Leader: Dard Hunter 884-1150
August 14, 2014 - POINT ARENA PIER LOOP (new)
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:30. Hike starts at Point Arena Pier at 11:00. Hike along bicycle trail to highway one, go up Riverside road admiring the B. Bryan Preserve animals on the way, hike left on Pine Reef road to Linda and Jorge's house, hike around their property, lunch on porch. Then return to PA Pier to collect cars.
Leader: Linda Dorticos - 707 882-2799.
August 21, 2014 - SHELL BEACH #1
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:50 or meet at One Eyed Jack's parking area at 10:00 a.m. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Take trail at Post 37 B to Bluff Top trail. Walk south on the trail to Stengel Beach and return continuing after post 30 on Cormorant Reach until Post 33A and back to the Buff Top Trail. Lunch on Shell Beach or continue past post 36 to One-Eyed Jacks for lunch at the end.
Leader: Linda Kennedy 785-3682
August 28, 2014 - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS
Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Highway One on about mile marker 22.27 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. We will walk to the ocean and then go south on the beach and then return. We will drive to the Thompson garden afterwards for lunch. There will be a little beach walking, but there aren't rocks to scramble over and Manchester Beach is very pretty. The Thompson garden, always wonderful, in August is a feast for the eyes with the heathers in bloom.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
September 4, 2014 - SOUTH GERSTLE COVE BLUFF - "THE SLEEPING LION"
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:00. Drive almost through Salt Point to MM 39.17 where there is a wide area to park on the right side of the road. At 10:15 cross over to the gate on the east side of the road and follow a path north, parallel with the road. Cross the road at MM 39.4 continuing north until we pass the waterfall. Follow the trail south to the South Gerstle Cove Picnic Area. From here we will follow the bluff as closely as possible until we reach the extreme southern boundary of Salt Point Park. We will return to our cars the same way we came. The rock formations and views from the bluff are outstanding. Just one warning: the paths are rough and eroded in places, and there are a few steep gulches to cross. The trail is not maintained, and disappears in some places. We will take a very leisurely pace and explore whatever attracts our attention. Be sure to bring walking sticks and be ready to lend a helping hand to your fellow hikers. There are several nice places to sit on the ground overlooking the ocean and have lunch, or we may wait until we return to the picnic area at South Gerstle. Our leader will point out a "sleeping lion" rock formation that is most visible on a sunny day at about 11:30. This hike is mostly level, but with obstacles. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leader: Harmony Susalla 884-3347
September 11, 2014 - HUGEL/SAG POND/LONGMEADOW LOOP (new)
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 and take the Hugel RavineTrail to Seabird Road. Pick up the trails again at the end of Schooner Dr (post 109) and follow the Sag Pond Trail to Longmeadow Rd. Walk down Longmeadow to Greencroft Close and pick up the trails again at the end of Greencroft (post 238). Walk down the Longmeadow Trail, around the stables and end up back at Ohlson Rec Center. Lunch there or at Ohlson Beach.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
September 18, 2014 - POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP (new)
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:30 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 spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff for a while, stopping at the picnic tables for lunch before returning to the 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.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
September 25, 2014 - FISK MILL BLUFFS
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 10:15. Start at 10:30 at Fisk Mill Cove (MM 42.63) in Salt Pt. State Park. Park in north parking lot near restrooms. There is now a parking fee to park here so people with passes should bring them. Hike north on the parking lot road to catch the trail to Sentinel Rock. From there take the bluff trail south and hike unbelievably beautiful bluff south to Stump Beach. Don't descend, but turn around and hike back. Lunch will be on some large flat rocks where Phillips Gulch Creek cascades over the bluff. Since we will be crossing two creeks with steep sides, and since there is still a dangerous spot along the trail that has washed out, walking sticks are advisable and good boots. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leaders: Ken and Marian Brown, 884-3319
October 2, 2014 - PILOT'S REACH - ANNAPOLIS ROAD LOOP (new variation)
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 10:00 at end of Verdant View near Twofish Baking Company. Hang tags needed. Walk to Annapolis Road and turn left, walk south, turning right on Sea Ridge, left on Pilot's Reach and pick up the Pilot's Reach Trail at post 234 taking it to highway one, crossing the highway and walking on Navigator's reach to Pebble Beach. Take the bluff trail south to post 6 to 6A, walking northeast on Galleon's Reach to Highway One. Cross Highway 1 at MM 51.85 and catch the Annapolis trail back to starting point. You can bring your lunch or eat lunch at Twofish at the end of the hike. This hike has elevation changes and hiking sticks are recommended. For those wanting to eat at Twofish be sure to order in advance by phone: 785-2443.
Leader: Jane Seck , 785-1749
October 9, 2014 - WALK-ON BEACH TO GUALALA POINT PARK A
Everyone should meet at Highway 1 across from Gualala Point Park at 9:50 so we can arrange carpools. People who have regional park passes should drive. Cars can be left there or at the Hidden Parking Lot. We will walk to the bluff on the public access trail, passing by Sea Pine Beach and walking on Walk-On Beach before retracing our steps and continuing on the Bluff trail north. On the day we will decide whether to walk back to our cars via the Salal Trail and eat lunch at the picnic tables next to the parking lot or in the grassy area next to the new poles or continue on the bluff trail to Gualala Point Park with a lot of options for lunch there.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
Carpool at 10:15 at pullout north of the bridge by the Gualala business directory. Take Old Stage Rd. to Fish Rock Rd. turning right to follow the signs to the Mendocino County Dump. Park at the foot of the road where the pavement stops where you will meet the leaders. Starting at 10:30 we will be following logging roads on Mendocino Redwoods property with views of the Garcia River. We will follow and cross several tributaries as we meander along the overgrown logging roads. This hike has some elevation gain and depending on how fast the group is we will be treated to vista views through the trees. Walking sticks recommended. Our exact route each time we have hiked this depends somewhat on changes to the roads as we find them. This is apparently quail hunting season so we are to watch for hunters.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
October 23, 2014 - STILLWATER COVE/GLEN FORBES MEMORY HIKE
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:25 and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:40. Hikers with County Regional Park passes should drive. We will be remembering Glen Forbes today as we first walk south to a bench that has been added in his name overlooking Stillwater Cove. Afterwards we'll hike the interesting bluff section of Stillwater Cove and then return back to our cars. We will drive then to the day use area and park. We will hike through the beautiful forested canyon, cross a small stream, then up along the ridge until we reach the old Fort Ross schoolhouse and then through the Canyon and down to the Cove for lunch. After lunch we'll return to our cars. Dogs allowed on leash and hiking sticks helpful for a few steep spots and river crossing. Parking in the first section could be a challenge as there are only room for about three cars so we may have to drop people off and do a shuttle.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
October 30, 2014 - DMC LOOP #4
Carpool at 10:00 am at Gualala Business Sign pullout just north of bridge or meet at 10:15 at the Del Mar Center on TSR. Hangtags needed for non-Sea Ranch hikers. Start from the Del Mar Center by crossing Highway 1 onto Deertrail. At the trail post 132A turn right to access the Azalea Loop Trail, taking one of the loops to trail post 128. Turn right to take "Leeward Spur Connector". Cross highway to Leeward Spur, left on Leeward Road, right on Osprey to Bluff Trail, then north to post 49, taking trail to Tide Pool, turn right to Sea Drift and left on Leeward Road. Lunch in the Del Mar garden or the Secret Place behind the Del Mar Schoolhouse.
Leader: Dard Hunter 884-1150
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:00 to carpool. We will start the hike at 10:15. Curly Lane is a dirt road that passes through pleasant scenery (green meadows, ponds, cows) making you forget where you started until you see the lovely views of the ocean on the return. This is a short hike, sometimes windy, mostly level, but some up and down. Afterwards those people who are interested can drive to Point Arena for lunch out.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
February 12, 2015 DMC LOOP #5
Carpool at 9:50 at Gualala Business Sign pullout 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.
Leader: Linda Kennedy 785-3682
February 19, 2015 UP AND DOWN SCENIC GUALALA
Meet at the corner of Highway One and Robinson Reef (the old site of Laura's Bakery) where we will park at 10 a.m. On this walk there are many scenic views. We will see views of the ocean from many different vantage points, interesting and diverse architecture and drought tolerant entry gardens, walk on the Gualala Bluff Trail, walk the Labyrinth at Shepherd by the Sea and see Gualala in a way most of us have never seen it, on foot. We might even see Calypso orchids in the woods near the Baptist Church. This hike is not level, but none of the "elevation changes" are very long. At the end we hope to eat our lunch on Ginger's deck, weather permitting.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner 884-4824 & Ginger Thompson-Veys 884-9098
February 26, 2015 KING RIDGE LOOP
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:30. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and drive to King Ridge Road and park. Hike King Ridge two miles (up) and return. This stretch is very beautiful in winter with mist, oak trees, and nice views. There is plenty of up and down on this hike.
Leader: Loretta Healy, 884-3728.
March 5, 2015 CORMORANT-WALK-ON BEACH LOOP
Meet at 9:45 at the Gualala Business Directory (north of bridge) and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith's house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Close. Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn left and follow the trail straight through 31C to 33B. Turn right on Pacific Reach and Whalebone, toward Rt. 1. Turn left at marker 34A, left at 35D, and right at 35C. Continue hiking through the meadows to marker 42C, then turn left and walk to 42, overlooking Walk-on Beach. Turn left and follow the Bluff Trail, passing the TSRA Marine Preserve and Dune Drift Beach at marker 38. Hike to marker 37 and follow the sand trail to the cypress hedgerow, turn right and go to Tidepool Beach to look for harbor seals. Continue on the trail, passing Shell Beach and stopping to check out the cormorant nesting area before returning to the Coffeysmith's to enjoy your bag lunch.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, 510-593-8195
March 12, 2015 MINER HOLE ROAD TO BLUFFS (STORNETTA)
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:10 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool. Start at 10:30 am at the east end of Miner Hole Road (MM 17.54). Walk west on Miner Hole Road. The road has large pot holes and could be wet and muddy. Walk up a short, but very steep, uneven trail and on to the bluffs above the Garcia River toward the lighthouse. Lunch along the way and return along the same route. We will see beautiful views of the Garcia River and Manchester Beach and perhaps tundra swans and other birds.
Leader: Mary Heibel 882-2055
March 19, 2015 RIDGE, SAG PONDS, BIG TREE AND BIG TREE LOOP TRAILS
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 a.m. Please bring hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Going south exit Highway 1 to the left at Deerfield. Go to the top of Deerfield and turn right on Timber Ridge. Start at Big Tree Close and Timber Ridge at Ridge Trail post 122 at 10 a.m. Pass Ridge Trail post 116. At Ridge Trail post 111 take left fork. Follow trail to Ridge Trail post 104 at which point you are at Longmeadow Street. Go through gate and turn right onto Sag Ponds Trail at trail post 104A.Continue on this trail past the Sag Pond to Sag Ponds Trail post 109A. Turn right and walk to trail post 110. Turn left on Ridge Trail and walk to trail post 117. Turn left downhill on Big Tree trail to post 118. Continue downhill now on Big Tree Loop trail and walk to trail post 267. Here there is a bench with a great view. Time for lunch. After lunch at trail post 267 take a left turn and hike to Big Tree Loop trail post 120. Turn left and exit the Big Tree Loop Trail at Big Tree Close at trail post 123. Turn right and return to parking area on Timber Ridge.
Leader: Theresa Yuen 785-2870
March 26, 2015 POMO TRAILS AND FOREST
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Meet at Dard's (205 Screech Owl, Sea Ranch) at 10:00. It's East on Halcyon (North end of Sea Ranch) North on Deer Trail, West on Screech Owl. Starting on Screech Owl, do entire Pomo Creekside Trail. Turn left on Deer Trail and walk until you catch the Pomo Hillside Trail. As this trail exits to Deer Trail take the Badger Trail to the dirt road, turn left and after a few hundred feet take unofficial trail to right through the grass and over a flattened to the ground barbed wire fence to the county campground road. Turn to the right and walk to the campground. At the bottom of hill take unofficial trail heading toward river and explore this beautiful area. Reverse and start back. Cover the route taken inbound to dirt road, turn right to Post 152 turning left on Haversack connector trail. Take it exiting on cul-de-sac which traverse turning right on Deer Trail. Turn in on Pomo Creekside trail and return to beginning. Lunch at Dard's at the end.
Leader: Dard Hunter, 785-1150
April 2, 2015 SODA SPRINGS RESERVE
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala Business Directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and/or at the Sea Ranch Annapolis Road Business Center at 10:00. Turn right before you reach the Fire Station. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers who park there to carpool. Park on Kelly Road 1 mile beyond entrance to Annapolis winery and hike to park. Hike on gravel road 2.3 miles to this 49 acre relatively unknown Sonoma County Park known locally as Kelly Park. From the Parks website: "The park is a perfect place to stop among your travels. Rest or hike under the fragrant shelter of redwood groves, while enjoying the soothing sounds of running water from the adjacent Soda Springs Creek. Amenities include picnic areas, restroom, barbecues, and hiking trails." Lunch, tour the park, and return.
Leader: Dard Hunter, 785-1150
April 9, 2015 BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge north (additional) parking lot at 10:00. 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 fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge chair area for our lunches. Note: If it's windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Jane Seck, 785-1749
April 16, 2015 ALDER CREEK - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH
Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Highway One on about mile marker 22.27 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. We will walk down the road where it is closed until we come to the trail that leads to the environmental campground hoping to see wildflowers and walk back via the beach if we can. We may change the direction of the hike depending on the wind. We will have lunch afterwards at Beverley Thompson's lovely garden to view spring flowers (Rhododendrons and Azaleas to name a few.)
Leaders: Bob Rutemoeller & Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
April 23, 2015 MOAT CREEK #3 EARLY START
Meet at 8:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at Anchor Bay at 8:45 south side of town on west side of highway. Start at Moat Creek (MM 12.77 on way to Pt. Arena) at 9:00. Hike bluff south to Bowling Ball Beach. Walk south on beach to the stairs going to highway parking for Schooner's Gulch and then return via beach and bluff to Moat Creek parking. Mostly level, but 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 Bowling Ball Beach at a low tide is a sight to behold. Lunch optional, but those people who want an early lunch or brunch can drive to Hearn Gulch which often has a nice display of wildflowers in spring.
Leader: Linda Dorticos 707 882-2799
April 30, 2015 HORSESHOE COVE--SALT POINT NORTH
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:15. Park at MM 44.00 at Salt Point. 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 and usually with nice wildflowers this time of the year so worth the effort.
Leader: Harmony Susalla 884-3347
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 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, but because of our lunch spot people with state parks passes should drive. 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 a very beautiful area with the first part of the hike mostly up and the second part mostly down. Afterwards we will hike/drive to Fisk Mill and have lunch on the picnic table donated in memory of Howard Bogert, one of our previous hikers. This is a spectacular area. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails.
Leaders: Ken & Marian Brown, 884-3319
CHAPEL AND AZALEA TRAILS - May 14, 2015
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool or at the Sea Ranch chapel at 10:00. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk north along the Chapel Trail through meadow, forest and ravine. Return on the Azalea Trail, which leads to the Chapel Trail; follow it south back to the Chapel. There are moderate elevation changes on this hike. Those who want to can use the bench or the rock wall close to the chapel as a place for lunch at the end.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith (510) 593-8195
SALT POINT LOOP - May 21, 2015
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:45. 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 on 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 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.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
BOBCAT NEW CONNECTOR - May 28, 2015
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:00. We will take the trail from the parking lot to Moonraker Rd and cross highway 1. From there we will enter the Bobcat Trail at post 201 and continue to 203 where we will head out on the new trail which connects Bobcat to Annapolis Rd trails. (NOTE: There is some elevation change. Sticks are recommended.) At post 203A we will cross highway and head to the bluff where we will circle back viewing any flowers we may have missed on Bihler and Black Point in April. Lunch at Black Point Beach or other suitable spot.
Leader: Dard Hunter, 785-1150
PLANTATION FOREST June 4, 2015
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:30. We have a wonderful opportunity to visit the Plantation Forest managed by owner Ed Tunheim. He has agreed to give us a tour of this property, which adjoins Plantation Camp. This is a very beautiful property with many surprises and it is fascinating to learn how he plans his harvest so the forest remains healthy and productive, but you can barely tell he is logging. Drive south turning left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the top. Turn left on Hauser Bridge Rd and enter through the gate opposite the brightly colored mailbox.
Arranged by Mary Sue Ittner 884-4824
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH - June 11, 2015
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory and meet at 10:10 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool. Park in front of the Lighthouse north of Point Arena. The walk begins at 10:30 by following the bluffs to the north/east and following the Garcia River upstream (via the bluffs). The views and wildflowers could be lovely. This hike can be also windy or foggy and the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended. Lunch spot and return determined on the day of the hike.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
LONGMEADOW TRAIL/BLUFFTOP TRAIL LOOP - June 18, 2015
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Ohlson Ranch Center (just south of the white barn). Hang tags needed. Walk south on 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 Navigator's Reach and trail to Pebble Beach. Return going north on Blufftop Trail to starting point, saying hello to the seals at Green Cove's Marine Preserve along the way. Leader's choice for lunch spot.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
GUALALA POINT PARK #1 June 25, 2015
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 Highway One if you do not have a pass. Hike to the bluff, go north, and then back to the Visitors Center, walking occasionally on the road, but mostly on trails. After a brief stop on the benches to look at the view of the river, we will take the trail down to the river and under the highway to the campground. From there we will walk through the forest and down to the Gualala River for lunch. After lunch we will walk back to the cars via the road to the campground.
Leaders: John and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
POINT ARENA PIER LOOP - July 2, 2015
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:30. Hike starts at Point Arena Pier at 11:00. Hike along bicycle trail to highway one, go up Riverside road admiring the B. Bryan Preserve animals on the way, hike left on Pine Reef road to Linda and Jorge's house, hike around their property, lunch on porch. Then return to PA Pier to collect cars.
Leader: Linda Dorticos - 707 882-2799.
HOT SPOT PICNIC AND HIKE - July 9, 2015
Meet at 9:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 9:50 at the end of Verdant View near Twofish Baking Company. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building 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: Jane Seck 785-1749
FORT ROSS STATE PARK TO OLD GROWTH REDWOOD TREE - July 16, 2015
Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:30 or meet at Fort Ross State Park at 10:00. If the Fort is open, there could be a charge per car for parking so people who have passes should bring them. We will walk to the Cove and take the trail to the Russian graveyard. Carefully cross the highway from there and take the fire road up the hill for a up close look at one of the few remaining old growth redwoods in the area. Here you will be treated to some life lessons you can learn from a Redwood. We will then have a nice view at the water tanks and then on to the Archaeological Camp. Walking between the last two cabins and looking through the hole in the fence you can see the fault line and where the creek dropped in the big earthquake. Return as you came, having lunch at the Cove or Call House picnic area. There are elevation changes on this hike, but the walking is not difficult.
Leader: Dard Hunter, 785- 1150
MYSTERY HIKE - July 23, 2015
Details about this hike available at a later date.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
OHLSON RANCH LOOP and POTLUCK - July 30, 2015
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, 785-3682
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Start at 10:00 at the parking area at the end of Piper's Reach (marker 36A). Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk to the bluff and then south to post 31. Continue east to Cormorant Close and through the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn left and follow the trail to 31C, 33B, 34A, 35D, 35E, and cross Hwy. 1 at Bosuns Reach. Walk the Chapel Trail from marker 126 to 128, and enjoy the great views along the way. Turn left and cross Hwy. 1 at marker 127 to Leeward Spur. Turn right onto Leeward Road and left onto Seal Rock Reach, stopping for lunch at Walk-On Beach. After lunch, proceed south on the Bluff Trail to post 36, then turn left to return to the cars.
