SEA FOREST AND BLUFF TRAILS

 

Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and meet at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:00. We will take the trail from the parking lot to Moonraker Road and cross highway 1. From there we will take an immediate right at trail post 220 and enter the Sea Forest Trail, which has a creek and a seasonal waterfall. Take the trail to post 219 to the bench at the end of the trail and admire the spectacular view of the coast. We will retrace our steps, cross back over highway 1 and head north toward the Moonraker Rec Center. At trail post 3C we will head toward the bluff, turning south at trail post 3. We will return to the parking lot via the bluff trail and will find a suitable spot for lunch.

Leader: Stephen

Photo Credit: Stephen and Laura

KING RIDGE LOOP

Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and drive to King Ridge Road and park. Hike King Ridge two miles (up) and return. This stretch is very beautiful in winter with mist, oak trees, and nice views. There is plenty of up and down on this hike. We will eat at an old cemetery.
Leaders: John & Lynn

Photo Credit: Laura

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. There are some mild elevation changes on this sometimes shady road that follows the Gualala River.
Leader: Dona

Photo Credit: Laura & Dona

SALT POINT PRAIRIE

 

Meet at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool. Drive to the entrance to Salt Point Park on Sea View Road. Starting at about 10:30 take the Prairie Trail to the Prairie. Upon reaching it walk all the way around it on the mowed loop before retracing our steps on the Prairie Trail back to the cars.  There are steep stretches (up and down) so a walking stick and boots are recommended. Lunch out at the Timber Cove Inn after the hike.
Leaders: Bob & Mary Sue

Photo Credit: Laura & Bob

CRISPIN LANE

 

Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:30 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool. We will drive to Crispin Lane in Manchester, parking at the Manchester Community Center/Garcia Guild (formerly the Grange, or perhaps it is the Grange again!) and walk to the end of this county road. Hike starts at 10:00 a.m. We will pass green fields and have lovely views of the ocean on our way back. This road starts out relatively flat and then goes slowly up so we'll coast on the return trip. Afterwards we will have lunch outside at the Manchester Community Center. NOTE: There are often loose dogs on Crispin Lane so you may not want to bring your dog.
Leader: Jack

Photo Credit: Laura

SALAL TRAIL AND BLUFF

 

Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:30 (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.) Walk along trail next to Highway to Salal Trail. Hike this beautiful shady trail to the Bluff and south for awhile before turning around and walking north to Gualala Point Park and lunch. We may eat at the picnic tables overlooking the ocean or on the beach. After lunch the leaders will lead us back through Gualala Point Park to our cars. Leader: Stephen

Photo Credit: Laura

MONARCH GLEN/WALK-ON BEACH

 

Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:50. Start at the Sea Ranch chapel, mm 55.66 at 11 am. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Carefully cross the highway to Bosuns Reach. Enter trail on south side, then take a right onto trail going north. Before entering the hedgerow walk the Monarch Glen loop trail on the right, returning to the previous trail. Walk through the hedgerow then turn east onto Leeward Road. When Meadow trail is too muddy walk Leeward Road all the way from the hedgerow. Take a left on Seal Rock Reach and hike to Walk-On Beach for lunch. Proceed on the trail through hedgerow at post 37, then turn east, cross Leeward and retrace steps to chapel.

Leader: Laura

Photo Credit: Laura & Dona

PELICAN BLUFF

 

Meet at 9:35 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and carpool at Anchor Bay at 9:45 at the south side of town on west side of highway. The hike will begin at the Pelican Bluff parking lot at 10:00. Please carpool if at all possible as there is limited parking. The Mendocino Land Trust has designed a 2.2-mile trail and this 73-acre preserve is home to the endangered Point Arena Mountain Beaver and several rare plants, as well as a creek (which is recovering from cattle grazing) and Bishop pine forest. We will start our hike with the trail that goes to the bluff and then South, retracing our steps back to the parking area. After that, we’ll hike the loop that goes North and then down to the bluff, and finish up with the short loop in the center, eating lunch at the picnic tables.
Leaders: John & Lynn

Photo Credit: Laura