Hi Ramblers,
Here is the schedule for our summer hikes. We have a couple of new hikes and hopefully will see lots of wildflowers.
We’re always looking for new people to lead our hikes. If you haven’t led a hike before, there’s not much that needs to be done. You just need to hike the described route ahead of time to make sure you know where you’re going and that there aren’t any hazards on the trail (downed trees, giant mud puddles, etc.).
Remember – if it’s raining the day of the hike, we do not officially cancel the hike but the leader isn’t required to show up. Those that do want to hike should meet at the posted starting point and can either do the scheduled hike or pick something else.
The current hike schedule (and archives going back to 2009) can always be found at https://thursdayramblers.blogspot.com/. This is the best source for the hikes as occasionally things change from what I send out in this email and the website is always kept updated.
This is not a Ramblers hike, but in case you are interested, Save the Redwoods is kicking off their season at Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve with a special hike on Friday, April 17th. They will have staff out to share about the exciting upcoming expansion of the Reserve, what this means for the vision of the property, and their ongoing stewardship. The reserve is on Tin Barn Road (take Skaggs Springs Road and then right on Tin Barn Road). Hikers will be meeting at 11 am at the green entrance gate and starting the hike soon after. The hike will be 2.5 miles round trip, with the option of the additional 1-mile. They will be serving light refreshments. They think this will be wrapped up by 1:30, though people are free to head out before then.
Laura
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – April 2, 2026
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Ohlson Rec Center (just south of the white barn). Hang tags needed. Cross the highway to post 254A and take the Hugal RavineTrail* to Seabird Road. Pick up the trails again at the end of Schooner Dr. (post 109) and follow the Sag Ponds Trail to Ridge Trail via post 104, then right at post 103 to Sorcerer Wood at post 102. Pick up the trails again at post 314. Turn left at post 240 and take Long Meadow Trail down to Highway 1. Cross Highway 1, then follow Headlands Reach and turn right onto the bluff trail to the Ohlson Rec Center. Lunch at Ohlson Rec Center. *Hugal Ravine is steep. Please be prepared for elevation change during this hike.
Leader: Laura, 408-306-5321
SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION – April 9, 2026
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:30 and at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area 9:45. Start at 10:00 at Salt Point State Park. Hike past the Visitor's Center and walk to the South Gerstle Cove Picnic Area. From here we will follow the bluff as closely as possible. The rock formations and views from the bluff are outstanding and at this time of the year there are often fireworks waves. The paths are rough and eroded in places and walking sticks and boots are recommended. Our leaders will point out a "sleeping lion" rock formation. We will turn around at some point and return to the picnic area for lunch. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails. This hike can be wet and muddy and have an unpassable stream during the rainy season.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 707-485-4339
ALDER CREEK-MANCHESTER BEACH – April 16, 2026
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:30. The hike starts at the shoulder of Highway one (on the east side) just before Alder Creek Beach Road at 10:00. We will walk a short distance south along Highway 1 to the entrance gate across from Pacific View Drive. At the start of the walk there is tall grass. So be sure to wear long pants to help keep the ticks away. We will walk west on the trail past the old red house and down the hill with beautiful views of the ocean. Then we will head north at the environmental camps and up to the trail for some of the best wildflower displays. We should see our coastal California Poppies, Baby Blue Eyes, Buttercups, Douglas Irises, Sea Thrift, Lupin and more all in bloom at once. We will continue up past the "once beautiful home," to where we turn off to get views of Alder Creek and the coast beyond. That is where we should see both yellow, orange and red PaintBrush and lots of Douglas Irises. We will have our lunch there. We will then walk back to our cars along the old Alder Creek Beach Road, where we will add Bush Lupine and Ceanothus to our list of plants in bloom. It should be a lovely spring time ramble. And, if we are really lucky we will see some happy California Cows.