Leader: Jane Seck , 785-1749
August 13, 2015 - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS
Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Highway One on about mile marker 22.27 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. We will walk to the ocean and then go south on the beach and then return. We will drive to the Thompson garden afterwards for lunch. There will be a little beach walking, but there aren't rocks to scramble over and Manchester Beach is very pretty.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
August 20, 2015 - POMO AND SALOON TRAILS
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Start at 10:00 at Dard and Mary Hunter's house on 205 Screech Owl where we can leave our lunches (east on Halcyon, left on Deer Trail, left on Screech Owl.) Do the lower loop of the Pomo Creek Trail continuing to the end turning left on Deer Trail at post 146 and walking to post 148. Walk the Pomo Hillside Trail back to post 147, Deer Trail south to Halcyon where we will catch the Saloon Trail at post 141 and take it to post 133, walking on Deer Trail again and then walking across the highway, turning right on Leeward. Walk north to Tallgrass continuing until you come to the spot where the golf cart path passes under Highway One. Hike under the Highway and continue on the trail until you intersect the Saloon Trail. Turn left and walk north on the trail ending at Screech Owl where we can join Dard to eat our lunches.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith 510-593-8195
August 27, 2015 - FISK MILL BLUFFS
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 10:15. Start at 10:30 at Fisk Mill Cove (MM 42.63) in Salt Pt. State Park. Park in north parking lot near restrooms. There is now a parking fee to park here so people with passes should bring them. Hike north on the parking lot road to catch the trail to Sentinel Rock. From there take the bluff trail south and hike unbelievably beautiful bluff south to Stump Beach. Don't descend, but turn around and hike back. Lunch will be on some large flat rocks where Phillips Gulch Creek cascades over the bluff. Since we will be crossing two creeks with steep sides, and since there is still a dangerous spot along the trail that has washed out, walking sticks are advisable and good boots. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leaders: Ken and Marian Brown, 909-229-4991
September 3, 2015 - GUALALA POINT PARK # 3
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside entrance just left after pulling past fee post.) There is a fee per car. (Or park across the street and cross Highway One if you do not have a pass.). Hike from there down to the beach but instead of going to the beach go south past the restrooms to the bluff. Bear left on bluffs and continue on Bluff Trail until you intersect Salal Trail. Hike Salal Trail to Hwy 1, turn left and follow frontage path back to the Park and the Hidden Parking lot.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
September 10, 2015 - HUGEL/SAG POND/LONGMEADOW 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 and take the Hugel RavineTrail to Seabird Road. Pick up the trails again at the end of Schooner Dr (post 109) and follow the Sag Pond Trail to Longmeadow Rd. Walk down Longmeadow to Greencroft Close and pick up the trails again at the end of Greencroft (post 238). Walk down the Longmeadow Trail, around the stables and end up back at Ohlson Rec Center. Lunch there or at Ohlson Beach.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
Let Mary Sue know by Tuesday before the following hike if you plan to attend and eat lunch so we can alert the Inn and have plenty of servers.
September 17, 2015 STILLWATER COVE/PEACE OBELISK
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:25 and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:40. Hikers with County Regional Park passes should drive. We will be hiking in three distinct areas. First we'll hike the interesting bluff section of Stillwater Cove and then return back to our cars. We will drive then to the day use area and park. We will hike a beautiful forested loop, crossing a small stream, and perhaps seeing fringed corn lilies in bloom. After returning to our cars, we will drive south to the Timber Cove Inn where we will hike their trails, including a visit to the smallest state park in California, the 93-foot-high "Peace Obelisk" sculpture by the late Benjamino Bufano, a renowned San Francisco sculptor. The hike will conclude with lunch at Alexanders. They have a new chef so the menu on their web site as I send this out could change.
https://timbercoveinn.com/images/uploads/Lounge_Menu.pdf
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
September 24, 2015 - PILOT'S REACH - ANNAPOLIS ROAD LOOP
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 10:00 at end of Verdant View near Twofish Baking Company. Hang tags needed. Walk to Annapolis Road and turn left, walk south, turning right on Sea Ridge, left on Pilot's Reach and pick up the Pilot's Reach Trail at post 234 taking it to highway one, crossing the highway and walking on Navigator's reach to Pebble Beach. Take the bluff trail south to post 6 to 6A, walking northeast on Galleon's Reach to Highway One. Cross Highway 1 at MM 51.85 and catch the Annapolis trail back to starting point. You can bring your lunch or eat lunch at Twofish at the end of the hike. This hike has elevation changes and hiking sticks are recommended. For those wanting to eat at Twofish be sure to order in advance by phone: 785-2443.
Leader: Jane Seck , 785-1749
October 1, 2015 - POINT ARENA-STORNETTA PUBLIC LANDS BLUFFS
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for 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, but before we get there 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.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
October 8, 2015 - OHLSON RANCH TO BLUFF
Carpool at 10:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge. Start at the Ohlson Ranch parking area at 11:00 (just south of the white barn). Hang tags needed. Hike to the Bluff Trail at post 21 and head north for lunch at One-Eyed Jacks. Retrace steps stopping for cormorant viewing at the overlook near post #31. If windy, can take Cormorant close and walk through hedge row to Breaker Meadow Trail or retrace steps back to the barn and the Ohlson Center.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
October 15, 2015 - GUALALA RIVER TRAIL (NORTH FORK)
Meet at 10:00 at the back parking lot of Gualala Arts to carpool. We will need to do a shuttle for this hike so if a few people are willing to arrive at 9:45 we can arrange several cars to be at the ending spot ahead of time. Full carpools will mean less waiting at the end as well. People wanting a longer hike can walk back up the hill after lunch and should drive. It takes a long time to execute a shuttle at the end if we need to do that. Drive up the ridge to Fish Rock Road and park at the white gate east of the Mendocino dump. Starting at 10:30 we will walk through the forest joining the river and passing several sites where large wood has been put in the river to add habitat for fish. This hike is longer than some of our hikes, but is a beautiful walk downhill (about 400-500') with our destination the Green Iron Bridge.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
October 22, 2015 - SALT POINT PRAIRIE
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 10:00. Drive to the entrance to Salt Point Park on Seaview Road. Starting at 10:30 walk north on Seaview Road until you intersect Kruse Ranch Road. Descend on it until you reach the entrance to the Plantation Trail (Salt Point). We will follow it until it insects the Prairie Trail, turn right and follow it to the Prairie where we will have lunch. There are steep stretches (up and down) so a walking stick and boots are recommended. If we've had rain by this time, this is a good hike to see mushrooms. After lunch we will return (up and downhill) to the cars.
Leaders: Ken and Marian Brown, 909-229-4991
October 29, 2015 - DMC LOOP #4
Carpool at 10:00 am at Gualala Business Sign pullout just north of bridge or meet at 10:15 at the Del Mar Center on TSR. Hangtags needed for non-Sea Ranch hikers. Start from the Del Mar Center by crossing Highway 1 onto Deertrail. At the trail post 132A turn right to access the Azalea Loop Trail, taking one of the loops to trail post 128. Turn right to take "Leeward Spur Connector". Cross highway to Leeward Spur, left on Leeward Road, right on Osprey to Bluff Trail, then north to post 49, taking trail to Tide Pool, turn right to Sea Drift and left on Leeward Road. Lunch in the Del Mar garden or the Secret Place behind the Del Mar Schoolhouse.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith 510-593-8195
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:30. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road (mm 22.48), then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. Hike starts around 11. Mary will lead us to a nice view point before we make our way to the beach. Walk north as far as we can and return. We will eat our lunches somewhere along the way. This is beach walking, but it's a moderately low tide so hopefully we will be able to walk on wet sand.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
November 12, 2015 - UP & DOWN FROM OHLSON RANCH - THE CLUSTERS
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:15 a.m. Start at Ohlson Ranch Center at 10:30 a.m. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Take the Blufftop Trail north to post 27. Turn left on Breaker Reach to Vantage, crossing the highway and picking up the stub to the trail and then turning right and then left to walk uphill to post 113 and the cluster homes at Madrone Meadows. Walk up to Redwood Rise where the walk-in cabins are and then left at Pine Meadow Road to Unit 29A. This was planned in 1970's. The 4 model homes #2, #3, #4 (Yuen), #5 as well as a few cabins were completed in 1972. We'll eat our lunches in the leader's home. Afterwards walk down from the forest to the water treatment plant, crossing the highway and back to the Ohlson Ranch and the cars.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
November 18, 2015 DMC LOOP #6
Carpool at 9:45 at Gualala Business Sign pullout 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 north on Leeward accessing the trail to the Bluff Trail on Solstice. Walk north on it taking the Salal Trail to the end continuing along the highway to Gualala Point County Park. Cross the highway and take the connector trail to the Badger Trail to the Pomo Hillside Trail, the Saloon Trail and back to the Del Mar Center.
Leader: Adrian Adams, 805-215-8665
November 25, 2015
No organized hike today. Happy Thanksgiving!
December 3, 2015 - ANNAPOLIS ROAD HIKE #2 variation
Carpool at 10:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Business Center on Annapolis Rd at 10:45. Turn right before you reach the Fire Station. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Drive on Annapolis Road for about 5 miles from Highway One turnoff. Pass a sign for 37151 on right and then park on the next road that goes off to the left, Noce Rd. Hike on Annapolis Road to the Annapolis Winery on Soda Springs Road where there are tables where we can have our lunch. Retrace our steps afterwards. This is a very pretty stretch of the road.
Leaders: Bob Rutemoeller & Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
December 10, 2015 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 Highway One 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.
Leaders: Ken and Marian Brown 909 229-4991
December 17, 2015 MOONRAKER HIKE
Carpool at 10:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 11:00 at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot. Hike to Moonraker Rd and take trail behind tennis courts. Trail exits on Ramsgate which take to Galleon's Reach. Turn west to Seagate and turn right on it and follow it to the end. Continue on trail at end of Seagate. Turn left to Bluff on public access trail which intersects bluff trail at Pebble Beach. Lunch at Pebble Beach and then back along the bluff to TSR Lodge.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
December 24, 2015 GUALALA ARTS TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE ROAD HIKE
Meet at 10:00 in back part of Gualala Arts parking lot. Hike along the road down to the bridge and the end of the county road and back walking through the closed for the winter campground on the way. There are some mild elevation changes and lovely glimpses of the Gualala River. Soup and salad lunch following at the Gualala Arts Center courtesy of Mary Sue, Harmony, Sus, Mary, and Bob.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
December 31, 2015 - SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION
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. 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, 884-4824
January 7, 2016 LEEWARD ROAD - BLUFF TRAIL
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50 and at the Del Mar Center at 10:00. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk south on Leeward Road until it intersects Sea Pine Reach , accessing the meadow trail at Post 43B. If it is too wet, can stay on the road until reaching Pacific Reach. Go south on Pacific Reach taking one of the access trails from Pipers Reach to the Bluff Trail. Turn right follow the bluff as much as possible passing by Walk-On Beach (and maybe walking on it) until you get to post 49 where you take the "Portal Babbling Brook" connector to Tide Pool, Sea Drift and Leeward to the Del Mar Center. Lunch optional or in the garden or at the well.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
January 14, 2016 CURLY LANE
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:00 to carpool. We will meet the leaders to start the hike at 10:15 on Curly Lane. Curly Lane is a dirt road that passes through pleasant scenery (green meadows, ponds, cows) making you forget where you started until you see the lovely views of the ocean on the return. This is a short hike, sometimes windy, mostly level but some up and down. Afterwards those people who are interested can drive to Point Arena for lunch out.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
January 21, 2016 AIRPORT ROUNDABOUT: FLY CLOUD, DEEP WOODS, SEA RIDGE
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 10:00 at Jane Seck's house at 304 Spar Close. Turn on Annapolis Road from Highway One, left on Sea Ridge, left on Pilot's Reach, left on Spar Close. Start at the end of Spar Close; right on Pilot's Reach; right on Sea Ridge Road. Continue on Sea Ridge across Annapolis, where it becomes Timber Ridge. Walk on Timber Ridge, turning right on Westgate Drive left on Fly Cloud left on Timber Ridge. Take a trail east on Annapolis Road until Verdant View, cross Annapolis and turn right on the trail a short distance to Timber Ridge, where you turn left. Walk along Timber Ridge turning right on River Beach Road, to Deep Woods Drive, right on East Ridge Road to post 311, left on trail to post 313 left on Timber Ridge, right on Spring Meadow, left on Sea Ridge. Turn right on Pilot's Reach, then left on Spar Close. We can eat our lunches out of the elements at Jane's.
Leader: Jane Seck, 785-1749
January 28, 2016 STORNETTA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Rollerville Junction 2 miles north of Point Arena at 10:30. We will enjoy the gorgeous view of the ocean as we walk along the road toward the lighthouse or the road toward the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College.) Depending on the weather and the condition of the trails we will either do a loop or walk along "huckleberry road" and into the spectacular middle section and return. Lunch somewhere along the way.
Leader: Harmony Susalla 884-3347
Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Business Center on Annapolis Rd at 9:30. Turn right before you reach the Fire Station. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Park along side what was once the Old Hollow Tree Store across from the Sonoma County Maintenance yard at 32700 Annapolis Road (the future home of the Annapolis VFD.) Hike east along the road for about an hour hopefully reaching or passing the wonderful old Madrone tree and return. This is a chance to see the land as it once was and compare it with the parcels that have been converted to vineyards. There is some up and down on this hike, but this stretch is flatter than what comes before or after. We will drive to the Annapolis Winery after we return to the cars to eat our lunches weather permitting.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
February 11, 2016 - POMO TRAILS AND FOREST
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Meet at Dard's (205 Screech Owl, Sea Ranch) at 10:00. It's East on Halcyon (North end of Sea Ranch) North on Deer Trail, West on Screech Owl. Starting on Screech Owl, do entire Pomo Creekside Trail. Turn left on Deer Trail and walk until you catch the Pomo Hillside Trail. As this trail exits to Deer Trail take the Badger Trail to the dirt road, turn left and after a few hundred feet take unofficial trail to the right through the grass and over a flattened to the ground barbed wire fence to the county campground road. Turn to the right and walk to the campground. At the bottom of hill take unofficial trail heading toward river and explore this beautiful area. Reverse and start back. Cover the route taken inbound to dirt road, turn right to Post 152 turning left on Haversack connector trail. Take it exiting on cul-de-sac which traverse turning right on Deer Trail. Turn in on Pomo Creekside trail and return to beginning. Lunch at Dard's at the end.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
February 18, 2016 - KING RIDGE LOOP
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:30. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and drive to King Ridge Road and park. Hike King Ridge two miles (up) and return. This stretch is very beautiful in winter with mist, oak trees, and nice views. There is plenty of up and down on this hike.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
February 25, 2016 - CORMORANT, BREAKER MEADOW, OHLSON BEACH, SHELL BEACH LOOP & POTLUCK
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith's house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Close (right on Breaker Reach, right on Hedgegate, left on Bluff Reach.). Drop off food for a potluck. Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn right and follow the trail to 26D and continue on Breaker Meadow Trail to 25D. Take the bike trail from 25D to marker 21, passing by Knipp-Stengel Barn. Turn right to Ohlson Beach, then return to 21, turn left and walk along the bluff to marker 24, overlooking Stengel Beach. Follow the bluff trail from 24, 24A, 25 to marker 31. Check out the cormorant nesting area at the point, then continue along the bluff to Shell Beach and loop back via 33, 33A, and Cormorant Reach to complete the loop. Bonnie promises to make soup and hikers can furnish other food for a potluck after the hike.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith 510-593-8195
March 3, 2016 - POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:30 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 spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, 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. A suitable lunch spot will be found with a good view before returning to the cars.
Leaders: Lynn & John Walton, 884-9714
March 10, 2016 - DMC TO GUALALA POINT PARK
Carpool at 9:45 at Gualala Business Sign pullout just north of bridge. Start at 10:00 at Del Mar Center on TSR. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Hike south on Leeward, turning right on Sea Drift and accessing the Blufftop Trail from Tidepool. Walk north to Gualala Point Park. Depending on the trails, return via the bluff or access the Del Mar Meadow Trail to Leeward and the Del Mar Center for lunch.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
March 17, 2016 - 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. Depending on the weather we will either go back to the cars or when we reach the lane to Francesca Tyrnauer's, we will turn left. The walk to her house is an interesting one. Before lunch on her deck we can walk to "The Glen." Afterwards we will eat our lunches on her deck and then return to our cars.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824 and Mary Heibel, 882-2055
March 24, 2016 - KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:45. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required and primitive toilets are available. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:00. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available. The views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great. Lunch at the end in the area adjoining the parking.
Leader: Marian and Ken Brown, 909 229-4991
March 31, 2016 - Hot Spot Twofish Loop (new)
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 10:00 at end of Verdant View near Twofish Baking Company. Hang tags needed. We will walk the roads down to the Hot Spot. Weather/mud permitting we will walk the earthquake trail and Hot Spot Loop. If it is too muddy we will just stick to the road down to the Hot Spot and back up. We will emerge from the Hot Spot via Deep Woods to East Ridge then connect to the Ridge Trail at post 101 turning back at post 103 and taking Sorcerer Wood to Timber Ridge and depending on timing return to Twofish via Timber Ridge Rd or go around the Airport and return via Sea Ridge Road. Optional lunch at the end of the hike at Twofish. For those wishing to eat there be sure to order in advance by phone: 785-2443.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
April 7, 2016 - HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP (new)
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 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: Jane Seck, 785-1749
April 14, 2016 - FORT ROSS ROAD WILDFLOWER HIKE (new)
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:00, and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge north (additional) parking lot at 9:15. Start at 10:00 at Meyers Grade Rd. and Fort Ross Rd. We will walk down to Bohan Dillon Road (about 625 ft elevation change) and continue to the Niestrath Rd. junction and perhaps beyond. Final plan for this hike and a decision on whether to shuttle or walk back up the hill and where to have lunch will be made after a current scouting trip. Mary Sue led this hike April 11, 2000 for Hikes4Health and the wildflowers along the bank on the walk down were wonderful.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
April 21, 2016 ALDER CREEK - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH
Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Highway One on about mile marker 22.27 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. We will walk down the road where it is closed until we come to the trail that leads to the environmental campground hoping to see wildflowers and walk back via the beach if we can. We may change the direction of the hike depending on the wind. We will have lunch afterwards at Beverley Thompson's lovely garden to view spring flowers (Rhododendrons and Azaleas to name a few.)
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
April 28, 2016 - BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge north (additional) parking lot at 10:00. 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 fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge chair area for our lunches. Note: If it's windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala Business Directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and/or at the Sea Ranch Annapolis Road Business Center at 10:00. Turn right before you reach the Fire Station. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers who park there to carpool. Park on Kelly Road 1 mile beyond entrance to Annapolis winery and hike to park. Hike on gravel road 2.3 miles to this 49 acre relatively unknown Sonoma County Park known locally as Kelly Park. From the Parks website: "The park is a perfect place to stop among your travels. Rest or hike under the fragrant shelter of redwood groves, while enjoying the soothing sounds of running water from the adjacent Soda Springs Creek. Amenities include picnic areas, restroom, barbecues, and hiking trails." Lunch, tour the park, and return.
