STORNETTA AND HUCKLEBERRY PICKIN'

 

Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Rollerville Junction 2 miles north of Point Arena at 10:20. Cars can park along highway 1 facing south. We will be hiking a T pattern. Starting down the road (aka Huckleberry Row) to the Loran Station we will first head south to some spectacular rock formations and then retrace back to the Loran Station and this time we will head north for some more great views of the lighthouse (weather permitting) and our coastline. After taking in the views we will return and eat our lunch near the blow holes (or find a spot out of the wind depending on the weather). Eventually we will retrace our way back along "Huckleberry Row" where those who want to may stay and pick huckleberries can and others can return by the road to their cars. Carpools should be done in a way to accommodate pickers and non-pickers. This is a relatively flat hike with only minor elevation change.
Leader: Harmony, 707-734-0773

Photo Credit: Gary, Joel, Rita, Bob

GUALALA POINT PARK #2

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.) Hike on road going north till reach trail that accesses river bluff. Turn left on that trail and follow it till you reach Visitor Center parking lot. Just after visitor center veer right on grass trail which takes you toward beach. Cross paved path to beach and proceed past restroom to coast. Bear left on bluffs and continue on the Blufftop Trail to the Salal Trail intersection. Either take it back to the cars if not too muddy or turn around and when you reenter County Park turn immediate right on path and proceed to beginning. As you enter the road to the visitor center, follow it a bit toward Highway until you see trail bearing right. Follow it back to Hidden Parking Lot.
Leaders: Rita, 760-583-1300

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. We will have lunch at a nice spot on the trail.
Leaders: Susan and Gary, 882-1750

MENDOCINO COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS

Meet at 8:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at 8:30 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg. This is a LONG drive for us so be forewarned. Hikers north of Anchor Bay should call the leaders ahead of time if you want to be picked up along the way. There is an admission charge for the Gardens unless you are a MCBG member or a member of a reciprocal garden.  Our leaders are members and member's guests are $10 if they come in with a member so it shouldn't be more than $10 a person. This hike is limited to 14 people. You must email msittner@mcn.org or call Mary Sue to reserve a place (707-884-4824). This garden includes 47 acres of manicured gardens, diverse plant collections, forests, streams, fern canyons and bluffs. We will walk out to the Cliff House and see spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean along the Coastal Bluff Trail and visit the vegetable garden where a lot of produce is grown and donated to the food bank. Dahlias, heritage roses, heathers, begonias, fuchsias, hydrangeas, perennials are at their peak bloom August-October. Dogs are welcome on leash. Those who want to can eat at Rhody's Cafe where you can get fresh made sandwiches and salads, homemade soup and desserts, coffee, drinks, and Cowlick's ice cream. We will order and pay when we arrive and our lunch will be ready to pick up when we are done hiking.  It's also fine to bring your lunch if you prefer.
Leaders: Mary Sue and Bob

Photo Credit: Bob & Laura

DMC LOOP #5

 

Carpool at 9:50 at the Gualala business directory 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 taking the Salal Trail, turning right on Leeward, right on Grey Whale and picking up the Del Mar Meadow Trail at post 67B and back to Leeward and the Del Mar Center. Lunch in the Del Mar Garden or the Secret Place.
Leader: Cynthia, 925-683-3089

Photo Credit: Laura & Dave