Hi Ramblers,
Here is the schedule for our spring hikes. I’m looking forward to seeing some beautiful spring colors. There is a Sea Ranch hikes (4/24) and a Stornetta hike (June 19) that don’t have leaders. Any volunteers? The Sea Ranch hike should be lead by a Sea Rancher.
Remember – if it’s raining the day of the hike, we do not officially cancel the hike but the leader isn’t required to show up. Those that do want to hike should meet at the posted starting point and can either do the scheduled hike or pick something else.
The current hike schedule (and archives going back to 2009) can always be found at https://thursdayramblers.blogspot.com/. This is the best source for the hikes as occasionally things change from what I send out in this email and the website is always kept updated.
Laura
GUALALA POINT PARK #4 – April 3, 2025
Meet at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside entrance just left after pulling past fee post.) Or park across the street and cross Hwy 1 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 on the beach, turning around and retracing steps and then hike south pass the restrooms and along the bluff to Gualala Point. Turn around and hike the road back to the Visitors Center where there are picnic tables sheltered from the wind for lunch.
Leader: Dona, 775-420-2265
SEA FOREST AND BLUFF TRAILS – April 10, 2025
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: Harmony, 884-3347 and Laura, 408-306-5321
MOAT CREEK #3 – April 17, 2025
Meet at 9:35 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and carpool at Anchor Bay at 9:45 south side of town on west side of highway. Start at Moat Creek at MM 12.77 on way to Pt. Arena at 10:00. Hike the bluff south to Bowling Ball Beach. Walk south on the beach to Schooner's Gulch and then return via beach and bluff to Moat Creek for lunch. The hike is mostly level, but there are two short steep stretches (up one way and down another). The beach can be rocky and a bit challenging to walk on in a few stretches. There is a minus tide this day so we will be starting early to take advantage of this. There are often nice wildflowers this time of the year along the bluff and Schooner's Gulch at a low tide is a sight to behold.
Leader: Joel, 485-4339
KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE – April 24, 2025
Carpool at 9:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge. 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 are required. The hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:15. We will hike the short Rhododendron trail connecting with Phillips Gulch Trail and return on the Chinese Gulch Trail. This is only a 2.5 mile hike. 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 the Rhododendrons are still in bloom we will have time to appreciate them and we often see Coralroot orchids and sometimes late flowering Calypso orchids. Lunch will be on some friendly logs near our starting place. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails.
Leader: Rita, 760-583-1300
BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS – May 1, 2025
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of the bridge at 9:45, and meet at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:00 (there are not many spots at this parking area so please carpool). Walk north from the parking lot to the fire road. Turn left, then right to marker 1. Go down the stairs and walk on the beach to the north end, returning to the stairs (Note: The stairs are steep!). From marker 1, walk south to the first gate marked with the wildflower path marker and follow the path to Black Point, the barn, and Bihler Point. Continue on the marked path toward the Lodge, past the old sheepherder’s cabin, and turn left on the main trail. Follow the Bluff Trail from marker 1 to 3, turn right and continue through the hedgerow to marker 3C, then right on Moonraker to the fire road gate at Black Point Reach. At the end of the hike we will find a good area to eat our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: TBD
POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – May 8, 2025
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 gorgeous ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, wildflowers 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 eat lunch back at the picnic tables at City Hall.