Leaders: Ken & Marian Brown, 909 229-4991
MOAT CREEK #3 - May 12, 2016
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Carpool at Anchor Bay at 9:40 south side of town on west side of highway. Start at Moat Creek at MM 12.77 on way to Pt. Arena at 9:50. Carpooling is important as there may be abalone divers parked at the Moat Creek parking lot. Hike bluff south to Bowling Ball Beach admiring all you can see on a minus tide and then return via beach and bluff. Mostly level, but 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 so hiking sticks are helpful. There are often nice wildflowers this time of the year along the bluff and Bowling Ball Beach at a low tide is a sight to behold. Afterwards we'll drive to Hearn Gulch for lunch. This could be a good year for wildflowers there. The route down to the beach is a little tricky with a rope to hold onto.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
SALT POINT LOOP - May 19, 2016
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:45. 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 on east side of the highway. We will do a forest loop and then cross the highway and walk through the campground to the headlands. Hike north on the bluff all the way admiring the flower display and then continue on the trail in the direction of the highway. 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 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, some of the best wildflower viewing in the area and a wonderful lunch spot. If its windy we may do the hike in reverse direction and lunch in the forest.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH - May 26, 2016
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory and meet at 10:10 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool. Park in front of the Lighthouse north of Point Arena. The walk begins at 10:30 by following the bluffs to the north/east and following the Garcia River upstream (via the bluffs). The views and wildflowers could be lovely. This hike can be also windy or foggy and the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended. The exact route, lunch spot and return will be determined on the day of the hike and may be a bit different from this description.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
BOBCAT TO TSR LODGE- June 2, 2016
Meet at 9:30 at the Gualala business directory to carpool and at 9:45 at the Sea Ranch Lodge to carpool. There isn't a lot of space to park at our starting point so carpooling is needed. Start at 10:00 at the trail head on Indian Close off Timber Ridge Road. Hang tags needed to park here. This is a beautiful hike down a forested, shady hillside. There are some steep stretches, so bring your walking stick The trail leads down and north, crosses Crows Nest Drive, and eventually turns down and south on the hillside along Hwy 1, ending on Moonraker Road. Cross the highway and walk to The Moonraker Recreation Center and down Brigantine's Reach to the Blufftop Trail. If time permits do the footpaths of Black and Bihler Points on the way back to the Lodge to check for late blooming wildflowers and then head for Black Point Beach or the lounge chairs in front of the lodge for lunch.
Leader: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
WALT STORNETTA RANCH AND VIEWS (new) - June 9, 2016
Meet at 9:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at 9:45 at Anchor Bay, south side of town on west side of highway. Start at 10:30 on Ranch bordering the north edge of Irish Beach. Park by the old red barn on the west side of the Highway 1. Hike to the hilltops east of the highway for panoramic coastal vistas (fog permitting) both to the north and south and then descend to hike along Mallo Pass to the beach for lunch. Return to the barn through bluff pasture. Hiking poles recommended.
Leader: Gary Beall, 884-3429
RIDGE, SAG PONDS, BIG TREE AND BIG TREE LOOP TRAILS - June 16, 2016
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 a.m. Please bring hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Going south exit Highway 1 to the left at Deerfield. Go to the top of Deerfield and turn right on Timber Ridge. Start at Big Tree Close and Timber Ridge at Ridge Trail post 122 at 10 a.m. Pass Ridge Trail post 116. At Ridge Trail post 111 take left fork. Follow trail to Ridge Trail post 104 at which point you are at Longmeadow Street. Go through gate and turn right onto Sag Ponds Trail at trail post 104A.Continue on this trail past the Sag Pond to Sag Ponds Trail post 109A. Turn right and walk to trail post 110. Turn left on Ridge Trail and walk to trail post 117. Turn left downhill on Big Tree trail to post 118. Continue downhill now on Big Tree Loop trail and walk to trail post 267. Here there is a bench with a great view. Time for lunch. After lunch at trail post 267 take a left turn and hike to Big Tree Loop trail post 120. Turn left and exit the Big Tree Loop Trail at Big Tree Close at trail post 123. Turn right and return to parking area on Timber Ridge.
Leader: Adrian Adams, 805-215-8665
MENDOCINO REDWOODS/GARCIA RIVER LOOP (new) - June 23, 2016
Carpool at 10:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge. Drive to just north of the Voorhee's dirt road off of 10 Mile Road and park on east side of 10 Mile (opposite of the parking for the BIG ROCK hike). We will walk down the logging road to the Garcia River and lunch beside the river. After lunch we will return to the cars via a road through a hunting campground that connects at the top to the Voorhee's road.The first half is all down hill and the second half (after lunch) is pretty much all up hill so be prepared. We will take our time and enjoy this lovely forest and river walk. NOTE: If you are adverse to elevation change we do not recommend coming on this hike.
Leader: Harmony Susalla 884-3347
HIKE TO THE 'TWO FISH BAKING CO. - June 30, 2016
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:45. Hike will start at the Ohlson Ranch Parking Lot on The Sea Ranch at 11:00. Hang tags needed. This is a moderate hike, mainly uphill to the Bakery on Verdant View off Annapolis Road and downhill on the way back. Cross Highway One opposite Ohlson Ranch and go right through gate, taking trail above the stables, crossing Longmeadow Road. Take trail to Sea Ridge Road, then left when you hit Annapolis Road. Cross Annapolis and go right on Verdant View to Business Center where bakery is located. Lunch should be pre-ordered at 785-2443. There is a choice of delicious sandwiches, pizza or salads. If you wish, you may bring your own lunch. We return to the Ohlson Center via Annapolis and Sea Ridge Rd., turning left on Pilot’s Reach to trailhead. Follow the trail to the highway. Cross Highway One onto Navigators Reach. Turn right at trail marker and follow to the Ohlson Center.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
GUALALA POINT PARK #1 July 7, 2016
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 Highway One if you do not have a pass. Hike to the bluff, go north, and then back to the Visitors Center, walking occasionally on the road, but mostly on trails. After a brief stop on the benches to look at the view of the river, we will take the trail down to the river and under the highway to the campground. From there we will walk through the forest and down to the Gualala River for lunch. After lunch we will walk back to the cars via the road to the campground. This hike has more bathroom possibilities than any we do, but it also has the ocean, the Magic Forest (hopefully not logged), the Gualala River, and sometimes Leopard Lilies this time of the year.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner & Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
DEL MAR CENTER TO CHAPEL - July 14, 2016
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool or at the Del Mar Center at 10:00. Hang tags are needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk on Leeward southeast, crossing the highway on Deer Trail Road. Take the Azalea Loop Trail to the Chapel Trail to the Chapel. Cross Highway One at Bosuns Reach and take the first loop to the meadow trail. At Osprey Reach walk east on the road to Leeward Spur and cross the highway again to rejoin the Chapel Trail. Return via the other Azalea Loop. Anyone wanting a shorter walk can arrange to leave a car at the Chapel. There are elevation changes on this hike so a walking stick might be helpful and some open areas if there is a warm day. Lunch at the end at the "secret place" at the Del Mar School house or the Del Mar garden.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith (510) 593-8195
HORSESHOE COVE--SALT POINT NORTH - July 21,2016
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:15. Park at MM 44.00 at Salt Point. 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: Harmony Susalla 884-3347
GUALALA POINT PARK - SEA RANCH NORTH -July 28, 2016
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside entrance just left after pulling past fee post.) There is a fee per car. (Or park across the street and cross Highway One if you do not have a pass.) Cross the highway and pick up the new section of the Badger Trail. Take the Badger Trail and hike the Pomo Hillside Trail to Deer Trail. Turn left (post 147) and walk along the road, 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. Walk north along the trail until you reach the park at post 78. Turn right and walk to the Visitor's Center for lunch and back to the Hidden Parking lot.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
August 4, 2016 - FORT ROSS GRASSLANDS AND COVE (New)
Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:30 or meet at Fort Ross State Park at 10:00. There is a charge of $8 per car for parking, $7 for the senior rate (62 and older.) People who have passes should bring them. We will first walk north along the bluff exploring this undeveloped part of the park with lovely ocean views and then turn around and walk to the Fort. Most of this is grassland, but because of the wind most of the vegetation is not very tall except in a few places. Although the elevation changes are minimal, the ground is very uneven and the trails are not always visible so wearing good shoes is recommended. When we arrive at the Fort there is a choice. Those people who want to explore the Fort and have lunch at one of the picnic tables in the Fort can do so and the rest of us will walk to the Cove for lunch. Afterwards we'll all meet in the Fort and walk through it and back to the Interpretive Center and return to our cars. Dogs aren’t allowed on most of the Fort Ross trails.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
August 11, 2016 - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS
Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Highway One on about mile marker 22.27 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. We will walk to the ocean and then go south on the beach and then return. We will drive to the Thompson garden afterwards for lunch. There will be a little beach walking, but there aren't rocks to scramble over and Manchester Beach is very pretty.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
August 18, 2016 - WALK ON JOYCE'S PROPERTY AND FROG SONG VISIT (New)
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and/or at Bower Park at 9:30 to carpool. The final carpool spot will be at Ten Mile (Cutoff) Road and Eureka Hill Road at 9:50. (In case this doesn't wrap, be sure and take out any spaces.) Joyce Nugent will lead us to her house. She only has room for 4, perhaps 5, cars so car pooling is essential if very many people come. The hike starts in the back of her house. Go through the meadow to a path that leads to a swimming hole at the Garcia River. Continue on this private road through the community area passing interesting out buildings including a studio, winery and an outdoor pizza oven. Keep going until you reach the creek on a logging road; continue on up a rather challenging hill. Then down the dirt road back to the house. After walking this loop we will drive to Frog Song, Sandy Scott's amazing garden, where we will have an opportunity to explore all the special features. There will be a lot of inviting places in her garden where we can eat our lunches.
Leaders: Joyce Nugent (949) 646-6648 and Ginger Thompson-Veys 884-9098
August 25, 2016 - GUALALA ROAD to GREEN IRON BRIDGE and GAC HIKING TRAILS
Meet at 10:00 in back part of Gualala Arts parking lot. Walk the GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the bridge, and to the end of the county road and back. Eat lunch at the picnic tables at the Art Center admiring the stone walls. The Art-in-the-Redwoods show will still be up so people who missed it or want to see the art again without the crowds will be able to do so. There are some mild elevation changes on this sometimes shady road that follows the Gualala River. Hiking boots a good idea I think for the longer of the Gualala Arts Center trails as it is a forest trail.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
September 1, 2016 WALT STORNETTA RANCH AND VIEWS (new)
Meet at 9:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at 9:45 at Anchor Bay, south side of town on west side of highway. Start at 10:30 on Ranch bordering the north edge of Irish Beach. Park by the old red barn on the west side of the Highway 1. Hike to the hilltops east of the highway for panoramic coastal vistas (fog permitting) both to the north and south and then descend to hike along Mallo Pass to the beach for lunch. Return to the barn through bluff pasture. Hiking poles recommended.
Leader: Gary Beall, 884-3429
September 8, 2016 - CROSS-SECTION OF SEA RANCH VARIATION
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and park at the public access trail for Stengel Beach at 10:00. Cross the highway at the White Barn and walk UP Hugal Ravine (this is the hard part) to Sea Bird and the end of Schooner. Take left fork at Post 109A joining the Ridge Trail. Walk north to Post 111, turning left on the Cluster Trail catching the Skid Road Trail at 112 and go down by the Clusters at Madrone Meadow and cross the highway again at post 266 catching the trail to the bluff. Lunch on Stengel Beach.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
September 15, 2016 - STORNETTA T AND HUCKLEBERRY PICKIN'
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Rollerville Junction 2 miles north of Point Arena at 10:30. We will be hiking a T pattern. Starting down the road (aka Huckleberry Row) to the Loran Station we will first head south to some spectacular rock formations and then retrace back to the Loran Station and this time we will head north for some more great views of the lighthouse (weather permitting) and our coastline. After taking in the views we will return and eat our lunch near the blow holes. Eventually we will retrace our way back along "Huckleberry Row" where those who want to may stay and pick huckleberries can and others can return by the road to their cars. Carpools should be done in a way to accommodate pickers and non-pickers. This is a relatively flat hike with only minor elevation change.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
September 22, 2016 - WALK-ON BEACH/ MONARCH GLEN LOOP
Meet at 10:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 10:45 at the Shell Beach Public Access parking area. Take the access trail to the bluff and turn north. Walk along the Bluff Trail taking the first possible stairs to Walk-On Beach. Cross the beach to the stairs at the end and after ascending turn right to walk the Bluff Trail back to One-Eyed Jack's for lunch. After lunch walk through the hedge row to the Monarch Glen Interpretive Trail. Do that loop exiting where we entered and walking a short way to the Leeward Meadow trail, turning left to 35C, right to 35D and right to take the trail next to the highway to the end. Then it is a right on Whalebone Reach, left on Pacific Reach to catch the last part of the access trail back to the cars.
Leader: Adrian Adams, 805-215-8665
September 29, 2016 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 near Twofish Baking Company. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building 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 105. At post 105 take the trail to the left, at 106 a left again to backtrack past 104 to 103 exiting at Sorcerer Wood and picking up the Spring Meadow Trail at 313 to 306 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 road 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: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
October 6, 2016 STILLWATER COVE/PEACE OBELISK
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:25 and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:40. Hikers with County Regional Park passes should drive. We will be hiking in three distinct areas. First we'll drive south to visit the smallest state park in California, the 93-foot-high "Peace Obelisk" sculpture by the late Benjamino Bufano, a renowned San Francisco sculptor and to hike a few of the interesting trails that the Timber Cove Inn has created. Then we will drive to the day use area of Stillwater Cove and hike in the forest. One of the bridges has given out so we may need to ford the stream in two spots. We may see fringed corn lilies in bloom. Last we will hike the interesting bluff section of Stillwater Cove and eat our lunches on the spectacular rock formation (think mushroom and cow) and then return back to our cars. Car pooling is important for this hike.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
October 13, 2016 - POMO AND SALOON TRAILS
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Start at 10:00 at Dard and Mary Hunter’s house on 205 Screech Owl where we can leave our lunches (east on Halcyon, left on Deer Trail, left on Screech Owl.) Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Do the lower loop of the Pomo Creek Trail continuing to the end turning left on Deer Trail at post 146 and walking to post 148. Walk the Pomo Hillside Trail back to post 147, Deer Trail south to Halcyon where we will catch the Saloon Trail at post 141 and take it to post 133, walking on Deer Trail again and then walking across the highway, turning right on Leeward. Walk north to Tallgrass continuing until you come to the spot where the golf cart path passes under Highway One. Hike under the Highway and continue on the trail until you intersect the Saloon Trail. Turn left and walk north on the trail ending at Screech Owl where we can join Dard to eat our lunches.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith 510-593-8195
October 20, 2016 STUMP BEACH SALT POINT BLUFFS
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at The Sea Ranch Lodge to carpool and start at Stump Beach at the north end of Salt Point at approx. 10:30. We will park at Stump Beach and follow the trail down to the 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 walk for an hour and then head back the way we came stopping at "Glen's Spectacular Spot" for lunch and then walk back to our cars. The bluff part of this hike is relatively flat but the trail down and up from the beach is steep and walking sticks are recommended. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
October 27, 2016- SEA RANCH BLUFF TRAIL And LINDA'S HOUSE POTLUCK
Meet at 9:40 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Linda's house: 37677 White Barn at 9:50. Non-Sea Rancher's will need hang tags or can park at the public access spot for Stengel Beach which is really close. We will leave our food for a potluck at Linda's. Hike starts around 10:00 a.m. Walk to the bluff trail and head south for about an hour with leader's choice for returning via the bluff and possibly the Sea Meadow trail or roads and bike paths. We will end this hike with a potluck.
Leaders: Linda Kennedy, 785-36825
Meet at 9:45 at the Gualala Business Directory (north of bridge) and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith’s house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Close. Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn left and follow the trail straight through 31C to 33B. Turn right on Pacific Reach and Whalebone, toward Rt. 1. Turn left at marker 34A, left at 35D, and right at 35C. Continue hiking through the meadows to marker 42C, then turn left and walk to 42, overlooking Walk-on Beach. Turn left and follow the Bluff Trail, passing the TSRA Marine Preserve and Dune Drift Beach at marker 38. Hike to marker 37 and follow the sand trail to the cypress hedgerow, turn right and go to Tidepool Beach to look for harbor seals. Continue on the trail, passing Shell Beach and stopping to check out the cormorant nesting area before returning to the Coffeysmith’s to enjoy your bag lunch.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, 510-593-8195
November 10, 2016 - POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:30 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 10:00. After entering the public lands, take the trail on your right. Walk north until you reach a road that will lead you to the bluff and spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff for a while to appreciate the spectacular middle section and then turn around and walk south along the bluff and return with views of Arena Cove. A suitable lunch spot will be found with a good view before returning to the 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: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
November 17, 2016 SCENIC VIEWS AND COOKS BEACH
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:15 or drive directly to the parking area west of Big Gulch Road (north of Gualala after mm 2.16 where Cal Trans sometimes dumps material) where you will meet the leader. We will start walking at 10:30. We will walk south along the Old State Highway and the route of the old railroad. Turning around close to where the Old Milano used to be, we will retrace our steps and walk along Highway 1 north. This is a scenic corridor with nice views. We will do a short loop east of the Highway on Glennen for more views of ocean and houses before walking to Cooks Beach. Cooks Beach is a RCLC project providing public access to a sheltered beach. We will descend to the beach for lunch and then return along Highway One to the cars.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
November 24, 2016
No organized hike today. Happy Thanksgiving!
December 1, 2016 - STENGEL BEACH ACCESS LOOP (new)
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and park at the public access trail for Stengel Beach at 10:00. Take the access trail to the Bluff trail and follow it south to post 9. Turn left and take the Pebble Beach access, turning left on the bicycle path before you reach the parking area, continuing on Sculpture Point Drive, right on Navigators Reach, and left on bicycle path. Follow it and the trail to 14 b and c. Cross the highway and continue in the same direction taking 242 on the Firebreak trail to 243 on the Longmeadow trail and going northwest on it around the stables and crossing the highway again at Wild Iris. Depending on the weather lunch will be optional or at one of the beaches or the Ohlson Rec Center.
Leader: Theresa Yuen, 785-2870
December 8, 2016 HENDY WOODS STATE PARK
Meet at 8:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 8:40. We will carpool to Hendy Woods State park and begin the hike at approx. 10:00am from the Day-Use Area. This park contains some AMAZING old growth redwoods that are truly a sight to see. We will meander through the trees past the "hermit hut" and loop back to the Day-Use area for lunch either on the river, in the field or under the trees depending on weather. We plan to make this journey even if it is raining lightly. Heavy rain will cancel this hike and reorganize for anyone wanting to hike at carpool spot.
WARNING: This is a longer drive than we normally do, but I promise if you go you will not be disappointed. Expect some elevation change. Walking sticks are not required but might be useful.
Ginger Thompson-Veys 884-9098
December 15, 2016 GUALALA POINT PARK BLUFF AND LOOP
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside entrance just left after pulling past fee post.) There is a fee per car. (Or park across the street and cross Highway One 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 northernmost trail to the bluff. Hike to Whale Watch Point for the view and then turn south and walk along the Bluff Trail past Salal Cove. Between post 64 and 63 turn left walking through the hedge row and on Fish Rock Road to Leeward. Turn left on Leeward and walk until you intersect the Salal Trail. Turn right following it back to the highway and the Hidden Parking Lot. Lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
December 22, 2016 MANCHESTER STATE PARK BEACH TO IRISH BEACH
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:30. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road (mm 22.48), then turn directly left and park parallel on the road that parallels Highway One. Hike starts around 11. Mary will lead us to a nice view point before we make our way to the beach. Walk north as far as we can and return. We will eat our lunches somewhere along the way. This is beach walking, but it’s a moderately low tide so hopefully we will be able to walk on wet sand. In case we have enough rain that Alder Creek breaks through to the ocean, we will resort to alternate plans (Manchester Beach walking from Alder Creek to Brush Creek or beyond if passable) or Stoneboro Road/beach hikes.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
December 29, 2016 GUALALA ARTS TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE ROAD HIKE (potluck)
Meet at 10:00 in back part of Gualala Arts parking lot. Hike along the road down to the bridge and the end of the county road and back. We hope to get permission to walk through the closed for the winter campground on the way. There are some mild elevation changes and lovely glimpses of the Gualala River. Harmony will prepare something hot for us (soup, chili, not decided yet) and the rest of us can bring something to go with it for lunch following at the Gualala Arts Center.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
January 5, 2017 PEBBLE BEACH #2
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:35. Park at the Public Access trail for Pebble Beach or at the parking area on Navigators Reach. Start at 10:00 at Post #9 on the Blufftop Trail. Walk south to the Sea Ranch Lodge and the parking lot. Hike to Moonraker Rd and take trail behind tennis courts. Trail exits on Ramsgate which take to Galleon's Reach. Turn west to Seagate and turn right on it and follow it to the end. Continue on trail at end of Seagate. Turn left to intersect the Blufftop Trail and go north. Lunch optional, but Pebble Beach or Pebble Beach overlook is a very nice place for lunch
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith 510-593-8195
January 12, 2017 - SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION
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, 884-4824
January 19, 2017 TIMBER RIDGE ROAD -- POSH SQUASH
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and/or at the end of Verdant View near Two Fish at 10:15. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk on informal path west to Timber Ridge Road. Walk south on this road until the end of the road. This is a forested road with ups and downs so a hiking stick could be helpful but is not mandatory. When we reach the end, we will turn around and walk back stopping at the Posh Squash where there are picnic tables where we can eat our lunch and survey the vegetable gardens.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
January 26, 2017 TIN BARN ROAD TO KING RIDGE ROAD
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:30. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road. Park where there are logs next to the road, south of Odiyon. Start at 10:00 and walk to King Ridge Road and back, lunching at the end where there are logs along the road you can sit on. This is a road hike, but with lovely green vistas in the winter and glimpses of the Buddhist Temple on the return. Leaders: Ken and Marian Brown 909 229-4991
Leaders: Susan and Gary Levenson-Palmer, 882-1750
Leaders: Ken & Marian Brown, 884-3319
GUALALA POINT PARK #5 (NEW) - February 1, 2018
Meet at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on the west side entrance, just left after pulling past fee post.) Or park across the street and cross Highway One 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 as far as you can on the beach, turning around and retracing your steps and then hike south pass the restrooms and along the bluff doing the loop for views of Whale Watch Point and then walking south until you reach the trail that goes south to Walk On Beach. Instead take the trail that takes you back towards the Visitor's Center. Leader's choice for eating at the picnic tables there or walking back to the Hidden Parking lot and eating at the tables there.
