BIG RIVER TRAIL AND LUNCH OUT

 

Meet at 9:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:10. Hikers who live in Point Arena and north who want to join us should contact the leaders so we can arrange other carpool spots. We will drive north on Highway One until just south of the town of Mendocino and turn right after crossing over Big River (about mile marker 50) to access the parking for Big River Trail. We will hike upstream along the gravel path for about an hour and then retrace our steps. We will pass towering redwoods, Douglas firs, historic dams, old railroad trestle pilings, and submerged old-growth timber, sometimes with views of the river. Leashed dogs are allowed and some suggest mosquito protection although we will be moving. Afterwards we will drive to Frankies in Mendocino for lunch. This is a new hike for the Thursday Ramblers.
Leaders: Mary Sue and Bob

Photo Credit: Laura & Bob 

HOT SPOT PICNIC AND HIKE

 

Meet at 9:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 9:50 at the end of Verdant View and we can park along the cul-de-sac by the Sea Ranch Supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Carpool to the Hot Spot and start from there at 10:00. Walk up the Hot Spot Loop Trail to River Beach Road to Deep Woods to East Ridge Rd catching the Ridge Trail from 101 to 102, exiting at Sorcerer Wood and picking up the Spring Meadow Trail at 314 to 316 and then circle the airport (Sea Ridge Rd, trail to Timber Ridge Rd.) Walk down River Beach Road entering the San Andreas Fault Interpretive Trail at post 304 and following it to post 305. Continue on River Beach Road, catching the old road (now closed) to return to the Hot Spot for lunch. Lunches can be left in the car as we'll eat at the end of the hike. Walking sticks advised for this hike.
Leader: Stephen

Photo Credit: Laura 

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 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.

Photo Credit: Laura

 

KRUSE RHODODENDRON TO STUMP BEACH

 

Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Black Point Beach parking area at 9:45. NOTE: THIS IS A SHUTTLE HIKE. 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.  After dropping off hikers, 2 people (possibly more cars) should drive to Stump Beach and leave enough cars to hold the number of drivers to be picked up at the end at Stump Beach. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area. We will hike the short Rhododendron loop while we wait for shuttle drivers to return. We will proceed up the hill towards Plantation via the road. We will take the Stump Beach Trail (on right) down to Stump Beach where we will lunch either at the picnic tables or at the beach. This is a very beautiful area with the first part of the hike mostly up and the second part mostly down. This is Rhodie season so hopefully we will get to see some of the native Rhododendrons in bloom. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails. Shuttle cars will take drivers back to the start and they will have to return to pick up the riders. This hike has definite elevation change and therefore is one of our more strenuous hikes.
Leader: Harmony

Photo Credit: Laura & Bob