Leader: Laura, 408-306-5321
PELICAN BLUFF – May 15, 2025
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 and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
SALT POINT LOOP #2 – May 22, 2025
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge. Park at the call box parking area one-half mile south of Stump Beach on the east side of HWY 1 (south of MM 41.00). Take trail going south on east side of the highway up to the first fork. Take the left trail toward the Prairie, going up the hill, then stay right at each fork until coming out at the park entrance. Cross the highway and take the trail toward Gerstle Cove. Hike up the gravel road, pass the Information Center and go onto the headlands. Hike north on the bluff all the way to a rock outcropping in line with the call box on the highway, then continue for another few minutes toward Stump Beach. We will have lunch seated on some wonderful rock ledges, watch the crashing surf and see the salt pockets after which Salt Point was named. Walking sticks are a good idea! After lunch take the meadow trail back to the cars. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leader: Mary Sue, 884-4824
GUALALA REGIONAL PARK NORTH SEA RANCH LOOP – May 29, 2025
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on west side 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 on Deer Trail (post 147) enter the Pomo Creek Trail at post 146. Exit the trail at post 142, 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. Turn right and walk along the trail until you pass post 67, then take the Salal trail back to Gualala Point Park. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Cynthia, 925-683-3089
HORSESHOE COVE - SALT POINT NORTH – June 5, 2025
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 meet our leader 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.
Leader: Joel, 485-4339
DMC LOOP #5 – June 12, 2025
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
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – June 19, 2025
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at meet at 10:30 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and park in front of the Lighthouse north of Point Arena. The walk begins at 11:00 by following the bluffs to the north/east and following the Garcia River upstream (via the bluffs). We will lunch on the bluffs overlooking the Garcia River. We will return via the pasture and through the gate and back on the road to our cars. The views and wildflowers should be lovely (this hike can be windy). Note the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended.
Leader: TBD
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – June 26, 2025
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Ohlson Rec Center (just south of the white barn). Hang tags needed. Cross the highway to post 254A and take the Hugal Ravine Trail* to Seabird Road. Pick up the trails again at the end of Schooner Dr. (post 109) and follow the Sag Ponds Trail to Ridge Trail via post 104, then right at post 103 to Sorcerer Wood at post 102. Pick up the trails again at post 314. Turn left at post 240 and take Long Meadow Trail down to Highway 1. Cross Highway 1 and take the bike and foot trails to Ohlson Rec Center. NOTE: If weather or mud is a problem the leader may reroute us onto more roads and fewer trails. Lunch at Ohlson Rec Center. *Hugal Ravine is steep. Please be prepared for elevation change during this hike.
Leader: Stephen, 787-0356
Here is the schedule for our spring hikes. I’m looking forward to seeing some beautiful spring colors. There is a Sea Ranch hikes (4/24) and a Stornetta hike (June 19) that don’t have leaders. Any volunteers? The Sea Ranch hike should be lead by a Sea Rancher.
Remember – if it’s raining the day of the hike, we do not officially cancel the hike but the leader isn’t required to show up. Those that do want to hike should meet at the posted starting point and can either do the scheduled hike or pick something else.
The current hike schedule (and archives going back to 2009) can always be found at https://thursdayramblers.blogspot.com/. This is the best source for the hikes as occasionally things change from what I send out in this email and the website is always kept updated.
Laura
GUALALA POINT PARK #4 – April 3, 2025
Meet at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside entrance just left after pulling past fee post.) Or park across the street and cross Hwy 1 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 on the beach, turning around and retracing steps and then hike south pass the restrooms and along the bluff to Gualala Point. Turn around and hike the road back to the Visitors Center where there are picnic tables sheltered from the wind for lunch.
Leader: Dona, 775-420-2265
SEA FOREST AND BLUFF TRAILS – April 10, 2025
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: Harmony, 884-3347 and Laura, 408-306-5321
MOAT CREEK #3 – April 17, 2025
Meet at 9:35 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and carpool at Anchor Bay at 9:45 south side of town on west side of highway. Start at Moat Creek at MM 12.77 on way to Pt. Arena at 10:00. Hike the bluff south to Bowling Ball Beach. Walk south on the beach to Schooner's Gulch and then return via beach and bluff to Moat Creek for lunch. The hike is mostly level, but there are two short steep stretches (up one way and down another). The beach can be rocky and a bit challenging to walk on in a few stretches. There is a minus tide this day so we will be starting early to take advantage of this. There are often nice wildflowers this time of the year along the bluff and Schooner's Gulch at a low tide is a sight to behold.