Leader: Gary Beall, 884-3429
CORMORANT, BREAKER MEADOW, OHLSON BEACH, SHELL BEACH LOOP - February 8, 2018
Meet at 9:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of the bridge and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith's house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Close (right on Breaker Reach, right on Hedgegate, left on Bluff Reach.). Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn right and follow the trail to 26D and continue on Breaker Meadow Trail to 25D. Take the bike trail from 25D to marker 21, passing by Knipp-Stengel Barn. Turn right to Ohlson Beach, then return to 21, turn left and walk along the bluff to marker 24, overlooking Stengel Beach. Follow the bluff trail from 24, 24A, 25 to marker 31. Check out the cormorant nesting area at the point, then continue along the bluff to Shell Beach and loop back via 33, 33A, and Cormorant Reach to complete the loop. Enjoy your bag lunch at the Coffeysmith's on their deck or.inside out of the elements.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, (510) 593-8195
KING RIDGE LOOP – February 15, 2018
Meet at 9:15 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:30. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and drive to King Ridge Road and park. Hike King Ridge two miles (up) and return. This stretch is very beautiful in winter with mist, oak trees, and nice views. There is plenty of up and down on this hike. We will eat our lunches at an old cemetery.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
LODGE TO SMUGGLER'S COVE AND PEBBLE BEACH – February 22, 2018
Carpool at 10:00 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory just north of bridge or meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:15 am. Walk the bluff trail north, turn right at post 7, then right again onto Sea Meadow Drive. Upon reaching Sea Gate Road turn north. Cross Clipper's Reach and take the bike link straight ahead which leads to Sculpture Point Drive. Follow this to Navigators Reach, there turn right and find the continuation of the bike trail. Just before the hedgerow go left on the trail connecting to the bluff trail. Walk south past Smuggler's Cove and then to Pebble Beach for lunch. Return to the Lodge.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, (707) 785-3682
STONEBORO ROAD ROAD HIKE (NEW) – March 1, 2018
Meet at 9:20 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 9:30 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool to Manchester and start our hike at 10:00. From Hwy 1, take Stoneboro Road (near the 19.64 mile marker). Follow Stoneboro Road to just before the end and make a right on Bristol, where there is a paved circular area for parking. We will walk about five miles on paved roads passing Beverly Thompson’s heather gardens and beautiful farmland. At the end of the hike we will have lunch across the dunes at the beach. Dogs on leash are allowed.
Leader: Mary Heibel (707) 882-2055
POMO TRAILS & FOREST – March 8, 2018
Carpool at the pullout for the Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Meet at Dard's (205 Screech Owl, Sea Ranch) at 9:55. It's East on Halcyon (North end of Sea Ranch) North on Deer Trail, West on Screech Owl. Hike starts at 10:00. Starting on Screech Owl, enter the trail at post 144 and do entire Pomo Creekside Trail. At Deer Trail turn left to Pomo Hillside Trail, post 147. As this trail exits to Deer Trail cross the street and enter the trail at post 150 and then turn left on the dirt road. As road exits the woods, take the unofficial trail to the right which exits on County Park Road to campground. Follow to the right and at bottom of hill take unofficial trail heading toward river and explore this beautiful area. Reverse and start back. Cover the route taken inbound until exiting on dirt road. Turn right to Haversack connector trail. Take it exiting on cul-de-sac which traverse turning right on Deer Trail. Turn in on Pomo Creekside trail and return to beginning. We will have lunch at Dard and Mary’s house.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, (510) 593-8195
POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – March 15, 2018
Meet at 9:20 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 9:30 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 9:50. Walk north until you reach a road that will lead you to the bluff and spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, 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. A suitable lunch spot will be found with a good view before returning to the cars.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
ANNAPOLIS ROAD HIKE #2 – March 22, 2018
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Business Center on Annapolis Rd at 9:45. Turn right before you reach the Fire Station. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Drive on Annapolis Road for about 5 miles from Hwy 1 turnoff. Pass a sign for 37151 on right and then park on the next road that goes off to the left, Noce Rd. Hike on Annapolis Road to the Old Horicon School and return. Will eat lunch at the new Ranch Cafe (the old Two Fish Location) back where we parked the cars.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
SCENIC VIEWS AND COOK'S BEACH- March 29, 2018
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:15 or drive directly to the parking area west of Big Gulch Road (north of Gualala after mm 2.16 where Cal Trans sometimes dumps material) where you will meet the leader. We will start walking at 10:25. We will walk south along the Old State Highway and the route of the old railroad. We will explore where the Old Milano used to be before retracing our steps and then walking (carefully) north along Highway 1. This is a scenic corridor with nice views. We will do a short loop east of the Highway on Glennen for more views of ocean and houses before walking to Cooks Beach. Cooks Beach is a RCLC project providing public access to a sheltered beach. We will descend to the beach for lunch and then return along Hwy 1 to the cars. The leader may make modifications to the route depending on the time.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
RIDGE, SAG PONDS, BIG TREE AND BIG TREE LOOP TRAILS – April 5, 2018
Carpool at the pullout for the Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 a.m. Please bring hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Going south exit Highway 1 to the left at Deerfield. Go to the top of Deerfield and turn right on Timber Ridge. Start at Big Tree Close and Timber Ridge at Ridge Trail post 122 at 10 a.m. Pass Ridge Trail post 116. At Ridge Trail post 111 take left fork. Follow trail to Ridge Trail post 104 at which point you are at Longmeadow Street. Go through gate and turn right onto Sag Ponds Trail at trail post 104A. Continue on this trail past the Sag Pond to Sag Ponds Trail post 109A. Turn right and walk to trail post 110. Turn left on Ridge Trail and walk to trail post 117. Turn left downhill on Big Tree trail to post 118. Continue downhill now on Big Tree Loop trail and walk to trail post 267. Here there is a bench with a great view. Time for lunch. After lunch at trail post 267 take a left turn and hike to Big Tree Loop trail post 120. Turn left and exit the Big Tree Loop Trail at Big Tree Close at trail post 123. Turn right and return to parking area on Timber Ridge. April can be a good time to see Calypso orchids.
Leader: Adrian Adams, (805) 215-8665
PELICAN BLUFF AND CURLEY LANE - April 12, 2018
Meet at 10:05 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. 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. After we finish hiking the Pelican Bluff trails, we will hike up and then back down Curley Lane. The leaders will find a suitable lunch spot either at Pelican Bluff or Curley Lane. After our hike, we will head over to John and Lynn Walton’s house to enjoy tea and dessert in their garden (46685 Ohlson Lane, a gravel road on the east side of Highway 1, across from a small wooden sign identifying Ohlson, near/across from MM 5.96).
Leaders: John and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS – April 19, 2018
Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Hwy 1 on about mile marker 22.48 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road which hasn't been marked lately, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Hwy 1. We will walk to the ocean and then go South on the beach and then return. We will drive to the Thompson garden afterwards for lunch. There will be a little beach walking, but there aren't rocks to scramble over and Manchester Beach is very pretty. The Thompson garden, always wonderful, is a feast for the eyes with the heathers in bloom. Dogs may not be allowed because of the snowy plovers.
Leader: Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS – April 26, 2018
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge north parking lot at 10:00. 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 fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge chair area for our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
SALT POINT LOOP – May 3, 2018
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:45. 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 on east side of the highway up to the first fork. Turn right and follow the trail until you come out at the highway. Cross the highway and take the road to the campground (where there will be bathrooms we can use). From there we will hike down the hill turning right on the road to the Visitor Center. Pass it 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. 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. The trail could be a bit wet in spots if we've had recent rain. This is potentially a bit longer hike, but we could have nice flowers and it has both forest and bluff and a wonderful lunch spot.
Leader: Joel Chaban, (707) 884-9280
MANCHESTER BEACH, BRUSH CREEK TO LAKE DAVIS (NEW) – May 10, 2018
Meet at 10:00 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:15. The hike will begin at the Manchester State Beach Parking Lot (end of Kinney Road, just north of Manchester village) at 10:30. We will walk west to the bluff edge and follow a trail through the dunes south passing the AT&T Undersea Cable Station, to access a large field of wildflowers adjacent to the Brush Creek estuary. After exploring the creek and estuary area we will hike north up the beach to the Lake Davis area of the park, where we will circumambulate the environmental campsite. We will return to the beach by way of a lakeside trail, and then south on the beach to the parking lot. Lunch will be at the picnic tables near the parking lot.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving and Lena Bullamore, (707) 882-2498
MOAT CREEK #3 – May 17, 2018 ** Note Early Start**
Meet at 7:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory and carpool at Anchor Bay at 7:45 south side of town on west side of highway. Start at Moat Creek at MM 12.77 on way to Pt. Arena at 8:00. Hike bluff south to Bowling Ball Beach. Walk south on beach to Schooner's Gulch and then return via beach and bluff to Moat Creek for breakfast. Mostly level, but 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: Mary Heibel, (707) 882-2055
POMO TRAILS AND SALAL TRAIL – May 24, 2018
Hike starts at 10:00 from the small parking area east of Highway 1 at mm 58.19. Parking is also available for a fee or with a pass at the Gualala Point County Park across the highway. Pass though gate and walk north on dirt road. Take trail at post 149, continue past trail post 149 to next trail post which is not numbered and turn right. At Deer Trail cross to trail post 148.Hike Pomo Hillside Trail to where it ends on Deer Trail, walk south and turn onto trail at post 146 to the right. Follow the Pomo Creek Trail with its scenic loop, cross Screech Owl, continue trail at post 144, then take the first right to reach Halcyon. Walk west, cross highway, and continue on Halcyon to Leeward Rd. Turn left and at next hedgerow take Helm to the bluff trail. Go north and then walk the Salal Trail to Hidden Parking lot for lunch. Walking sticks may be helpful.
Leader: Adrian Adams, (805) 215-8665
KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE – May 31, 2018
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 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 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 in May. Lunch will be on some friendly logs near our starting place. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, (707)884-4824
MILL BEND, GAC HIKING TRAILS AND GREEN IRON BRIDGE – June 7, 2018
Meet at 10:00 in back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot. We will learn about and explore the Mill Bend property and then will walk one of the GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the green bridge and back. There are some mild elevation changes. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the Arts Center, and after lunch those that are interested can view the art shows inside.
Leaders: John and Lynn Walton, (707) 884-9714
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – June 14, 2018
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 10:50 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: Harmony Susalla (707) 884-3347
MONARCH GLEN/WALK-ON BEACH LOOP #3 – June 21, 2018
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Start at 10:00 at the Chapel. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk the first part of the Chapel Trail with its great views to post 128, turning left to Leeward Spur, crossing the highway. Turn right on Leeward to Seal Rock Reach and take it to 42B and to the Bluff Trail. Walk south to post 37 through the hedgerow to Monarch Glen. Do the Interpretive Trail catching the trail that parallels the highway and crossing the highway at Bosuns Reach to return to the Chapel for lunch.
Leader: Laura Bridge, (408) 306-5321
IRISH BEACH – A WALK AROUND THE ROADS AND TRAILS – June 28, 2018
Meet at 9:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:45 to carpool. Drive north to Irish Beach and mile marker 25, turn right on Sea Cypress road to Cypress Circle to park. The hike will start at approximately 10:30. Walk around Irish Beach roads and trails ending up at the picnic area at Pomo Lake Park for a picnic lunch.
Leaders: Gary & Susan Levenson-Palmer, (707) 882-1750
HUGAL RAVINE AND SEA RANCH HISTORY AND POTLUCK – July 5, 2018
Meet at the Gualala Business Directory north of the bridge at 9:45 to carpool to Linda Kennedy’s house (37677 White Barn - hang tags needed). Parts of this hike are quite steep up and down (a total elevation gain of 600 feet) so walking sticks are advised. Walk first to the Knipp-Stengel Barn (ca. 1880), then cross the highway to pick up the trail at trail marker 254. Travel a short way parallel to the highway, then turn uphill, turning right at trail markers 260 and 257. We will hike up the steep but very beautiful and wooded Hugal Ravine trail. At the top, we will walk over to Rams Head Reach to view the knoll that from the mid-1800s was the heart of the German Rancho that later became the Del Mar Ranch and then Sea Ranch. Walk back up Seabird Road a short distance to Schooner Drive and pick up the White Fir Trail at trail marker 109. This takes you to the ridge, where you turn right at trail marker 110. This part of the trail recently reopened after adjacent logging operations and the change in habitat is striking. The trail becomes heavily wooded again after you turn left at trail marker 111 to head back down hill. We will have beautiful downcoast views as we emerge from the forest to the meadows. Travel downhill past trail marker 112, to 260, where we will retrace our steps the short distance back to Linda’s house where we will enjoy a potluck lunch.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, (707) 785-3682
UP AND DOWN SCENIC GUALALA – July 12, 2018
Meet at 10:20 at the pullout for the Gualala Business directory north of the bridge to carpool or at the corner of Hwy 1 and Robinson Reef (just north of mile marker 1.62) at 10:30 where we will park. On this walk there are many scenic views. We will see views of the ocean from many different vantage points, interesting and diverse architecture and drought tolerant entry gardens, walk on the Gualala Bluff Trail, walk the Labyrinth at Mary Star of the Sea, climb to the top of the clock tower and see Gualala in a way many of us have not seen it, on foot. This hike is not level, but none of the elevation changes are very long. We'll have lunch at Darlene's house before returning to our cars.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, (707)884-4824
SEA RANCH NORTH END AND ENCHANTED FOREST (NEW) – July 19, 2018
Meet at 10:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and meet at the end of Grey Whale at 11:00. Starting at the end of Grey Whale, Post 67A, we will hike north on the Bluff Trail to the Gualala Point Regional Park, and cross under the bridge to the campgrounds. We will have our lunch by the river next to the Enchanted Forest, which is beyond the campgrounds and has wonderful redwoods, ferns, and river views. Crossing back under the bridge, we will head past the ceremonial hitching posts to the entrance of the park. Following the highway, we will take the Salal Trail back to Post 67 and 67A.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, (510) 593-8195
AIRPORT, EARTHQUAKE TRAIL AND HOT SPOT – July 26, 2018
Meet at 10:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 10:30 at the Sea Ranch Business Center on Annapolis Rd. Turn right before you reach the Fire Station. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Walk north on Timber Ridge Rd., then to the end of Sorcerer Wood. Take trail at post 102, pass 103 and 104. At post 105 take the trail to the left, at 106 a left again to backtrack past 104 to 103. Here take the trail on the left that leads to Ridge Rd. Walk the road down to Deep Woods Dr. on the left. Take this to the end and turn left on River Beach Road. Walk down until the road becomes a one way road. The start of the San Andreas Fault Interpretive Trail is on the left. After experiencing this guided trail, walk down to lunch at The Hot Spot and afterwards back to the parking lot via the Hot Spot Loop Trail, River Beach Road and Timber Ridge Rd. Walking sticks recommended.
Leader: Laura Bridge, (408) 306-5321
CHAPEL TO WHITE BARN – November 1, 2018
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50 and start at the Sea Ranch chapel at 10:00. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Go south on to the firebreak and cross Hwy 1 at the hole in the fence. Take Frontage Trail almost to the White Barn. Walk on the feeder trail to the Blufftop Trail. Walk north until you reach the Shell Beach public access trail, take it to Pacific Reach and from there back to Frontage and return.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, 510-593-8195
JENNER HEADLANDS PRESERVE (NEW) – November 8, 2018
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge at 10:15 to carpool to the Jenner Headlands Preserve (two miles north of the town of Jenner on the east side of Highway 1). The Headlands are known for raptor and whale watching along the Pacific flyway with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Russian River, and the mouth of the river. The entire hike is approx. 4 miles. We'll hike mostly uphill for the first 1.5 miles on Raptor Ridge Trail to the ranger station with frequent stops to catch our breath and to appreciate the breathless views. We'll eat lunch on picnic tables at the ranger station. After lunch we'll hike along Raptor Ridge and take Sea to Sky Trail back to the parking lot. Near the bottom of the trail we'll stop for about 15 minutes at Telescope Hill for the amazing view and a bit of meditation. The entire hike is about 2 to 2.5 hours. Bring your binoculars for bird and whale watching. There is a portable toilet at the parking lot and one at the ranger station. We'll get back to Gualala about 2:30 p.m.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
SEA FOREST AND BLUFF TRAILS – November 15, 2018
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45 and meet at the Sea Ranch Lodge 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 new Sea Forest Trail,which has a creek and a seasonal waterfall. Take trail 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 lodge via the bluff trail for lunch.
Leader: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
NO HIKE NOVEMBER 22 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
STILLWATER COVE 3 (NEW) – November 29, 2018
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:25 and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:40. Hikers with County Regional Park passes should drive. Please carpool as parking spaces on the first part are limited. We will first hike the two bluff sections of the trail. Then we will drive to the day use area and park. We will hike through the beautiful forested canyon, cross a small stream, then up along the ridge until we reach the old Fort Ross schoolhouse and then through the Canyon and down to the Cove for lunch. Parts of this hike subject to change depending on the conditions. After lunch we'll return to our cars. Dogs allowed on leash and hiking sticks helpful for a few steep spots and river crossing.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
STORNETTA - HWY 1 TO CYPRESS ABBEY SECTION – December 6, 2018
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:30 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at the junction of Lighthouse Road and Hwy 1, 2 miles north of Point Arena at 11:00. We will travel the access road to the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College) turning left before we get there to enter that middle section of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands. From there we will walk through the "forest" to the bluff and enjoy the spectacular views of the offshore islands and the Ocean and find a suitable site for lunch before retracting our steps.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
KING RIDGE LOOP – December 13, 2018
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at The Sea Ranch Lodge parking lot at 9:45. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and drive to King Ridge Road and park. Hike King Ridge two miles (up) and return. This stretch is very beautiful in winter with mist, oak trees, and nice views. There is plenty of up and down on this hike. We will eat at an old cemetery.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
POTLUCK & GUALALA ROAD TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE & GAC HIKING TRAILS - December 20, 2018
Meet at 10:00 in back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot. We will walk one of the new GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the green bridge and back. There are some mild elevation changes. We will have potluck lunch inside the Arts Center, and after lunch those interested can view the art shows inside. Harmony will provide soup or chili and everyone should bring something to share.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
AIRPORT ROUNDABOUT #1: FLY CLOUD, SEA RIDGE, DEEP WOODS - December 27, 2018
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or park at 9:45 at The Sea Ranch Business Center on Verdant View (turn right before you reach the Fire Station). We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non-Sea Ranchers. At the end of the hike we will be having lunch at the Ranch Café, so it’s best to place your order before we start the hike so it will be ready when we return. The hike will start at 10:00. Walk Verdant View back towards the north and turn left on Annapolis road, using the trail on the left side of the road. Left on Timber Ridge. Walk Timber Ridge, right on Fly Cloud and right on Westgate Drive, back to Timber Ridge, where you turn left. Cross Annapolis Road where Timber Ridge becomes Sea Ridge. Follow Sea Ridge to a T intersection with Spring Meadow. Turn right on Spring Meadow and left on Timber Ridge. Follow the trail at Trail Post 313, near Sorcerer Wood, proceeding left as you pass TP312, returning to the pavement turning right on East Ridge Rd. at TP311.Turn left on Deep Woods Rd, and right on River Beach Rd. Turn left on Timber Ridge Rd. using the new trail on the right side of the pavement. Right on Annapolis Road, then left onto Verdant View. We will eat lunch at The Ranch Café, or you can bring your own lunch.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION – January 3, 2019
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Sea Ranch Lodge at 9:45. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:00. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available. After we check out Plantation, we will retrace our steps back to the Kruse Reserve for lunch. The views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
PELICAN BLUFF - January 10, 2019
Meet at 10:05 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. The leader will find a suitable lunch spot.
