POINT ARENA-STORNETTA PUBLIC LANDS BLUFFS

 

Meet at 10:00 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:10 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 10:30. Walk the trail next to the cove and then follow the bluffs for spectacular ocean views. Expect to see blow holes, sea arches and stacks, sink holes, caves, tunnels and more. We will walk to the Lighthouse, and the leader will return the carpool drivers to City Hall to retrieve cars. 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.
Leaders: Jeff & Lena

Photo Credit: Laura 

STUMP BEACH & GERSTLE COVE

 Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool to the Stump Beach parking area. We will start the hike at approx. 10:00. We will follow the trail down to Stump Beach, crossing the stream and heading up the other side to the southern bluff tops. We will meander along the bluffs taking in the views and wildlife along the way. We will pass through the Gerstle Cove camping grounds, cross Highway 1, and walk through forested land. We will cross Highway 1 again and walk the shoulder of the highway until we turn off to return to Stump Beach where we will have our lunch and then return to the cars. This hike is slightly longer and has a bit more elevation change than our usual hikes. The bluff part of this hike is relatively flat but the trail down and up from the beach and the trail on the east side of the highway are steep and walking sticks are recommended. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.

Photo Credit: Laura 

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.

Photo Credit: Laura 

PELICAN BLUFF

 

Meet at 10:00 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and carpool at Anchor Bay at 10:15 at the south side of town on west side of highway. The hike will begin at the Pelican Bluff parking lot at 10:30. 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: Jeff & Lena
Photo Credit: Laura

GUALALA POINT PARK #4

 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. Return to the cars after lunch.
Leader: Cynthia

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

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: Dona
Photo Credit: Laura