Leader: Susan Levinson-Palmer,
MILL BEND – April 23, 2026
The hike begins at 10:00 a.m. at the gate and entrance to Redwood Coast Land Conservancy's Mill Bend Preserve. From Highway 1, on the south end of Gualala, turn onto Old State Hwy (AKA as Old Stage Rd.). Drive approximately 400 feet and take the first right onto a gravel roadway, drive up the hill a short distance and park by the gate. We’ll walk to the Mill Bend house (where folks can leave their lunches) then take the Toyon Trail followed by the River Rail Trail and Sponge Forest Trail. We’ll walk back to the house and eat lunch at the picnic tables. Folks will also have an opportunity to roam around the restored, historic Gualala Cemetery.
Leaders: John & Lynn, 707-884-9714
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – April 30, 2026
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 & Lena, 882-2498
BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS – May 7, 2026
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 not many 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. If the tide is low enough, 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.
Leader: Cynthia, 925-683-3089
SALT POINT LOOP #2 – May 14, 2025
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.
Leader: Joel, 707-485-4339
MANCHESTER BEACH (NEW) – May 21, 2026
Details to follow.
Leaders: Jeff and Lena, 882-2498
GUALALA POINT PARK #3 – May 28, 2026
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. Lunch at the Hidden Parking lot tables or by the poles.
Leader: Jack, 916-220-7653
KRUSE RHODODENDRON TO STUMP BEACH - -June 4, 2026
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Black Point Beach parking area at 9:45. NOTE: THIS IS A SHUTTLE HIKE. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road, just before Fisk Mill Cove. There is just a short drive to the official parking area. No fees and no passes required. After dropping off hikers, 2 people (possibly more cars) should drive to Stump Beach and leave enough cars to hold the number of drivers to be picked up at the end at Stump Beach. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area. We will hike the short Rhododendron loop while we wait for shuttle drivers to return. We will proceed up the hill towards Plantation via the road. We will take the Stump Beach Trail (on right) down to Stump Beach where we will lunch either at the picnic tables or at the beach. This is a very beautiful area with the first part of the hike mostly up and the second part mostly down. This is Rhodie season so hopefully we will get to see some of the native Rhododendrons in bloom. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails. Shuttle cars will take drivers back to the start and they will have to return to pick up the riders. This hike has definite elevation change and therefore is one of our more strenuous hikes.
Leader: Harmony, 707-734-0773
POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – June 11, 2026
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:40 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 10:00. Walk north until you reach a road that will lead you to the bluff and gorgeous ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, wildflowers and the Lighthouse before turning around and walking south along the bluff towards Arena Cove. This is mostly coastal grassland so there isn't much elevation change, but the ground is uneven and there are gopher holes so good hiking shoes are helpful. We will eat lunch back at the picnic tables at City Hall.
Leader: Rita, 760-583-1300
HOT SPOT PICNIC AND HIKE – June 18, 2026
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: Stephen, 707-787-0356
BIG RIVER TRAIL AND LUNCH OUT (NEW) – June 25, 2026
Meet at 9:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:10. Hikers who live in Point Arena and north who want to join us should contact the leaders so we can arrange other carpool spots. We will drive north on Highway One until just south of the town of Mendocino and turn right after crossing over Big River (about mile marker 50) to access the parking for Big River Trail. We will hike upstream along the gravel path for about an hour and then retrace our steps. We will pass towering redwoods, Douglas firs, historic dams, old railroad trestle pilings, and submerged old-growth timber, sometimes with views of the river. Leashed dogs are allowed and some suggest mosquito protection although we will be moving. Afterwards we will drive to Frankies in Mendocino for lunch. This is a new hike for the Thursday Ramblers. http://frankiesmendocino.com/our-menu/
Leaders: Mary Sue and Bob, 707 884-4824
Here is the schedule for our summer hikes. We have a couple of new hikes and hopefully will see lots of wildflowers.
We’re always looking for new people to lead our hikes. If you haven’t led a hike before, there’s not much that needs to be done. You just need to hike the described route ahead of time to make sure you know where you’re going and that there aren’t any hazards on the trail (downed trees, giant mud puddles, etc.).