Leader: Darlene Gorman, , 650-575-1890
OHLSON RANCH LOOP SOUTH - January 17, 2019
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge, and/or meet at the Ohlson Ranch Center parking lot at 10:00. Hang tags needed for non-Sea Ranchers. Walk south on trail starting between building and highway crossing White Surf Road and Headlands Reach. At next hedgerow continue south on the bike trail to Navigators Reach. Take a right on the road and then take the access to the bluff trail. Walk north to return to the Ohlson Ranch where we will have lunch.
Leader: Adrian Adams, 805-215-8665
GUALALA POINT PARK #5 - January 24, 2019
Meet at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on the west side entrance, just left after pulling past fee post.) Or park across the street and cross Highway One 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 as far as you can on the beach, turning around and retracing your steps and then hike south past the restrooms and along the bluff doing the loop for views of Whale Watch Point and then walking south until you reach the trail that goes south to Walk On Beach. Instead take the trail that takes you back towards the Visitor's Center where we will eat our lunches.
Leaders: April and Ron Dammann 707-884-3830
SKAGGS SPRINGS WEST TWO FISH ROAD HIKE – January 31, 2019
Carpool at 9:30AM at Gualala Business Sign or at 9:40 at the Stengel Beach public access parking area. Drive to Stewarts Point 2Fish and park cars. Hike will start from 2Fish at approx. 9:55. We will walk Skaggs Springs Road inland from 2Fish for 2ish miles and then retrace our steps. There is some elevation change but this is a road hike which is mainly through forested paved road which follows a lovely stream and is full of ferns and trees. It’s the perfect road hike for the rain. We will reward ourselves at the end with lunch at the Two Fish Bakery at Stewarts Point. If you want to buy a sandwich at the store, please call ahead with your order (707-785-2011) or you can bring your lunch.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
TIN BARN ROAD HIKE FROM KING RIDGE ROAD – February 7, 2019
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25. From Skagg’s Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and park at the corner of Tin Barn and Kings Ridge Road. Start at 10:00 and walk to Odiyon entrance and back, lunching at the end at the cemetery on Tin Barn Road. This is a road hike, but with lovely green vistas in the winter and glimpses of the Buddhist Temple.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
CRISPIN LANE WITH POTLUCK – February 14, 2019
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) 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. Afterwards we will have a potluck soup/salad/bread lunch at the Manchester Community Center. The Crock-Pots can be going while we hike. NOTE: There are often loose dogs on Crispin Lane so you may not want to bring your dog.
Leaders: Susan and Gary Levenson-Palmer, 882-1750
OHLSON RANCH LOOP SOUTH – February 21, 2019
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge, and/or meet at the Ohlson Ranch Center parking lot at 10:00. Hang tags needed for non-Sea Ranchers. Walk south on the trail starting between the building and the highway, crossing White Surf Road and Headlands Reach. At the next hedgerow continue south on the bike trail to Navigators Reach. Take a right on the road and then take the access to the bluff trail. Walk north to return to the Ohlson Ranch where we will have lunch.
Leader:Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
CURLEY LANE – February 28, 2019
Meet at 10:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:15. The hike will start at 10:30 at Highway 1 by Curley Lane. There is only room for about 3 cars on Highway 1 by Curley Lane so if we have more we will need to drop off hikers and leave cars at Moat Creek. Curley Lane is a dirt road that passes through pleasant scenery (green meadows, ponds, cows) making you forget where you started until you see the lovely views of the ocean on the return. This is a short hike, sometimes windy, mostly level but some up and down. If weather permits you can bring your lunch and eat at the picnic tables at Pelican Bluffs after the hike.
Leaders: John and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
PLANTATION TRAIL - BRUCE JOHNSON STUDIO - March 7, 2019
Because of the wet conditions our hike our Thursday will be mostly a road hike followed by a visit to Bruce Johnson's. We will caravan from the second carpool spot (the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25) following the leader to our starting point.
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25. Drive to the entrance to Salt Point Park on Sea View Road. Enter the park on the trail and walk to the Prairie and beyond, turning around at some point and retracing our steps. There are elevation changes going both directions. We could modify this if we feel the trail is too muddy. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails. Afterwards we will drive to Bruce Johnson's studio where we will have a tour of works in progress and eat our lunches. Visiting Bruce has always been a treat in the past. We haven't visited him since 2014 and he has many new works in progress for us to see. To learn more:
http://www.vibottaro.com/sculptor-brucejohnson/
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
WALK-ON-BEACH TO GUALALA POINT PARK C - March 14, 2019
Meet at the Hidden parking lot (left of the Gualala Point Park pay station) at 9:50 a.m. to carpool to Walk-On-Beach parking lot off Highway 1. (If you do not have a regional park permit, you can park on the east side of Highway 1 across from the park entrance.) We will walk to the bluff on the public coastal access trail, passing by Sea Pine Beach and walking on Walk-On Beach Road to post 39 down to the beach and then walking north on the beach and going up the stairs and continuing on the Bluff trail north. Lunch options include the beach, picnic tables on the bluff by the bathrooms or the tables at the visitor's center. Carpool drivers (and any Sea Ranchers who met the group there) will be shuttled back to Walk-On-Beach parking lot.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
BIG TREE AND WHITE FIR TRAILS – March 21, 2019
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:55. Start at Big Tree Close and Timber Ridge Road at hike marker 122 at 10:10. Hang tags are needed for non Sea Ranchers. Pass marker 116. At marker 111 take left fork. Follow trail to marker 104 which ends at Longmeadow. Go through gate and turn right back onto a forest path. Continue on this trail, past the Sag Pond. The path eventually joins the main trail again at marker 110. Continue back along trail until marker 117. Walk west to marker 118 and follow the upper portion of the Big Tree Loop Trail to marker 120. Exit at 123 at Big Tree Close and return to parking area on Timber Ridge. This hike can have beautiful Douglas Iris displays in spring. Lunch optional but those wanting to have lunch together can drive to the regional park and eat at the tables next to the Hidden Parking lot.
Leader: Adrian Adams, 805-215-8665
STORNETTA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – March 28, 2019
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Rollerville Junction 2 miles north of Point Arena at 10:30. We will enjoy the gorgeous view of the ocean as we walk along the road toward the lighthouse or the road toward the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College.) Depending on the weather and the condition of the trails we will do a loop or walk along "huckleberry road" and into the spectacular middle section and return via the lighthouse road. Lunch somewhere along the way.
Leader: Darlene Gorman, 650-575-1890
POMO TRAILS & FOREST – April 4, 2019
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Meet at Dard's (205 Screech Owl, Sea Ranch) at 9:55. It's East on Halcyon (North end of Sea Ranch) North on Deer Trail, West on Screech Owl. Hike starts at 10:00. Starting on Screech Owl, enter the trail at post 144 and do entire Pomo Creekside Trail. At Deer Trail turn left to Pomo Hillside Trail, post 147. As this trail exits to Deer Trail cross the street and enter the trail at post 150 and then turn left on the dirt road. As road exits the woods, take the unofficial trail to the right which exits on County Park Road to campground. Follow to the right and at bottom of hill take unofficial trail heading toward river and explore this beautiful area. Reverse and start back. Cover the route taken inbound until exiting on dirt road. Turn right to Haversack connector trail. Take it exiting on cul-de-sac which traverse turning right on Deer Trail. Turn in on Pomo Creekside trail and return to beginning. We will have lunch at Dard and Mary’s house.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, (510) 593-8195
HORSESHOE COVE--SALT POINT NORTH – April 11, 2019
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:10. Park at MM 44.00 at Salt Point 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. This is a cell phone free hike. If you have a cell phone with you, you will be asked to turn it off or put it in airplane mode so Annie Mills can hike with us. She has radiation sickness so is limited on where she can be with people and there are no cell phone towers in the area so she can join us. There could be early wildflowers on this hike. The return to the cars after lunch will be uphill, but this is a gorgeous spot so worth the effort. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the trail in this State Park.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner (and maybe Bob too), 884-4824
ALDER CREEK - MANCHESTER STATE BEACH - April 18, 2019
Meet at 9:05 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Highway One on about mile marker 22.27 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Highway One. We will walk down the road where it is closed until we come to the trail that leads to the environmental campground hoping to see wildflowers and walk back via the beach if we can. We may change the direction of the hike depending on the wind. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the trail in this State Park. We will have lunch afterwards at Beverley Thompson's lovely garden to view spring flowers (Rhododendrons and Azaleas to name a few.)
Leader: Mary Heibel 882-2055
BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS – April 25, 2019
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and at the Blackpoint Beach Coastal Access parking area (just north of the Lodge) at 10:00. Walk from the parking area to the Bluff Trail and turn left 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 fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge area for our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
SKAGGS SPRINGS ROAD WILDFLOWER HIKE – May 2, 2017
Carpool at 9:40 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:50 to carpool. Start at MM 6 on Skaggs Springs Road (before Haupt Creek Bridge) at 10:15. We will walk along the road looking for wildflowers along the bank with views of the Gualala River too. How far we walk will depend on how many flowers there are to slow us down. This area is shady in the morning and can be cool so dress accordingly. We will have lunch at the Annapolis Winery.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
STONEBORO ROAD TO THE GARCIA RIVER – May 9, 2019
Meet at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool to the west end of Stoneboro road in Manchester and start our hike at 10:30. Enjoy a 15 minute walk on the dunes to the beach, then walk south to the Garcia river, viewing the lighthouse and perhaps whales, pelicans and Canada geese heading north (during the winter). We will walk east for a short while along the Garcia, then retrace our steps for the return, passing where we came in through the dunes and exploring a little to the north. We will find a good spot along the beach (or in the dunes if windy) for lunch. This walk is entirely on the sand and dogs on leash are allowed.
Leader: Joyce Nugent, (949) 646-6648
LONGMEADOW TRAIL/BLUFFTOP TRAIL LOOP – May 16, 2019
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: Jane Seck
SALT POINT LOOP – May 23, 2019
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:40. 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 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, 884-9280
KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE – May 30, 2019
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:55. 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 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 in May. Lunch will be on some friendly logs near our starting place. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
BOBCAT TRAIL/BLACK POINT BEACH – June 6, 2019
Meet at 9:30 at the Gualala Business Directory or at 9:40 at the Blackpoint Beach Coastal Access parking lot (just north of the Sea Ranch Lodge). We will shuttle people from the Blackpoint Beach parking lot to the top of the hill and then we'll end up near the Lodge for lunch.. There isn't a lot of space to park at our starting point. Start at 10:00 at the trail head on Indian Close off Timber Ridge Road. Hang tags needed to park here. This is a beautiful hike down a forested, shady hillside. There are some steep stretches, so bring your walking stick. The trail leads down and north, crosses Crows Nest Drive, and eventually turns down and south on the hillside along Hwy 1, ending on Moonraker Road. Cross the highway and walk to The Moonraker Recreation Center and down Brigantine's Reach to the Blufftop Trail. Turn south taking the Black and Bihler Foot Paths to check for late blooming wildflowers and then head for Black Point Beach for lunch and back to the Lodge afterwards.
Leader: Laura Bridge, (408) 306-5321
EXPLORING POINT ARENA – June 13, 2019
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:30 to carpool to Point Arena. The hike starts at Point Arena at 10:00 at Jeff and Lena's house (355 School Street). Coming from the north, turn right at first driveway after the rainbow signs. Coming from the south, slow down at 30 mph sign, and then turn left at the brightly painted pyramid. There is an Earth flag at their drive---335 School Street. We will go on a trail through Jeff & Lena’s land down to Port Road. There is some steep, uneven ground and a walking stick would be advisable. We will go up Bluff Top Road and walk to the end, overlooking the cove...a new point of view. From there we will continue along the bluff with some spectacular views. This is all private property, but we have gotten special permission to roam the land. After that we will walk back down Bluff Top, up the hill to Jeff and Lena's and have lunch in their yard. Bring apples if you want to feed the two horses. This is about a 3.6 mile walk. It is not a long walk, but gawking at the beautiful views may slow us down.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – June 20, 2019
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 10:50 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: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – June 27, 2019
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 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: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
July 4 – No Hike. Happy 4th of July!!
GUALALA POINT PARK #1– July 11, 2019
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. Hike to the bluff, go north, and then back to the Visitors Center, walking occasionally on the road, but mostly on trails. After a brief stop on the benches to look at the view of the river, we will take the trail down to the river and under the highway to the campground. From there we will walk through the forest and down to the Gualala River for lunch. After lunch we will walk back to the cars via the road to the campground.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
STUMP BEACH LOOP– July 18, 2019
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:55 at Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area to carpool and start at Stump Beach at the north end of Salt Point at approx. 10:30. We will park at Stump Beach and follow the trail down to the 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 walk for an hour and then head back the way we came stopping at "Glen's Spectacular Spot" for lunch and then walk back to our cars. The bluff part of this hike is relatively flat but the trail down and up from the beach is steep and walking sticks are recommended. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leaders: April and Ron Dammann 884-3830
HOT SPOT PICNIC AND HIKE – July 25, 2019
Meet at 9:35 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at 9:50 at the end of Verdant View near Ranch Cafe. We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building 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: Adrian Adams, (805) 215-8665
FORT ROSS BLUFFS AND COVE – August 1, 2019
Carpool at 9:15 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25 or meet at Fort Ross State Park at 10:00. There is a charge of $8 per car for parking, $7 for the senior rate (62 and older.) People who have passes should bring them. We will walk by the windmill and then down to the road, turning south and taking the trail to Fort Ross Cove. Returning to the road we will continue to walk south and take the trail to Sandy Cove and walk from there along the bluff to Reef Campground before retracing our steps. Depending on how long this takes we may go to the graveyard and back. After the hike we will then drive to our lunch spot at the picnic tables at the Fort Ross orchard with incredible views. Dogs aren’t allowed on most of the Fort Ross trails.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
FERN CANYON TRAIL – VAN DAMME STATE PARK (New) – August 8, 2019
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge 8:05 am, at 8:15 am in Anchor Bay and 8:40 am at Manchester School parking lot for this longer than usual drive for a hike. This will be a one way hike so a shuttle will need to be arranged. We will start at the parking area for the Pygmy Forest Natural Preserve that is located beyond the airport on Little River Airport Road. Hikers will walk the Pygmy Forest boardwalk trail and then wait for the drivers to come back after they drop off cars at the beach at the entrance to Van Damme, our ending point. We will take the logging road to the Fern Canyon Trail and walk mostly downhill to the entrance to the park. This hike is longer than most, probably more than 5 miles, but is incredibly beautiful, mostly shaded with mixed evergreens, ferns, shrubs and the sound and sometimes sight of Little River in the background. The trail is narrow in spots and there are tree roots so good shoes and hiking sticks will be helpful. We can eat at the beach or the picnic tables in the park at the end. As an extra treat after lunch we will visit the Ford House Museum in Mendocino where there is on exhibit through August the winners of this year's California Coastal Art & Poetry Contest. The Coastal Commission received 2,850 entries for the 2019 contest and awarded ten winners and 39 honorable mentions in the different age groups. An extra benefit besides being struck with the talent and appreciation of the coast by these young people from grade one to grade twelve is reading their statements about their art.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
MONARCH GLEN/WALK-ON BEACH LOOP #2 - August 15, 2019
Carpool at the pullout for the Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Start at 10:00 at the paved parking area at Piper's Reach. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk to the bluff and then walk south to post 31. Continue east to Cormorant Close and through the hedgerow intersecting the trail that is adjacent to Hwy 1. Walk north on it until you reach the Monarch Glen Trail. Do that loop and then walk back to Bosuns Close and carefully cross the highway taking the road to the Chapel. Walk the first part of the Chapel Trail with its great views to post 128, turning left to Leeward Spur, crossing the highway again. Turn left onto Leeward Road and continue to Walk-On Beach where we will be able to stop for lunch (or on bluff above seal viewing spot). After lunch proceed south on bluff top trail to post 35, then turn east to Pipers Reach and the cars. This hike is longer than we usually do but very enjoyable.
Leader: Laura Bridge, (408) 306-5321
MANCHESTER STATE BEACH AND THOMPSON HEATHER GARDENS – August 22, 2019
Meet at 9:05 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:15. The hike starts at the public access from Hwy 1 on about mile marker 22.48 at 9:45. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road which hasn't been marked lately, then turn directly left and park on the road that parallels Hwy 1. We will walk to the ocean and then go South on the beach and then return. We will then drive to the Thompson garden afterwards for lunch. There will be a little beach walking, but there aren't rocks to scramble over and Manchester Beach is very pretty. The Thompson garden, though always wonderful, in August is a feast for the eyes with the heathers in bloom. It is Beverly Thompson’s birthday that day, so if you can, please bring a card for her to congratulate her on her birthday and thank her for letting us enjoy her garden.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
GUALALA POINT PARK #3 – August 29, 2019
Start at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00. You can park on westside entrance just left after pulling past the fee post. If you have a pass, bring it as there is a fee to park in the park. Or park across the street and cross Hwy 1 if you do not have a pass. Hike from there down to the beach but instead of going to the beach go south past the restrooms to the bluff. Bear left on bluffs and continue on Bluff Trail until you intersect the Salal Trail. Hike the Salal Trail to Hwy 1, turn left and follow frontage path back to the Park and the Hidden Parking lot. If it is very wet, can retrace steps instead of taking the Salal Trial. Lunch at the Hidden Parking lot tables or by the poles.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
MOAT CREEK #3 – September 5, 2019
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.
Leaders: April and Ron Dammann 884-3830
STILLWATER COVE #3 – September 12, 2019
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:25 and at Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:35. Hikers with County Regional Park passes should drive. Please carpool as parking spaces on the first part are limited. We will first hike the two bluff sections of the trail. Then we will drive to the day use area and park. We will hike through the beautiful forested canyon, cross a small stream, then up along the ridge and then through the Canyon and down to the Cove for lunch. Parts of this hike subject to change depending on the conditions. After lunch we'll return to our cars. Dogs allowed on leash and hiking sticks helpful for a few steep spots and river crossing. This is a cell phone free hike so Annie Mills can join us.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
DMC LOOP #5 – September 19, 2019
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: Adrian Adams, (805) 215-8665
POINT ARENA-STORNETTA PUBLIC LANDS BLUFFS – September 26, 2019
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.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
SALT POINT PRAIRIE – October 3, 2019
Meet at 8:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:00 to carpool. Drive to the entrance to Salt Point Park on Sea View Road. Starting at 9:30 walk north on Seaview Road until you intersect Kruse Ranch Road. Descend on it until you reach the entrance to the Plantation Trail (Salt Point). We will follow it down to the Prairie and then return (uphill) to the cars. It could be muddy and there are steep stretches (up and down) so a walking stick and boots are recommended. After the hike we will stop at TwoFish for lunch where you can either bring your own lunch or purchase a sandwich there. If you call the day ahead (707-785-2011) and put in your order it will be ready when we arrive (around 11:45).