Leader: Joel, 485-4339
KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE – April 24, 2025
Carpool at 9:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge. 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 are required. The hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:15. We will hike the short Rhododendron trail connecting with Phillips Gulch Trail and return on the Chinese Gulch Trail. This is only a 2.5 mile hike. 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 the Rhododendrons are still in bloom we will have time to appreciate them and we often see Coralroot orchids and sometimes late flowering Calypso orchids. Lunch will be on some friendly logs near our starting place. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails.
Leader: Rita, 760-583-1300
BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS – May 1, 2025
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of the bridge at 9:45, and meet at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:00 (there are not many spots at this parking area so please carpool). Walk north from the parking lot to the fire road. Turn left, then right to marker 1. Go down the stairs and walk on the beach to the north end, returning to the stairs (Note: The stairs are steep!). From marker 1, walk south to the first gate marked with the wildflower path marker and follow the path to Black Point, the barn, and Bihler Point. Continue on the marked path toward the Lodge, past the old sheepherder’s cabin, and turn left on the main trail. Follow the Bluff Trail from marker 1 to 3, turn right and continue through the hedgerow to marker 3C, then right on Moonraker to the fire road gate at Black Point Reach. At the end of the hike we will find a good area to eat our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: TBD
POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – May 8, 2025
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 gorgeous ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, wildflowers 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 eat lunch back at the picnic tables at City Hall.
Leader: Laura, 408-306-5321
PELICAN BLUFF – May 15, 2025
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 and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
SALT POINT LOOP #2 – May 22, 2025
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge. Park at the call box parking area one-half mile south of Stump Beach on the east side of HWY 1 (south of MM 41.00). Take trail going south on east side of the highway up to the first fork. Take the left trail toward the Prairie, going up the hill, then stay right at each fork until coming out at the park entrance. Cross the highway and take the trail toward Gerstle Cove. Hike up the gravel road, pass the Information Center and go onto the headlands. Hike north on the bluff all the way to a rock outcropping in line with the call box on the highway, then continue for another few minutes toward Stump Beach. We will have lunch seated on some wonderful rock ledges, watch the crashing surf and see the salt pockets after which Salt Point was named. Walking sticks are a good idea! After lunch take the meadow trail back to the cars. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leader: Mary Sue, 884-4824
GUALALA REGIONAL PARK NORTH SEA RANCH LOOP – May 29, 2025
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on west side 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 on Deer Trail (post 147) enter the Pomo Creek Trail at post 146. Exit the trail at post 142, 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. Turn right and walk along the trail until you pass post 67, then take the Salal trail back to Gualala Point Park. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Cynthia, 925-683-3089
HORSESHOE COVE - SALT POINT NORTH – June 5, 2025
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 meet our leader 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.
Leader: Joel, 485-4339
DMC LOOP #5 – June 12, 2025
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
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – June 19, 2025
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at meet at 10:30 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and park in front of the Lighthouse north of Point Arena. The walk begins at 11:00 by following the bluffs to the north/east and following the Garcia River upstream (via the bluffs). We will lunch on the bluffs overlooking the Garcia River. We will return via the pasture and through the gate and back on the road to our cars. The views and wildflowers should be lovely (this hike can be windy). Note the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended.
Leader: TBD
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – June 26, 2025
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Ohlson Rec Center (just south of the white barn). Hang tags needed. Cross the highway to post 254A and take the Hugal Ravine Trail* to Seabird Road. Pick up the trails again at the end of Schooner Dr. (post 109) and follow the Sag Ponds Trail to Ridge Trail via post 104, then right at post 103 to Sorcerer Wood at post 102. Pick up the trails again at post 314. Turn left at post 240 and take Long Meadow Trail down to Highway 1. Cross Highway 1 and take the bike and foot trails to Ohlson Rec Center. NOTE: If weather or mud is a problem the leader may reroute us onto more roads and fewer trails. Lunch at Ohlson Rec Center. *Hugal Ravine is steep. Please be prepared for elevation change during this hike.
Leader: Stephen, 787-0356
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