KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE MUSHROOM HIKE

 

Carpool at 9:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area 10:00. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road, just before Fisk Mill Cove. There is just a short drive to the official parking area. No fees and no passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:15. We will hike the Phillips Gulch Trail and return on the Chinese Gulch Trail.  The first part is mostly up and the second part is mostly down (but no steep places). Fortunately, there are level places along the way where we can catch our breath. We will cross eight bridges over flowing creeks. This is a spectacular area.  If you have either of David Arora's mushroom guide books, bring them.  We will look at mushrooms in general but specifically for oyster mushrooms.  Boots and hiking sticks are recommended.  Light rain does not cancel this hike.  Lunch will be on some friendly logs near our starting place. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails. The route of the hike may be altered during the hike depending on time.

Leader: Joel, 707-485-4339

Photo Credit: Laura & Joel

DMC LOOP #2

 

Carpool at 9:50 at the Gualala business directory just north of bridge. Start at 10:00 at the Del Mar Center on TSR (hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers). Hike north on the Del Mar Meadow Trail to the Bluff Trail, down the hedgerows and to the Salal Trail. Cross the highway by the entrance to the Regional Park and go through the gates to post 152. Walk up Haversack and make a right on Deer Trail, catching the trail at post 139. Turn right at post 138 and go through the tunnel under the highway, turn left on Tallgrass and walk back to the Del Mar Center. Lunch in the garden.

Leader: Laura

Photo Credit: Laura & Rita

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