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
DMC LOOP #2 - October 10, 2019
Carpool at 9:50 at the Gualala business directory just north of bridge. Start at 10:00 at Del Mar Center on TSR. Hike south on Del Mar Meadow Trail to Bluff to the Salal Trail, then cross highway to the Pomo and Saloon Trail to post 138. Go south to 136 and follow the trail by the Golf Course and under the highway. Turn left on Tallgrass and walk back to the Del Mar Center. Lunch in the garden. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers.
Leader: Laura Bridge, (408) 306-5321
SODA SPRINGS RESERVE – October 17, 2019
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala Business Directory just north of bridge at 9:15 and/or at the Sea Ranch Annapolis Road Business Center at 9:30. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers who park there to carpool. We will drive to Kelly Road and park at Soda Springs Reserve. Note: the last 3 miles are on a dirt road. We will then walk back uphill on that road for less than an hour and then return to the park, explore it and have lunch there. This 49 acre Sonoma County Park since 1994 (and known locally as Kelly Park) has lovely old growth redwoods and a stream running by, plus it's dog friendly with a toilet and picnic tables. From the Parks website: "The park is a perfect place to stop among your travels. Rest or hike under the fragrant shelter of redwood groves, while enjoying the soothing sounds of running water from the adjacent Soda Springs Creek. Amenities include picnic areas, restroom, barbecues, and hiking trails." This park is not so easy to find as there is only one way to get to it and its not a main road.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller (707)884-4824
UP AND DOWN SCENIC GUALALA – October 24, 2019
Meet at 10:20 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of the bridge to carpool or at the corner of Hwy 1 and Robinson Reef (just north of mile marker 1.62) at 10:30 where we will park. On this walk there are many scenic views. We will see views of the ocean from many different vantage points, interesting and diverse architecture and drought tolerant entry gardens, walk on the Gualala Bluff Trail, walk the Labyrinth at Mary Star of the Sea, climb to the top of the clock tower and see Gualala in a way many of us have not seen it, on foot. This hike is not level, but none of the elevation changes are very long. We'll have lunch at Darlene's house before returning to our cars.
Leader: Darlene Gorman, 650-575-1890
LONGMEADOW TRAIL/BLUFFTOP TRAIL LOOP - October 31, 2019 (Potluck - canceled)
Carpool at 9:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Linda’s house (37677 White Barn). You can leave your food for the potluck lunch at Linda’s house. Hangtags needed. Walk south on 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 Navigator's Reach to the Blufftop trail and back to Linda’s house, saying hello to the seals at Green Cove's Marine Preserve along the way. About 3 miles.
Leader: Linda Kennedy, 785-3682
PELICAN BLUFF AND CURLEY LANE– November 7, 2019
Meet at 10:05 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 can either hike some additional trails at Pelican Bluff or hike up and then back down Curley Lane (leader’s choice). The leaders will find a suitable lunch spot either at Pelican Bluff or Curley Lane.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore
CORMORANT, BREAKER MEADOW, OHLSON BEACH, SHELL BEACH LOOP - November 14, 2019
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of the bridge and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith's house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Close (right on Breaker Reach, right on Hedgegate, left on Bluff Reach.). Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn right and follow the trail to 26D and continue on Breaker Meadow Trail to 25D. Take the bike trail from 25D to marker 21, passing by Knipp-Stengel Barn. Turn right to Ohlson Beach, then return to 21, turn left and walk along the bluff to marker 24, overlooking Stengel Beach. Follow the bluff trail from 24, 24A, 25 to marker 31. Check out the cormorant nesting area at the point, then continue along the bluff to Shell Beach and loop back via 33, 33A, and Cormorant Reach to complete the loop. Enjoy your bag lunch at the Coffeysmith's on their deck or inside, out of the elements.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith 510-593-8195
GUALALA ROAD TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE AND GAC HIKING TRAILS – November 21, 2019
Meet at 10:00 in back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot. We will walk one of the new GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the green bridge and back. There are some mild elevation changes. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the Arts Center, and after lunch those interested can view the art shows inside.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
NO HIKE – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! November 28, 2019
GUALALA REGIONAL PARK NORTH SEA RANCH LOOP - December 5, 2019
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside 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 (post 147) and walk along the road, 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. Walk along the trail until you pass post 70. Take trail off to right to 70A and Sea Lion. Walk to the end of the road, turn left and walk along Leeward Road to the end, entering the trail at post 76A. Connect to the Bluff Trail again and then walk to the park taking the first right back to the Visitor’s Center and back to the Hidden Parking lot. Optional lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Linda Kennedy 785-3682
SALT POINT/TIMBER COVE – December 12, 2019
Meet at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:15 and at Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25. Start at 9:45 at Salt Point State Park. Turn west at Main Entrance and follow road down to ocean where large parking lot and restrooms are. There is a $6 charge per car so if you have a State Parks pass bring it. Hike the coastal trail along the bluffs north for about 30 min and then return. If we are lucky the waves will be BIG and beautiful. We will return to our cars and then continue south to Timber Cove Inn where we will hike their trails, including a visit to the smallest state park in California. The hike will conclude with lunch at the Timber Cove Inn so please RSVP to Mary Sue by December 9th so she can give them an idea of how many people might be coming.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
TIMBER RIDGE ROAD -- POSH SQUASH – December 19, 2019
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and/or at the end of Verdant View near the Ranch Cafe at 10:15. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk on informal path west to Timber Ridge Road. Walk south on this road until the end of the road. This is a forested road with ups and downs so a hiking stick could be helpful but is not mandatory. When we reach the end, we will turn around and walk back stopping at the Posh Squash where there are picnic tables where we can eat our lunch and survey the vegetable gardens. 3.6 miles.
Leader: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – December 26, 2019
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:30 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 9:50. Walk north until you reach a road that will lead you to the bluff and spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, 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. A suitable lunch spot will be found with a good view before returning to the cars.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
CRISPIN LANE – January 2, 2020
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 either at the picnic tables or weather permitting on the beach is also possible. NOTE: There are often loose dogs on Crispin Lane so you may not want to bring your dog.
Leader: Harmony Susalla 884-3347
AIRPORT ROUNDABOUT #1: FLY CLOUD, SEA RIDGE, DEEP WOODS – January 9, 2020
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or park at 9:45 at The Sea Ranch Business Center on Verdant View (turn right before you reach the Fire Station). We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non-Sea Ranchers. At the end of the hike we will be having lunch at the Ranch Café, so it’s best to place your order before we start the hike so it will be ready when we return. The hike will start at 10:00. Walk Verdant View back towards the north and turn left on Annapolis road, using the trail on the left side of the road. Left on Timber Ridge. Walk Timber Ridge, right on Fly Cloud and right on Westgate Drive, back to Timber Ridge, where you turn left. Cross Annapolis Road where Timber Ridge becomes Sea Ridge. Follow Sea Ridge to a T intersection with Spring Meadow. Turn right on Spring Meadow and left on Timber Ridge. Follow the trail at Trail Post 313, near Sorcerer Wood, proceeding left as you pass TP312, returning to the pavement turning right on East Ridge Rd. at TP311.Turn left on Deep Woods Rd, and right on River Beach Rd. Turn left on Timber Ridge Rd. using the new trail on the right side of the pavement. Right on Annapolis Road, then left onto Verdant View. We will eat lunch at The Ranch Café. You can call ahead with your order (707-785-4529), arrive a little before the hike begins to place your order in person, or you can bring your own lunch.
Leader: Adrian Adams 805-215-8665
TIN BARN ROAD TO KING RIDGE ROAD – January 16, 2020
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25. From Skagg’s Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and park at the corner of Tin Barn and Kings Ridge Road. Start at 10:00 and walk to Odiyon entrance and back, lunching at the end at the cemetery on Tin Barn Road. This is a road hike, but with lovely green vistas in the winter and glimpses of the Buddhist Temple.
Leader Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
ANNAPOLIS ROAD HIKE #2 – January 23, 2020
Carpool at 10:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Business Center on Verdant View at 10:45 (turn right before you reach the Fire Station). We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. Drive on Annapolis Road for about 5 miles from Hwy 1 turnoff. Pass a sign for 37151 on right and then park on the next road that goes off to the left, Noce Rd. Hike on Annapolis Road to the Old Horicon School and have lunch on the porch there and return.
Leaders: Ron and April Damman, 884-3830
GUALALA POINT PARK # 2 – January 30, 2020
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 11:00 (on westside 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.) Hike on road going north till reach trail that accesses river bluff. Turn left on that trail and follow it till you reach Visitor Center parking lot. Just after visitor center veer right on grass trail which takes you toward beach. Cross paved path to beach and proceed past restroom to coast. Bear left on bluffs and continue on the Blufftop Trail to the Salal Trail intersection. Either take it back to the cars if not too muddy or turn around and when you reenter County Park turn immediate right on path and proceed to beginning. As you enter the road to the visitor center, follow it a bit toward Highway until you see trail bearing right. Follow it back to Hidden Parking Lot.
Leader: Darlene Gorman, 650-575-1890
KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION – February 6, 2020
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:40. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:00. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available. After lunch it is all downhill and the views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great.
Leader: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
CORMORANT-WALK-ON BEACH LOOP – February 13, 2020
Please wear red, white and/or pink to celebrate Valentine’s day! Meet at 9:45 at the Gualala Business Directory (north of bridge) and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith’s house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Close. Please park in the enclosed courtyard if possible. Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn left and follow the trail straight through 31C to 33B. Turn right on Pacific Reach and Whalebone, toward Rt. 1. Turn left at marker 34A, left at 35D, and right at 35C. Continue hiking through the meadows to marker 42C, then turn left and walk to 42, overlooking Walk-on Beach. Turn left and follow the Bluff Trail, passing the TSRA Marine Preserve and Dune Drift Beach at marker 38. Hike to marker 37 and follow the sand trail to the cypress hedgerow, turn right and go to Tidepool Beach to look for harbor seals. Continue on the trail, passing Shell Beach and stopping to check out the cormorant nesting area before returning to the Coffeysmith’s to enjoy your bag lunch.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, 510-593-8195
KING RIDGE LOOP – February 20, 2020
Meet at 9:30 at the pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:40. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and drive to King Ridge Road and park. Hike King Ridge two miles (up) and return. This stretch is very beautiful in winter with mist, oak trees, and nice views. There is plenty of up and down on this hike. We will eat at an old cemetery.
Leaders: John and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
OHLSON RANCH LOOPY LOOP – February 27, 2020
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Ohlson Ranch Center (just south of the white barn). Hangtags needed. Walk south on trail between the highway and the Ohlson Ranch Center turning right at marker 15c. Take Arch Rock Road to marker 15A where you will pick up the bluff trail. Head north on the bluff trail until marker 27 where you will turn right and then left onto Breaker Reach until you catch marker 29 back to the bluff. Continue until you reach Cormorant Close and take the hedge row trail back to the trail that parallels the highway. Continue on this trail until reaching marker 25D where we will turn right crossing Breakers Reach and ending up at marker 25A turning south and back to Ohlson Ranch for lunch.
Leader: Adrian Adams, 805-215-8665
SKAGGS SPRINGS WEST TWO FISH ROAD HIKE – March 5, 2020
Carpool at 9:30AM at Gualala Business Sign or at 9:40 at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area. Drive to Stewarts Point 2Fish and park cars. Hike will start from 2Fish at approx. 9:55. We will walk Skaggs Springs Road inland from 2Fish for 2ish miles and then retrace our steps. There is some elevation change but this is a road hike which is mainly through forested paved road which follows a lovely stream and is full of ferns and trees. It’s the perfect road hike for the rain. We will reward ourselves at the end with lunch at the Two Fish Bakery at Stewarts Point. If you want to buy a sandwich at the store, please call ahead with your order (707-785-2011) or you can bring your lunch.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
STORNETTA - POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS - March 12, 2020
Meet at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool or at the entrance to Stornetta Public Lands where Lighthouse Road turns right towards the Lighthouse at 10:30. Walk the spectacular bluff toward the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College) seeing blow holes, sink holes, islands, waves and enter the new acquired public lands to view this spectacular spot. After we have walked about an hour, we will turn around and retrace our steps finding a suitable spot for lunch along the way.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
FISH ROCK ROAD/MENDOCINO REDWOODS – March 19, 2020
This hike is on private property and is available only to people who have signed the access permit and release of liability (available from and returned to Mary Sue at least two weeks in advance). Due to Covid-19 we will not carpool. Meet at 10AM - Take Old Stage Rd. to Fish Rock Rd. turning right to follow the signs to the Mendocino Transfer Station continuing on from there to where the pavement stops where you will meet the leaders. Starting at 10:00 we will be following logging roads on Mendocino Redwoods property with views of the Garcia River. We will follow and cross several tributaries as we hike along the road until we reach a new big slide and then will retrace our steps. This hike has a fair amount of elevation changes, both up and down, but is a beautiful quiet forested road. The first part of the hike until we reach the first bridge (our lunch spot close to the end) will be meditative. Walking sticks recommended. The hike is about 4.5 miles.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – May 20, 2021
Meet at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:00 (just north of the Knipp-Stengel barn on the Sea Ranch). Take the path to the barn, then 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 and take the bike and foot trails to Ohlson Rec Center where we will have lunch. *Hugal Ravine goes uphill so be prepared for elevation change during this hike.
Leaders: Laura Bridge & Steve Coffeysmith
GUALALA POINT PARK #3 – May 27, 2021
Start at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00. You can park on westside entrance just left after pulling past the fee post. If you have a pass, bring it as there is a fee to park in the park. Or park across the street and cross Hwy 1 if you do not have a pass. Hike from there down to the beach but instead of going to the beach go south past the restrooms to the bluff. Bear left on bluffs and continue on Bluff Trail until you intersect the Salal Trail. Hike the Salal Trail to Hwy 1, turn left and follow frontage path back to the Park and the Hidden Parking lot where we will have lunch.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton
POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – June 3, 2021
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 spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the middle section with beautiful views of the islands, ocean, and the Lighthouse before turning around and walking south along the bluff toward 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 have lunch at the picnic table back at the City Hall parking lot.
Leader: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore
SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION – June 10, 2021
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:30 and at the Black Point Beach parking lot at 9:45. Start at 10:00 at Salt Point State Park - There may be a $7-$8 charge per car so bring a couple of dollars (or coupons/passes if you have them). 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 sometimes there are fireworks waves. The paths are rough and eroded in places and walking sticks and boots are recommended. Our leader 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.
Leader: Joel Chaban
TALLGRASS VARIATION – June 17, 2021
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45. Start at 10:00 at Del Mar Center on TSR. Sea Ranchers please bring your extra hang tags for non-Sea Ranchers to borrow. Walk on Leeward north, turning onto Tallgrass and continuing until you come to the spot where the golf cart path passes under Hwy 1. Hike under the Highway and continue on the trail until you intersect the Saloon Trail. Turn left and walk north on the trail ending at Screech Owl. From there take the lower loop of Pomo Creekside Trail and then reverse steps except for taking the left fork of the Saloon Trail to the end (near the dog park) and then walk south on Deer Trail, crossing the highway there. Lunch in the Del Mar Center garden or at the "Secret Place" by the school.
Leader: Phil Lewenthal, (925) 324-6774
ALDER CREEK-MANCHESTER BEACH – June 24, 2021
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for the Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:30. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road (mm 22.48), then turn directly left and park parallel on the road that parallels Hwy 1. Hike starts around 11:00. We will walk along the closed road until we can access a trail on our left. Our leader will lead us to a nice view point before we walk to the environmental campground. From there we will make our way to the beach and walk north to Alder Creek stopping to have lunch at an appropriate location along the beach. From the beach we will walk back to Alder Creek Beach Road and return to our cars.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
CORMORANT-WALK-ON BEACH LOOP– July 1, 2021
Meet at 9:45 at the Gualala Business Directory (north of bridge) and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith’s house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Reach. Please park in the enclosed courtyard if possible. Walk to marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn left and follow the trail straight through 31C to 33B. Turn right on Pacific Reach and Whalebone, toward Rt. 1. Turn left at marker 34A, left at 35D, and right at 35C. Continue hiking through the meadows to marker 42C, then turn left and walk to 42, overlooking Walk-on Beach. Turn left and follow the Bluff Trail, passing the TSRA Marine Preserve and Dune Drift Beach at marker 38. Hike to marker 37 and follow the sand trail to the cypress hedgerow, turn right and go to Tidepool Beach to look for harbor seals. Continue on the trail, passing Shell Beach and stopping to check out the cormorant nesting area before returning to the Coffeysmith’s to enjoy your bag lunch.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, (510) 593-8195
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – July 8, 2021
Meet at 10:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at meet at 10:40 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 should be lovely and hopefully there are still wildflowers (this hike can be windy). Note the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
GUALALA POINT PARK #1 – July 15, 2021
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. Hike to the bluff, go north, and then back to the Visitors Center, walking occasionally on the road, but mostly on trails. After a brief stop on the benches to look at the view of the river, we will take the trail down to the river and under the highway to the campground. From there we will walk through the forest and down to the Gualala River for lunch. After lunch we will walk back to the cars via the road to the campground.
Leader: Laura Bridge, (408) 306-5321
FORT ROSS GRASSLANDS - July 22, 2021
Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or at the Stengel Beach Coastal Access parking area at 9:25 or meet at Fort Ross State Park at 10:00. There is a charge of $8 per car for parking, $7 for the senior rate (62 and older.) We will walk by the windmill and then down the road until we reach a gate and then walk north along the bluff exploring this undeveloped part of the park with lovely ocean views. Most of this is grassland, but because of the wind most of the vegetation is not very tall except in a few places. Although the elevation changes are minimal, the ground is very uneven and there are spots where footing is a bit tricky. Wearing good shoes is recommended. This area is very exposed with no trees so dress accordingly. We'll turn around at some point and continue walking past where we started and by the bush lupine they are hoping to remove. There are many choices for a lunch spot depending on hikers' preferences and the weather.(bluffs, Call House picnic tables, the Fort.) Dogs aren’t allowed on most of the Fort Ross trails.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller
DMC Loop #2 – July 29, 2021
Carpool at 9:50 at the Gualala business directory just north of bridge. Start at 10:00 at the Del Mar Center on TSR (hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers). Hike south on the Del Mar Meadow Trail to the Bluff Trail and to the Salal Trail. Cross the highway by the entrance to the Regional Park and go through the gates to post 152. Walk up Haversack and make a right on Deer Trail, entering the Pomo Creek Trail at post 146 and then catching the Saloon Trail then down to post 138. Go through the tunnel under the highway, turn left on Tallgrass and walk back to the Del Mar Center. Lunch in the garden.
Leader: Linda Kennedy 785-3682
Leader: Joel Chaban
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:45. Start at 10:00 at Del Mar Center on TSR. Sea Ranchers please bring your extra hang tags for non-Sea Ranchers to borrow. Walk on Leeward north, turning onto Tallgrass and continuing until you come to the spot where the golf cart path passes under Hwy 1. Hike under the Highway and continue on the trail until you intersect the Saloon Trail. Turn left and walk north on the trail ending at Screech Owl. From there take the lower loop of Pomo Creekside Trail and then reverse steps except for taking the left fork of the Saloon Trail to the end (near the dog park) and then walk south on Deer Trail, crossing the highway there. Lunch in the Del Mar Center garden or at the "Secret Place" by the school.
Leader: Phil Lewenthal, (925) 324-6774
Leader: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – July 8, 2021
Meet at 10:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at meet at 10:40 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 should be lovely and hopefully there are still wildflowers (this hike can be windy). Note the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
Leader: Laura Bridge, (408) 306-5321
PELICAN BLUFF – August 5, 2021
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
DOG PARK RAMBLE – August 12, 2021
Carpool at
the pullout for the Gualala business directory just north of bridge at
9:50. Start at 10:00 at the Dog Park on TSR (off of Deer Trail).