Remember – if it’s raining the day of the hike, we do not officially cancel the hike but the leader isn’t required to show up. Those that do want to hike should meet at the posted starting point and can either do the scheduled hike or pick something else.
The current hike schedule (and archives going back to 2009) can always be found at https://thursdayramblers.blogspot.com/. This is the best source for the hikes as occasionally things change from what I send out in this email and the website is always kept updated.
This is not a Ramblers hike, but in case you are interested, Save the Redwoods is kicking off their season at Harold Richardson Redwoods Reserve with a special hike on Friday, April 17th. They will have staff out to share about the exciting upcoming expansion of the Reserve, what this means for the vision of the property, and their ongoing stewardship. The reserve is on Tin Barn Road (take Skaggs Springs Road and then right on Tin Barn Road). Hikers will be meeting at 11 am at the green entrance gate and starting the hike soon after. The hike will be 2.5 miles round trip, with the option of the additional 1-mile. They will be serving light refreshments. They think this will be wrapped up by 1:30, though people are free to head out before then.
Laura
HUGAL RAVINE-LONG MEADOW LOOP – April 2, 2026
Carpool at 9:45 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge or meet at 10:00 at Ohlson Rec Center (just south of the white barn). Hang tags needed. Cross the highway to post 254A and take the Hugal RavineTrail* to Seabird Road. Pick up the trails again at the end of Schooner Dr. (post 109) and follow the Sag Ponds Trail to Ridge Trail via post 104, then right at post 103 to Sorcerer Wood at post 102. Pick up the trails again at post 314. Turn left at post 240 and take Long Meadow Trail down to Highway 1. Cross Highway 1, then follow Headlands Reach and turn right onto the bluff trail to the Ohlson Rec Center. Lunch at Ohlson Rec Center. *Hugal Ravine is steep. Please be prepared for elevation change during this hike.
Leader: Laura, 408-306-5321
SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION – April 9, 2026
Carpool at the pullout for Gualala business directory at 9:30 and at the Black Point Beach Coastal Access parking area 9:45. Start at 10:00 at Salt Point State Park. Hike past the Visitor's Center and walk to the South Gerstle Cove Picnic Area. From here we will follow the bluff as closely as possible. The rock formations and views from the bluff are outstanding and at this time of the year there are often fireworks waves. The paths are rough and eroded in places and walking sticks and boots are recommended. Our leaders will point out a "sleeping lion" rock formation. We will turn around at some point and return to the picnic area for lunch. Dogs are not allowed on the Salt Point trails. This hike can be wet and muddy and have an unpassable stream during the rainy season.
Leader: Joel Chaban, 707-485-4339
ALDER CREEK-MANCHESTER BEACH – April 16, 2026
Meet at 9:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:30. The hike starts at the shoulder of Highway one (on the east side) just before Alder Creek Beach Road at 10:00. We will walk a short distance south along Highway 1 to the entrance gate across from Pacific View Drive. At the start of the walk there is tall grass. So be sure to wear long pants to help keep the ticks away. We will walk west on the trail past the old red house and down the hill with beautiful views of the ocean. Then we will head north at the environmental camps and up to the trail for some of the best wildflower displays. We should see our coastal California Poppies, Baby Blue Eyes, Buttercups, Douglas Irises, Sea Thrift, Lupin and more all in bloom at once. We will continue up past the "once beautiful home," to where we turn off to get views of Alder Creek and the coast beyond. That is where we should see both yellow, orange and red PaintBrush and lots of Douglas Irises. We will have our lunch there. We will then walk back to our cars along the old Alder Creek Beach Road, where we will add Bush Lupine and Ceanothus to our list of plants in bloom. It should be a lovely spring time ramble. And, if we are really lucky we will see some happy California Cows.
