LONGMEADOW TRAIL/BLUFFTOP TRAIL LOOP

 

Carpool at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area. Walk south to the Ohlson Ranch Center and cut through the Demonstration Garden to take the trail between the highway and the Ohlson Ranch Center. Cross the highway at Headlands Reach and take an immediate left on a trail off Headlands Close (mm 53.00). Upon reaching Longmeadow Trail follow it south and up hill. At a trail crossing take a right on Spur Close Trail. This trail goes downhill almost to Spur Close in order to go around trees along a creek, then uphill again through a wooded area. Reaching a bifurcation, take the right hand fork down to the highway. Cross and walk down Navigator's Reach, then walk north on the Blufftop Trail to the starting point, saying hello to the seals at Green Cove's Marine Preserve along the way. Eat at Ohlson at the end. 

Leader: Laura Bridge

photo credit: Laura B

 

SALT POINT LOOP

Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area 9:45. Park at the call box parking area one-half mile south of Stump Beach on the east side of Highway 1 (south of MM 41.00). Take the trail on the east side of the highway. We will do a forest loop and then cross the highway and walk to 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. There 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 at Glen's Spot. After lunch continue on the trail to the Highway and carefully walk back to the cars. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails. Walking sticks are a good idea. This is potentially a bit longer hike, but it has both forest and bluff and a wonderful lunch spot. If its windy we may do the hike in reverse direction and lunch in the forest and if it’s been rainy it could be a bit wet in spots. 

Leader: Joel Chaban

photo credit: Laura B

 

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 Grange and walk to the end of this county road. Hike starts around 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. Lunch afterwards at Manchester State Beach at the group site picnic tables. NOTE: There are often loose dogs on Crispin Lane so you may not want to bring your dog.
Leader: Harmony
mileage: 4
photos contributed by: Bob R

SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION

Photos contributed by Bob Rutemoeller, Mary Sue Ittner and Gary Beall

Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:30 and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:45. Start at 10:00 at Salt Point State Park. There is a fee for parking so if anyone has a pass, please bring it. Hike past the Visitor’s Center and walk to the South Gerstle Cove Picnic Area. From here we will follow the bluff as closely as possible. The rock formations and views from the bluff are outstanding and at this time of the year there are often fireworks waves. The paths are rough and eroded in places and walking sticks and boots are recommended. Our leaders will point out a "sleeping lion" rock formation. We will turn around at some point and return to the picnic area for lunch.  Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leaders: Bob Rutemoeller & Mary Sue Ittner

OHLSON RANCH LOOP and POTLUCK

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Bob Rutemoeller

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Photo credit: Mary Sue Ittner

Meet at 9:40 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Linda Kennedy's house: 37677 White Barn at 9:50. Non-Sea Ranchers will need hang tags. We will leave our food for a potluck at Linda's. Take the bike trail north accessing the Breaker Meadow Trail and taking it north to the Wildmoor Meadow Trail and from there the public access trail to Shell Beach. When you reach the Bluff Trail, walk south exiting at Wild Iris (post 22) and back to Linda's for lunch.
Leader: Linda Kennedy