east to catch the Del Mar Meadow Trail and back to Leeward and the Del Mar Lunch in the Del Mar Garden. 

Leader: Laura Bridge

 photo credit: Laura