UP AND DOWN SCENIC GUALALA

 

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
photos contributed by Mary Sue and Bob R.

SODA SPRINGS RESERVE

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 
photos contributed by Mary Sue and Bob R.

DMC LOOP #2

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. Note: Leader took liberty on the route of this hike.
Leader: Laura Bridge
mileage: 4.2
photos contributed by Mary Sue and Liberty Laura

SALT POINT PRAIRIE

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
mileage: 4.3
photos contributed by Mary Sue and Bob R

POINT ARENA-STORNETTA PUBLIC LANDS BLUFFS

Meet at 10:00 at the pullout for the Gualala business directory and at 10:10 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool and start at Point Arena City Hall at 10:30. Walk the trail next to the cove and then follow the bluffs for spectacular ocean views. Expect to see blow holes, sea arches and stacks, sink holes, caves, tunnels and more. We will walk to the Lighthouse, and the leader will return the carpool drivers to City Hall to retrieve cars. This is mostly coastal grassland so there isn't much elevation change, but the ground is uneven and there are gopher holes so good hiking shoes are helpful.
Leader: Dona Dougherty
photos contributed by Liberty Leader Laura

DMC LOOP #5

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
photos contributed by Mary Sue and Bob R

STILLWATER COVE #3

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
photos contributed by Mary Sue& Bob R.