ALDER CREEK-MANCHESTER BEACH

Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:30. The hike starts at the shoulder of Highway one (on the east side) just before Alder Creek Beach Road at 10:00. We will walk a short distance south along Highway 1 to the entrance gate across from Pacific View Drive. At the start of the walk there is tall grass.  So be sure to wear long pants to help keep the ticks away. We will walk west on the trail past the old red house and down the hill with beautiful views of the ocean.  Then we will head north at the environmental camps and up to the trail for some of the best wildflower displays.  We should see our coastal California Poppies, Baby Blue Eyes, Buttercups, Douglas Irises, Sea Thrift, Lupin and more all in bloom at once. We will continue up past the "once beautiful home," to where we turn off to get views of Alder Creek and the coast beyond.  That is where we should see both yellow, orange and red PaintBrush and lots of Douglas Irises. We will have our lunch there.  We will then walk back to our cars along the old Alder Creek Beach Road, where we will add Bush Lupine and Ceanothus to our list of plants in bloom. It should be a lovely spring time ramble.  And, if we are really lucky we will see some happy California Cows.
Leader: Susan

Photo Credit: Laura 

SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION

 

Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:30 and at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area 9:45. Start at 10:00 at Salt Point State Park. 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. This hike can be wet and muddy and have an unpassable stream during the rainy season.
Leader: Joel

Photo Credit: Laura 

HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP

 

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 RavineTrail* 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, then follow Headlands Reach and turn right onto the bluff trail to the Ohlson Rec Center. Lunch at Ohlson Rec Center. *Hugal Ravine is steep. Please be prepared for elevation change during this hike.

Leader: Laura 

Photo Credit: Laura