Leader: Susan Levinson-Palmer,
MILL BEND – April 23, 2026
The hike begins at 10:00 a.m. at the gate and entrance to Redwood Coast Land Conservancy's Mill Bend Preserve. From Highway 1, on the south end of Gualala, turn onto Old State Hwy (AKA as Old Stage Rd.). Drive approximately 400 feet and take the first right onto a gravel roadway, drive up the hill a short distance and park by the gate. We’ll walk to the Mill Bend house (where folks can leave their lunches) then take the Toyon Trail followed by the River Rail Trail and Sponge Forest Trail. We’ll walk back to the house and eat lunch at the picnic tables. Folks will also have an opportunity to roam around the restored, historic Gualala Cemetery.
Leaders: John & Lynn, 707-884-9714
STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH – April 30, 2026
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 & Lena, 882-2498
BLACKPOINT BEACH WALK & BLACKPOINT-BIHLER POINT WILDFLOWER FOOTPATHS – May 7, 2026
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 not many 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. If the tide is low enough, 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.
Leader: Cynthia, 925-683-3089
SALT POINT LOOP #2 – May 14, 2025
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.
Leader: Joel, 707-485-4339
MANCHESTER BEACH (NEW) – May 21, 2026
Details to follow.
Leaders: Jeff and Lena, 882-2498
GUALALA POINT PARK #3 – May 28, 2026
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. Lunch at the Hidden Parking lot tables or by the poles.
Leader: Jack, 916-220-7653
KRUSE RHODODENDRON TO STUMP BEACH - -June 4, 2026
Carpool at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory north of bridge, or at the Black Point Beach parking area at 9:45. NOTE: THIS IS A SHUTTLE HIKE. Shortly after entering Salt Point State Park, drivers from the north should prepare to turn left on Kruse Ranch Road, just before Fisk Mill Cove. There is just a short drive to the official parking area. No fees and no passes required. After dropping off hikers, 2 people (possibly more cars) should drive to Stump Beach and leave enough cars to hold the number of drivers to be picked up at the end at Stump Beach. Hike will begin from the Kruse parking area. We will hike the short Rhododendron loop while we wait for shuttle drivers to return. We will proceed up the hill towards Plantation via the road. We will take the Stump Beach Trail (on right) down to Stump Beach where we will lunch either at the picnic tables or at the beach. This is a very beautiful area with the first part of the hike mostly up and the second part mostly down. This is Rhodie season so hopefully we will get to see some of the native Rhododendrons in bloom. Dogs are not allowed on the Kruse trails. Shuttle cars will take drivers back to the start and they will have to return to pick up the riders. This hike has definite elevation change and therefore is one of our more strenuous hikes.
Leader: Harmony, 707-734-0773
POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP – June 11, 2026
Meet at 9:30 at pullout for Gualala business directory and at 9:40 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 10:00. Walk north until you reach a road that will lead you to the bluff and gorgeous ocean views. Follow the bluff north for a while to catch the spectacular middle section with views of the islands, ocean, wildflowers and the Lighthouse before turning around and walking south along the bluff towards Arena Cove. This is mostly coastal grassland so there isn't much elevation change, but the ground is uneven and there are gopher holes so good hiking shoes are helpful. We will eat lunch back at the picnic tables at City Hall.
Leader: Rita, 760-583-1300
HOT SPOT PICNIC AND HIKE – June 18, 2026
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: Stephen, 707-787-0356
BIG RIVER TRAIL AND LUNCH OUT (NEW) – June 25, 2026
Meet at 9:00 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) at 9:10. Hikers who live in Point Arena and north who want to join us should contact the leaders so we can arrange other carpool spots. We will drive north on Highway One until just south of the town of Mendocino and turn right after crossing over Big River (about mile marker 50) to access the parking for Big River Trail. We will hike upstream along the gravel path for about an hour and then retrace our steps. We will pass towering redwoods, Douglas firs, historic dams, old railroad trestle pilings, and submerged old-growth timber, sometimes with views of the river. Leashed dogs are allowed and some suggest mosquito protection although we will be moving. Afterwards we will drive to Frankies in Mendocino for lunch. This is a new hike for the Thursday Ramblers. http://frankiesmendocino.com/our-menu/
Leaders: Mary Sue and Bob, 707 884-4824
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