Hang tags are needed for non Sea Ranchers. We will do a loop which will
include both sides of the highway and stop close to the end for lunch
at the Del Mar Center garden or the “Secret Place” by the school before
carefully crossing highway 1 back to our cars.
Leader: Laura Bridge & Harmony, 884-3347
STORNETTA - HWY 1 TO CYPRESS ABBEY SECTION – August 19, 2021
Meet at
10:20 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:30 at
Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at the
junction of Lighthouse Road and Hwy 1, 2 miles north of Point Arena at
11:00. We will travel the access road to the old Coast Guard Loran site
(now owned by Mendocino Community College) turning left before we get
there to enter that middle section of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public
Lands. From there we will walk through the "forest" to the bluff and
enjoy the spectacular views of the off shore islands and the Ocean and
find a suitable site for lunch before retracting our steps.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
Leaders: Richard and Judy Knarr
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:45. Hike will start at the Ohlson Ranch Parking Lot on The Sea Ranch at 11:00. Hang tags needed so Sea Ranchers please bring your extras. This hike has some fairly steep uphill sections on the first half, and goes downhill on the way back. Cross Hwy 1, opposite Ohlson Ranch and go right through gate, taking trail above the stables, crossing Longmeadow Road. Take trail to Sea Ridge Road, crossing Spring Meadow. Turn left when you hit Annapolis Road then cross Annapolis and go right on Verdant View to Business Center where the Ranch Cafe is located. Lunch should be pre-ordered at 785-4529 or if you wish, you may bring your own lunch. We will return to the Ohlson Center via Annapolis and Sea Ridge Rd., turning left on Pilot’s Reach to trailhead at marker 234. Follow the trail to the highway. Cross Hwy 1 right before marker 235 and onto Navigators Reach. Turn right at trail marker 10A or to return on the bluff trail go a little further to 10B and enter the trail at marker10 and then turn right and follow the bluff trail to the Ohlson Center.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
CORMORANT, BREAKER MEADOW, OHLSON BEACH, SHELL BEACH LOOP – December 9
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith 510-593-8195
GUALALA ROAD TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE & GAC HIKING TRAILS - December 16
Meet at 10:00 in the back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot or if the gate is up, park on the road in front of the Arts Center. We will walk one of the GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the green bridge and back. There are some mild elevation changes. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the Arts Center, and after lunch those interested can view the Winter Wonderland exhibit inside (don’t forget to bring a mask).
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
STONEBORO ROAD TO THE GARCIA RIVER - December 23
Meet at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool to the west end of Stoneboro road in Manchester and start our hike at 10:30. Enjoy a 15 minute walk on the dunes to the beach, then walk south to the Garcia river, viewing the lighthouse and perhaps whales, pelicans and Canada geese heading north (during the winter). We will walk east for a short while along the Garcia, then retrace our steps for the return, passing where we came in through the dunes and exploring a little to the north. We will find a good spot along the beach (or in the dunes if windy) for lunch. This walk is entirely on the sand and dogs on leash are allowed.
Leader: Mary Heibel 882-2055
SALT POINT SURFER MEMORIAL (NEW) -December 30, 2021
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:30. and start hike from Salt Point at 10am. We need to carpool because there are only a few parking spaces at the destination -- which is a short driveway to a gate on the ocean side of the highway at Salt Point just beyond the 44.0 Mile Marker (going south). You can park on either side of the driveway or on the berm that parallels the shoulder of the highway. Our hike will follow the fire road from the gate to the top of the hill that overlooks the ocean and then proceed down the hill to the bluff trail. We will go south on the bluff trail to the grave/memorial of a surfer who died near a point that overlooks the ocean and stump beach. We will retrace our steps going north on the bluff trail to a protected rock outcropping that overlooks the ocean and where we will eat lunch. After lunch we will backtrack over the hill to our cars.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 707-884-9280
GUALALA POINT PARK BLUFF AND LOOP -January 6
Start at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside 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.) 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 northernmost trail to the bluff. Hike to Whale Watch Point for the view and then hike to the bluff, turn south and walk along the Bluff Trail past Salal Cove. Between post 64 and 63 turn left walking through the hedge row and on Fish Rock Road to Leeward. Turn left on Leeward and walk until you intersect the Salal Trail. Turn right following it back to the highway and the Hidden Parking Lot. Lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Annie Pivarski, 775-7966
ANNAPOLIS ROAD HIKE #1 -January 13
Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at The Sea Ranch Business Center Verdant View at 9:30 (turn right before you reach the Fire Station). We can park along the cul-de-sac by the building supply. Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. We will drive east on Annapolis Road and park across from the Sonoma County Maintenance yard at 32700 Annapolis Road. Hike east along the road for about an hour or until we reach the wonderful old Madrone tree and return. On the return we will take a short side trip to look at the Old Annapolis school and the cemetery close to it. When we get back to our cars we will drive to the Annapolis Winery to eat our lunches at their picnic tables. This is a chance to see the land as it once was and compare it with the parcels that have been converted to vineyards. There is some up and down on this hike, but this stretch is flatter than what comes before or after.
KING RIDGE- January 20
Meet at 9:30 at the pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool. From Skagg's Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and drive to King Ridge Road and park. Hike King Ridge two miles (up) and return. This stretch is very beautiful in winter with mist, oak trees, and nice views. There is plenty of up and down on this hike. We will eat at an old cemetery. Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
PELICAN BLUFF - January 27
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: Jeff Gyving& Lena Bullamore
TIMBER RIDGE ROAD -- POSH SQUASH - February 3
Leader: Nancy Howard
KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION – February 10 Carpool at 9:30 at 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 and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:00. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available. The views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons. The return trip is all downhill and we will have lunch at Kruse Reserve. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great.
CRISPIN LANE - February 17
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) 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. Afterwards we will find a suitable spot to have our lunch outside at the Community Center. NOTE: There are often loose dogs on Crispin Lane so you may not want to bring your dog.
Leader: Mary Heibel 882-2055
STORNETTA - HWY 1 TO CYPRESS ABBEY SECTION - February 24
Meet at 10:30 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:40 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at the junction of Lighthouse Road and Hwy 1, 2 miles north of Point Arena at 11:00. We will travel the access road to the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College) turning left before we get there to enter that middle section of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands. From there we will walk through the "forest" to the bluff and enjoy the spectacular views of the off shore islands and the Ocean and find a suitable site for lunch before retracting our steps.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:45, and meet at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:00. 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 fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge chair area for our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan.
Leader: Annie Pivarski, 775-7966
CORMORANT, BREAKER MEADOW, OHLSON BEACH, SHELL BEACH LOOP - June 2, 2022
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of the bridge and at 10:00 at Steve and Bonnie Coffeysmith's house, 339 Bluff Reach, corner of Bluff Reach and Cormorant Reach (right on Breaker Reach, right on Hedgegate, left on Bluff Reach.). Please park in the enclosed courtyard if possible. Walk left on Cormorant Reach and then left on Cormorant Close to the end of the cul-de-sac and enter the trail to check out the cormorant nesting area at the point. Continue along the bluff trail to Shell Beach and loop back via 33, 33A, and Cormorant Reach. Turn left on Cormorant Close and take marker 30A and follow the hedgerow to marker 30D. Turn right and follow the trail to 26D and continue on Breaker Meadow Trail to 25D. Take the bike trail from 25D to marker 21, passing by Knipp-Stengel Barn. Turn right to Ohlson Beach, then return to 21, turn left and walk along the bluff to marker 24, overlooking Stengel Beach. Follow the bluff trail from 24, 24A, 25 to marker 30 and return to the Coffeysmith’s to enjoy your bag lunch on their deck.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, (510) 593-8195
POINT ARENA-STORNETTA PUBLIC LANDS BLUFFS – June 9, 2022
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 find a nice spot for lunch along the way. 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.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
POMO AND SALOON TRAILS - June 16, 2022
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 9:50. Start at 10:00 at the end of the cul-de-sac on Screech Owl (east on Halcyon, left on Deer Trail, left on Screech Owl.) Please try to carpool as we have limited parking hang tags which are needed for non Sea Ranchers Do the lower loop of the Pomo Creek Trail continuing to the end turning left on Deer Trail at post 146 and walking to post 148. Walk the Pomo Hillside Trail back to post 147, Deer Trail south to Halcyon where we will catch the Saloon Trail at post 141 and take it to post 133, walking on Deer Trail again and then walking across the highway, turning right on Leeward. Walk north to Tallgrass continuing until you come to the spot where the golf cart path passes under Hwy 1. Hike under the Highway and continue on the trail until you intersect the Saloon Trail. Turn left and walk north on the trail ending at Screech Owl and we will enjoy our lunches on Annie’s deck.
Leader: Annie Pivarski, 775-7966
COOK'S BEACH – June 23, 2022
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:15 or drive directly to the parking area west of Big Gulch Road (north of Gualala after mm 2.16) where you will meet the leader. We will start walking at 10:30. We will walk south along the Old State Highway and the route of the old railroad. We will explore where the Old Milano used to be before retracing our steps and then walking (carefully) north along Highway 1. This is a scenic corridor with nice views. We will do a short loop east of the Highway on Glennen for more views of ocean and houses before walking to Cooks Beach. Cooks Beach is a RCLC project providing public access to a sheltered beach. We will descend to the beach for lunch and then return along Hwy 1 to the cars.
Leader: Joel Chaban 884-9280
GUALALA POINT PARK #1– June 30, 2022
Meet at the Hidden Parking Lot at 9:45 (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. Hike to the bluff, go north, and then back to the Visitors Center, walking occasionally on the road, but mostly on trails. After a brief stop on the benches to look at the view of the river, we will take the trail down to the river and under the highway to the campground. From there we will walk through the forest and down to the Gualala River for lunch. After lunch we will walk back to the cars via the road to the campground.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner & Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
MILL BEND & GUALALA ARTS TRAILS– July 7, 2022
Meet at 10:00 in back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot. We will hike to and throughout the Mill Bend property and then back behind the Arts Center, down to the river trail and back up to have lunch in GAC's picnic area. There are steep parts for short stretches, so walking sticks may be useful.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
SEAVIEW ROAD AND BRUCE JOHNSON STUDIO - July 14, 2022 (UPDATED)
Meet at 9:15 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool. We will start at the home/studio of Bruce Johnson in Timber Cove. He lives at 31400 Sea View, east side, down a long graveled driveway which is where we will park (keep right as you go down the road). We will retrace our steps to the road and hike north to the "End of Trail" sign before turning around and walking back to Bruce's where we will have a tour of works in progress and eat our lunches. Visiting Bruce has always been a treat in the past. To learn more: http://formandenergy.com
Leader: April Dammann, 884-3830
CURLEY LANE/PELICAN BLUFF - July 21, 2022
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 intersection of Highway One and Curley Lane at 10:00. Please carpool if at all possible as there is limited parking. We will walk up and down Curley Lane, then cross over to the Pelican Bluff Preserve to walk the trails there. 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 hike the trail that goes to the bluff and finish up with the short loop in the center, eating lunch at the picnic tables.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
OHLSON RANCH LOOPY LOOP – July 28, 2022
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Ohlson Ranch Center (just south of the white barn). Hangtags needed. Walk south on the trail between the highway and the Ohlson Ranch Center turning right at marker 15c. Take Arch Rock Road to marker 15A where you will pick up the bluff trail. Head north on the bluff trail until marker 27 where you will turn right and then left onto Breaker Reach until you catch marker 29 back to the bluff. Continue until you reach Cormorant Close and take the hedge row trail back to the trail that parallels the highway. Continue on this trail until reaching marker 25D where we will turn right crossing Breakers Reach and ending up at marker 25A turning south and back to Ohlson Ranch for lunch.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
PEBBLE BEACH #2 – August 4, 2022
Carpool at the pullout for the Gualala business directory at 9:45 or meet at 10:00 at the Public Access trail for Pebble Beach. Take the public trail toward the bluff and walk south at post #9 to the Sea Ranch Lodge. Hike to Moonraker Rd and take trail behind tennis courts. The trail exits on Ramsgate, which will take you to Galleon's Reach. Turn west to Seagate then turn right and follow Seagate to the end. Continue on the public trail at the end of Seagate, turn north at post #9 on the Blufftop Trail and then go north to Pebble Beach. Lunch at Pebble Beach or the Pebble Beach overlook.
Leader: Steve Coffeysmith, (510) 593-8195
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – August 11, 2022
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 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 10:30 by crossing the meadows heading north and going through a gated fence. The walk includes spectacular ocean bluffs, ravines looking down at caves, walking along the Garcia River, looking at the Manchester Beach vistas and local wild life. The return trip will be through beautiful pastures. We hope to lunch in the meadow. Level of intensity: Moderate, approximately 5 miles.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
STUMP BEACH LOOP – August 18, 2022
Meet at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory to carpool and start at Stump Beach at the north end of Salt Point at approximately 10:30. We will park at Stump Beach and follow the trail down to the 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 walk for an hour and then head back the way we came stopping at "Glen's Spectacular Spot" for lunch and then walk back to our cars. The bluff part of this hike is relatively flat but the trail down and up from the beach is steep and walking sticks are recommended. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
GUALALA POINT PARK #2 – August 25, 2022
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside 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.) Hike on road going north till reach trail that accesses river bluff. Turn left on that trail and follow it till you reach Visitor Center parking lot. Just after visitor center veer right on grass trail which takes you toward beach. Cross paved path to beach and proceed past restroom to coast. Bear left on bluffs and continue on the Blufftop Trail to the Salal Trail intersection. Take the Salal trail back to the cars and as you enter the road to the visitor center, follow it a bit toward Highway until you see trail bearing right. Follow it back to Hidden Parking Lot.
Leader: leaderless
DMC LOOP #2 – September 1, 2022
Carpool at 9:50 at the Gualala business directory just north of bridge. Start at 10:00 at the Del Mar Center on TSR (hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers). Hike north on the Del Mar Meadow Trail to the Bluff Trail, down the hedgerows and to the Salal Trail. Cross the highway by the entrance to the Regional Park and go through the gates to post 152. Walk up Haversack and make a right on Deer Trail, catching the trail at post 139. Turn right at post 138 and go through the tunnel under the highway, turn left on Tallgrass and walk back to the Del Mar Center. Lunch in the garden.
Leaders: Steve Coffeysmith, 510-593-8195
SALT POINT LOOP - September 8, 2022
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, 884-9280
STORNETTA T AND HUCKLEBERRY PICKIN' – September 15, 2022
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Rollerville Junction 2 miles north of Point Arena at 10:20. Cars can park along highway 1 facing south. We will be hiking a T pattern. Starting down the road (aka Huckleberry Row) to the Loran Station we will first head south to some spectacular rock formations and then retrace back to the Loran Station and this time we will head north for some more great views of the lighthouse (weather permitting) and our coastline. After taking in the views we will return and eat our lunch near the blow holes (or find a spot out of the wind depending on the weather). Eventually we will retrace our way back along "Huckleberry Row" where those who want to may stay and pick huckleberries can and others can return by the road to their cars. Carpools should be done in a way to accommodate pickers and non-pickers. This is a relatively flat hike with only minor elevation change.
Leader: Mary Heibel, 882-2055
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – September 22, 2022
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 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: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
MANCHESTER BEACH SOUTH - September 29, 2022
Meet at 8:30 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 8:45. The hike will begin at the Manchester State Beach Parking Lot (end of Kinney Road, about half a mile north of Manchester) at 9:15. We will access the beach and walk southwest to the Garcia River before returning. Last year it was so dry that the Garcia River did not reach the ocean and we will check it out again this year before returning. Lunch optional but the beach or the picnic tables in the campground are possibilities. This is an earlier start because of the tides that day.
Leaders: Mary Sue, 884-4824 and Harmony, 884-3347
MOONRAKER HIKE – October 6, 2022
Carpool at 10:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:30 at Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area. From the parking lot, walk to Moonraker Road, turning left and then to marker 3C, Brigantines Reach. Hike down the hedgerow trail to the Bluff Trail and turn north at marker 3A. Travel north to marker 7, turning right on to the Sea Meadow Trail. At marker 7C, turn right onto Whaler's Reach, then left on Sea Gate to Navigator's Reach. Turn right and follow the bike trail that parallels Highway One. Turn left at marker 138 to reach the Bluff Trail and have lunch at Pebble Beach. Return to the cars via the Bluff Trail.
Leader: Annie Pivarski, 775-7966
FORT ROSS GRASSLANDS AND COVE – October 13, 2022
Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at Fort Ross State Park at 10:00. There is a charge of $10 per car for parking, $9 for the senior rate (62 and older.) We will first walk north along the bluff exploring this undeveloped part of the park with lovely ocean views and then turn around and walk to the Fort. Most of this is grassland, but because of the wind most of the vegetation is not very tall except in a few places. Although the elevation changes are minimal, the ground is very uneven and the trails are not always visible so wearing good shoes is recommended. We'll turn around at some point and continue walking back to where we started. After we have everyone again in their vehicles, we will drive to the Fort Ross Orchard where we will have our lunch with hopefully spectacular views. Dogs aren’t allowed on most of the Fort Ross trails.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
GUALALA POINT PARK #3 - October 20, 2022
Start at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00. You can park on westside entrance just left after pulling past the fee post. If you have a pass, bring it as there is a fee to park in the park. Or park across the street and cross Hwy 1 if you do not have a pass. Hike from there down to the beach but instead of going to the beach go south past the restrooms to the bluff. Bear left on bluffs and continue on Bluff Trail until you intersect the Salal Trail. Hike the Salal Trail to Hwy 1, turn left and follow frontage path back to the Park and the Hidden Parking lot. If it is very wet, can retrace steps instead of taking the Salal Trial. Lunch at the Hidden Parking lot tables or by the poles.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – October 27, 2022
Variation: Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at meet at 9:40 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 10:00 by going through the gate and hiking through the pasture, following the Gualala river downstream. We will then follow the bluffs to the south/west and hopefully have lunch at the gazebo near the lighthouse. The views should be lovely (this hike can be windy). Note the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
LONGMEADOW TRAIL/BLUFFTOP TRAIL LOOP – November 3, 2022
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, 408-306-5321
TIN BARN ROAD TO KING RIDGE ROAD – November 10, 2022
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool. From Skagg’s Spring Road turn on Tin Barn Road and park at the corner of Tin Barn and Kings Ridge Road. Start at 10:00 and walk to Odiyon entrance and back, lunching at the end at the cemetery on Tin Barn Road. This is a road hike, but with lovely green vistas in the winter and glimpses of the Buddhist Temple.
Leaders: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347; Annie Pivarski, 775-7966
GUALALA ROAD TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE AND GAC HIKING TRAILS – November 17, 2022
Meet at 10:00 in back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot. We will walk one of the GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the green bridge and back. There are some mild elevation changes. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the Arts Center, and after lunch those interested can view the art shows inside.
Leader: April Dammann
NO HIKE (THANKSGIVING) – November 24, 2022
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala Business Directory to carpool to Cooks Beach. Try to park off the pavement at Cooks Beach as there have been parking tickets issued in the past for cars parked on the pavement. The walk begins at 9:45 going north along Highway 1 for about one block to St. Orres. We will cross the highway to St. Orres and will walk up Seaside School Road to Old Stage Road to the top of the ridge, stopping as frequently as necessary to rest our legs and drink water. Once we reach our destination, we will return to Cooks Beach by going downhill on Seaside School Road. We will eat lunch at Cooks Beach. This is a very steep walk uphill and downhill, so bring your hiking poles. It is very pretty with pastures, forest, and homes along the road. The road is paved for the first and last third of the hike. The middle third is dirt road and is not usable by vehicles.
The Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve is the largest old-growth redwood forest in private hands. Joel helped get this scheduled and we are fortunate to be one of the first groups to be invited (it is not yet open to the general public). The hike will be about 3.5 miles and is somewhat strenuous as the reserve is on a steep slope. The downhill and back to the big old growth redwood area is fairly easy but the rest of the hike is fairly steep (you don’t have to go on the really steep part of the hike). The hike is located off of Tin Barn Road in Cazadero. For more information, see https://www.savetheredwoods.org/project/harold-richardson-redwoods-reserve
BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS – April 20, 2023
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 a limited number of 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 fire trail we will go to either the barn or the Lodge chair area for our lunches. Note: If it’s windy, the leader may modify the plan. Leader: Laura Bridge 408-306-5321
FORT ROSS ROAD WILDFLOWER HIKE – April 27, 2023
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of bridge at 9:00. Start at 10:00 at Meyers Grade Rd. and Fort Ross Rd. We will shuttle a few cars to leave at Bohan Dillon Road. Walk down to Bohan Dillon Road on Fort Ross Road (about 625 ft elevation change) and continue past it to the Niestrath Rd. junction and return to Bohan Dillon Road. Some people may choose to continue walking back up the hill while others drive to the top to get the cars left there. After we have everyone again in their vehicles, we will drive to the Fort Ross Orchard where we will have our lunch with hopefully spectacular views. This is a bit farther hike than usual, but when we went there in 2016 there were wonderful flowers.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
KENNY & ROBERT’S FARM – May 4, 2023
Carpool at the Gualala Business Directory pullout just north of the bridge at 9:45 and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:00. Those that live North of Anchor Bay can meet to carpool at the Point Arena City Hall at 10:15. The hike starts at 10:30 at Kenny and Robert's farm, which is located at 43700 Mountain View Road in Manchester (the driveway is on the left, about 1/2 mile from the intersection at Hwy. 1). The distance is unknown, but this is probably a shorter hike than usual. There is some flat, and there is some hilly. It takes probably an hour and a half, if not moving too fast and enjoying the beauty, to walk the whole thing. Optional lunch at the end of the hike. Bring your “sit-upon.” No dogs are allowed since there are farm animals roaming about.
Leaders: John & Lynn Walton, 884-9714
ALDER CREEK-MANCHESTER BEACH –May 11, 2023
Meet at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:30. This time 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 east 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 Paint Brush 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.
Leaders: Susan and Gary Levenson-Palmer, 882-1750
SALT POINT LOOP #2 --Variation B - May 18, 2023
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. There 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: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
ONE-EYED JACKS AND BLUFF – May 25, 2023
Meet at 9:45 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool. The hike will begin at 10:00 at One-Eyed Jack's parking area (from highway 1 go West on Leeward Spur then left on Leeward Road). Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk to the Bluff trail and go just a little South to Shell Beach where we hope to see some baby seals. Turn around and head North on the Bluff Trail, taking the sandy trail between the tall beach grass down to Walk-On Beach. We will traverse the beach, then head up the stairs to continue North on the Bluff Trail. Take the path to the right at post 53 and turn right on Leeward Road. We will turn right on Sea Pine Reach, then right at post 43B and follow the Leeward Meadow Trail, turning right at 36C to return to One Eyed Jacks where we will have our lunch.
Leader: Stephen O’Leary
STORNETTA - HWY 1 TO CYPRESS ABBEY SECTION – June 1, 2023
Meet at 10:30 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:40 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at the junction of Lighthouse Road and Hwy 1, 2 miles north of Point Arena at 11:00. We will travel the access road to the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College) turning left before we get there to enter that middle section of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands. From there we will walk through the "forest" to the bluff and enjoy the spectacular views of the off shore islands and the Ocean and find a suitable site for lunch before retracting our steps.
Leaders: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
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 spectacular ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, 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. A suitable lunch spot will be found with a good view before returning to the cars.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
DMC LOOP #3 – June 15, 2023
Carpool at 10:15 at Gualala Business Sign pullout just north of bridge or meet at 10:30 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 Bluff Trail and walk north past post #62, turning east to catch the Del Mar Meadow Trail and back to Leeward and the Del Mar Center. We will have our lunch at the tables at the Del Mar Garden where there are lovely flowers in spring.
Leader: Harmony & Laura, 884-3347
Leader: Beth Roland
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – June 29, 2023
Carpool at 9:45 at the pullout for the 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 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 fairly steep. Please be prepared for elevation change during this hike.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
LEEWARD ROAD - BLUFF TRAIL – July 6, 2023
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:20 and at the Del Mar Center at 10:30. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk south on Leeward Road until it intersects Sea Pine Reach, accessing the meadow trail at Post 43B. Turn right on Pacific Reach and walk until you intersect the Public Access trail to Shell Beach. Turn right on the Bluff Top Trail and follow it to Walk On Beach for lunch. Follow bluff back until you get to post 49 where you take the "Portal Babbling Brook" connector to Tide Pool, Sea Drift and Leeward to the Del Mar Center.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
MANCHESTER STATE BEACH – July 13, 2023
Meet at 9:50 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:05. The hike will begin at the Manchester State Beach Parking Lot (end of Kinney Road, just north of Manchester village) at 10:30. We will walk south passing the AT&T Undersea Cable Station, to access a large field of wildflowers adjacent to Brush Creek where it flows into the ocean. After exploring the creek and estuary area we will hike back north on the same route to the cars to pick-up our lunches from the car. We will then head north along the dunes to the beach for lunch before returning to our cars. Note: If it is to windy and cold on the beach for eating, we will return to the picnic tables by where the cars are parked for lunch instead
Leaders: Susan Levenson-Palmer and Gary Levenson-Palmer, 882-1750
GUALALA REGIONAL PARK NORTH SEA RANCH LOOP – July 20. 2023
Start at Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside 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 (post 147) and walk along the road, 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. Walk along the trail until you pass post 70. Take trail off to right to 70A and Sea Lion. Walk to the end of the road, turn left and walk along Leeward Road to the end, entering the trail at post 76A. Connect to the Bluff Trail again and then walk to the park taking the first right back to the Visitor’s Center and back to the Hidden Parking lot. Optional lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Stephen O’Leary
GUALALA POINT PARK #1 – July 27, 2023
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. Hike to the bluff, go north, and then back to the Visitors Center, walking occasionally on the road, but mostly on trails. After a brief stop on the benches to look at the view of the river, we will take the trail down to the river and under the highway to the campground. From there we will walk through the forest, search for leopard lilies and walk down to the Gualala River for lunch. After lunch we will walk back to the cars via the road to the campground.
Leaders: Mary Sue Ittner and Bob Rutemoeller, 884-4824
SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION – August 3, 2023
STORNETTA AND HUCKLEBERRY PICKIN' – August 10, 2023
Meet at 9:50 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 10:00 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Rollerville Junction 2 miles north of Point Arena at 10:20. Cars can park along highway 1 facing south. We will be hiking a T pattern. Starting down the road (aka Huckleberry Row) to the Loran Station we will first head south to some spectacular rock formations and then retrace back to the Loran Station and this time we will head north for some more great views of the lighthouse (weather permitting) and our coastline. After taking in the views we will return and eat our lunch near the blow holes (or find a spot out of the wind depending on the weather). Eventually we will retrace our way back along "Huckleberry Row" where those who want to may stay and pick huckleberries can and others can return by the road to their cars. Carpools should be done in a way to accommodate pickers and non-pickers. This is a relatively flat hike with only minor elevation change.
Leader: Harmony Susalla 884-3347
PELICAN BLUFF – August 17, 2023
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.
Leader: Jeff Gyving & Lena Bullamore, 882-2498
DMC LOOP #2 – August 24, 2023
Carpool at 9:50 at the Gualala business directory just north of bridge. Start at 10:00 at the Del Mar Center on TSR (hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers). Hike north on the Del Mar Meadow Trail to the Bluff Trail, down the hedgerows and to the Salal Trail. Cross the highway by the entrance to the Regional Park and go through the gates to post 152. Walk up Haversack and make a right on Deer Trail, catching the trail at post 139. Turn right at post 138 and go through the tunnel under the highway, turn left on Tallgrass and walk back to the Del Mar Center. Lunch in the garden.
GUALALA POINT PARK #5 – August 31,2023
Meet at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on the west side entrance, just left after pulling past fee post.) Or park across the street and cross Highway One 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 as far as you can on the beach, turning around and retracing your steps and then hike south past the restrooms and along the bluff doing the loop for views of Whale Watch Point and then walking south until you reach the trail that goes south to Walk On Beach but take the trail that takes you back towards the Visitor's Center. Leader's choice for eating at the tables at the Visitor’s Center or walking back to the Hidden Parking lot and eating at the tables there.
Leader: Annie Pivarski
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – September 7, 2023
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at meet at 9:40 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 10:00 by going through the gate and hiking through the pasture, following the Gualala river downstream. We will then follow the bluffs to the south/west and lunch at the small beach on the bluffs near the lighthouse. The views should be lovely (this hike can be windy). Note the ground may be uneven due to cow walking/grazing so sticks are recommended.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
STILLWATER COVE #3 – September 14, 2023
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 10:15 to carpool. Hikers with County Regional Park passes should drive. Please carpool if comfortable doing so as parking spaces on the first part are limited. We will first hike the two bluff sections of the trail. Then we will drive to the day use area and park. We will hike through the beautiful forested canyon, cross a small stream (if there is still water), then walk along the other side crossing back and retracing our steps until we reach the path to the Cove for lunch. After lunch we'll return to our cars. Dogs allowed on leash and hiking sticks helpful for a few steep spots and river crossings.
Leader: Harmony Susalla
PEBBLE BEACH – September 21, 2023
Start at 11:00 at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area. After lunch, backtrack to post 8 and turn left on to the Sea Meadow trail which you will follow back to the bluff trail. At post 3A go left to follow the hedgerow and Brigantine’s Reach. Turn right on Moonraker road and at Black Point Reach take the trail back to the parking area.
Leader: Stephen O’Leary
OCEAN RIDGE, BOWER PARK AND AIRPORT – September 28, 2023
We will walk through the Ocean Ridge neighborhood, pass through Bower Park and see the newly renovated Ocean Ridge airport. More details to follow closer to the date of the hike.
Leader: Beth Rowland
DEL MAR WANDERING – October 5, 2023
Meet at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool or at the Del Mar Center at 10:00. Hang tags are needed for non Sea Ranchers. Go North on Leeward to Tall Grass, then take the trail that parallels Tall Grass to post 138A. Turn left on the cart path to the edge of the golf course and follow the trail down to Leeward. Take the trail through the hedgerow alongside Helm to Del Mar Point. Turn right on Del Mar Point to post 60C then take the Del Mar Meadow trail north to the intersection with the Bluff Trail at post 63. Go a few steps north on the Bluff Trail, turn right onto the Fish Rock hedgerow. Follow this trail to post 64B and turn left on Grey Whale at post 67B. Follow down to the Bluff Trail at post 67 and make a left on the Bluff Trail and continue south to post 49. Turn left to post 49A, then up Tide Pool and Seadrift to Leeward Road. Go left on Leeward to return to the Del Mar Center for lunch.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
CRISPIN LANE - October 12, 2023
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: Mary Heibel, (707) 882-2055
MONARCH GLEN/WALK-ON BEACH LOOP – October 19, 2023
Carpool at pullout for Gualala business directory just north of bridge at 10:50. Start at the Sea Ranch chapel, mm 55.66 at 11 am. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Carefully cross the highway to Bosuns Reach. Enter trail on south side, then take a right onto trail going north. Before entering the hedgerow walk the Monarch Glen loop trail on the right, returning to the previous trail. Walk through the hedgerow then turn east onto Leeward Road. When Meadow trail is too muddy walk Leeward Road all the way from the hedgerow. Take a left on Seal Rock Reach and hike to Walk-On Beach for lunch. Proceed on the trail through hedgerow at post 37, then turn east, cross Leeward and retrace steps to chapel.
Leader: Stephen O’Leary, 707-787-0356
GUALALA ROAD TO GREEN IRON BRIDGE AND GAC HIKING TRAILS – October 26, 2023
Meet at 10:00 in back part of the Gualala Arts parking lot. We will walk one of the new GAC trails before hiking along the road down to the green bridge and back. There are some mild elevation changes. We will have lunch at the picnic tables at the Arts Center, and after lunch those interested can view the art shows inside. There are some mild elevation changes on this sometimes shady road that follows the Gualala River.
Leader: TBD
PELICAN BLUFF – November 2, 2023
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: John and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
KRUSE RHODODENDRON STATE RESERVE MUSHROOM HIKE – November 9, 2023
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 Chaban, 884-9280
HUGAL/SAG POND/LONGMEADOW LOOP – November 16, 2023
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 and take the Hugal RavineTrail to Seabird Road. Pick up the trails again at the end of Schooner Drive (post 109) and follow the Sag Pond Trail to Longmeadow Rd. Walk down Longmeadow to Greencroft Close and pick up the trails again at the end of Greencroft (post 238). Walk down the Longmeadow Trail, around the stables and end up back at Ohlson Rec Center. Lunch there or at Ohlson Beach.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
THANKSGIVING – NO HIKE – November 23, 2023
GUALALA POINT PARK #4 – November 30, 2023
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: Dona Dougherty, 775-420-2265
ANNAPOLIS ROAD HIKE #1 – December 7, 2023
Carpool at 9:15 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and on Verdant View (park along the cul-de-sac by Sea Ranch Supply). Sea Ranch members please bring along extra hang tags for non Sea Ranchers. We will drive east on Annapolis Road and park across from the Sonoma County Maintenance yard at 32700 Annapolis Road. Hike east along the road for about an hour or until we reach the wonderful old Madrone tree and return. On the return we will take a short side trip to look at the Old Annapolis school and the cemetery close to it. When we get back to our cars we will drive to the Annapolis Winery to eat our lunches at their picnic tables. This is a chance to see the land as it once was and compare it with the parcels that have been converted to vineyards. There is some up and down on this hike, but this stretch is flatter than what comes before or after.
Leader: Mary Sue Ittner, 884-4824
STORNETTA COW TRAIL LOOP – December 14, 2023
Meet at 9:30 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 9:40 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool or at the entrance to Stornetta Public Lands where Lighthouse Road turns right towards the Lighthouse at 10:10. Walk the spectacular bluff toward the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College) seeing blow holes, sink holes, and the waterfall which will likely be dry or a trickle. We will walk up the paved road past huckleberry avenue turning left and following the cow trail back to the road to the lighthouse and our cars. People who want to stay for lunch can walk out to the bluffs for the lovely view. Please note that the cow path could be uneven walking sticks may be helpful.
Leader: Harmony Susalla, 884-3347
SEA FOREST AND BLUFF TRAILS – December 21, 2023
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: Stephen O’Leary, 707-787-0356
STUMP BEACH & GERSTLE COVE - December 28, 2023
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.
Leader: TBD
MOONRAKER HIKE – January 4, 2024
Carpool at 10:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge and meet at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area at 11:00 (there are a limited number of spots at this parking area so please carpool). Hike to Moonraker Rd and take trail behind tennis courts. Trail exits on Ramsgate which take to Galleon's Reach. Turn west to Seagate and turn right on it and follow it to the end. Continue on trail at end of Seagate. Turn left to Bluff on public access trail which intersects bluff trail at Pebble Beach. Lunch at Pebble Beach and then back to the cars. For those wanting a bit more hiking, continue on the footpaths of Black and Bihler Points and then back to the cars.
Leader: Stephen O’Leary
UP AND DOWN SCENIC GUALALA – January 11, 2024
Meet at 9:30 at the parking area behind the Gualala Hotel for a walk around town. On this walk there are many scenic views. We will see views of the ocean from many different vantage points, interesting and diverse architecture and drought tolerant entry gardens, walk on the Gualala Bluff Trail, and see Gualala in a way most of us have never seen it, on foot. This hike is not level, but none of the "elevation changes" are very long. This is a hike without lunch, but there are a number of places in town to buy lunch after the hike.
Leaders: Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner, 707-884-4824
MANCHESTER STATE BEACH – January 18, 2024
Meet at 10:20 at pullout for the Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 10:30. We will turn in at Alder Creek Beach Road (mm 22.48), then turn directly left and park parallel on the road that parallels Hwy 1. Hike starts around 11:00. We will walk along the closed road until we can access a trail on our left. Our leader will lead us to a nice view point before we walk to the environmental campground. From there we will make our way to the beach and walk north to Alder Creek stopping to have lunch at an appropriate location along the beach. From the beach we will walk back to Alder Creek Beach Road and return to our cars.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 884-9280
GUALALA POINT PARK BLUFF AND LOOP - January 25, 2024
Start at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00 (on westside 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.) 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 northernmost trail to the bluff. Hike to Whale Watch Point for the view and then hike to the bluff, turn south and walk along the Bluff Trail past Salal Cove. Between post 64 and 63 turn left walking through the hedge row and on Fish Rock Road to Leeward. Turn left on Leeward and walk until you intersect the Salal Trail. Turn right following it back to the highway and the Hidden Parking Lot. Lunch at the picnic tables at the end.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
KING RIDGE LOOP – February 1, 2024 CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
GUALALA POINT PARK – February 8, 2024
Start at the 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.). Our leaders will determine the route of the hike.
Leaders: John and Lynn Walton, 884-9714
KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION - February 15, 2024
Carpool at 9:30 at 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 and drive to the official parking area for Kruse Reserve. There are no fees or passes required. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area at 10:00. We will hike up the gravel road all the way to Plantation. The ascent is gradual, but the gravel large and often sharp, so sturdy shoes are recommended. In the late nineteenth century, Plantation was an important destination for travelers from San Francisco on their way to Gualala. It had the only hotel available. The views are spectacular. We will walk along several gushing creeks, and have views into deep forested canyons. The return trip is all downhill and we will have lunch at Kruse Reserve. This hike is a bit longer than our regular hikes, about five miles, but the rewards are great.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
TIMBER RIDGE ROAD - POSH SQUASH - February 22, 2024
Meet at 10:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge to carpool and/or at the end of Verdant View near the Ranch Cafe at 10:15. Hang tags needed for non Sea Ranchers. Walk on the informal path west to Timber Ridge Road. Walk south on this road until the end of the road. This is a forested road with ups and downs so a hiking stick could be helpful but is not mandatory. When we reach the end, we will turn around and walk back stopping at the Posh Squash where there are picnic tables where we can eat our lunch and survey the vegetable gardens.
Leader: Laura Bridge, 408-306-5321
CRISPIN LANE - February 29, 2024 CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
GUALALA POINT PARK #3 - March 7, 2024
Start at the Hidden Parking Lot at 10:00. You can park on westside entrance just left after pulling past the fee post. If you have a pass, bring it as there is a fee to park in the park. Or park across the street and cross Hwy 1 if you do not have a pass. Hike from there down to the beach but instead of going to the beach go south past the restrooms to the bluff. Bear left on bluffs and continue on Bluff Trail until you intersect the Salal Trail. Hike the Salal Trail to Hwy 1, turn left and follow frontage path back to the Park and the Hidden Parking lot. If it is very wet, can retrace steps instead of taking the Salal Trial. Lunch at the Hidden Parking lot tables or by the poles.
Leader, Dona Dougherty
SALT POINT LOOP #2 - March 14, 2024
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.
Leaders: Laura Bridge & Dona Dougherty
DMC LOOP #3 - March 21, 2024
Carpool at 9:50 at Gualala Business Sign pullout 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 as long as you wish. Return north of the bridge past post #62a, turning East to catch the Del Mar Meadow Trail and back to Leeward and the Del Mar Lunch in the Del Mar Garden.
Leader: Stephen O’Leary
STORNETTA - HWY 1 TO CYPRESS ABBEY SECTION - March 28, 2024
Meet at 10:30 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:40 at Anchor Bay (West side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at the junction of Lighthouse Road and Hwy 1, 2 miles north of Point Arena at 11:00. We will travel the access road to the old Coast Guard Loran site (now owned by Mendocino Community College) turning left before we get there to enter that middle section of the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands. From there we will walk through the "forest" to the bluff and enjoy the spectacular views of the off shore islands and the Ocean and find a suitable site for lunch before retracting our steps.
Leader: TBD
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