STORNETTA - POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS

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
photos contributed by Phil, Mary Sue and Bob R

SKAGGS SPRINGS WEST TWO FISH ROAD HIKE

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
mileage: 4.5
photos contributed by Mary Sue, Bob R, and Harmony

OHLSON RANCH LOOPY LOOP

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
mileage: 4.6
photos contributed by: Mary Sue and Bob R

KING RIDGE LOOP

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
photos contributed by Catherine, Mary Sue, and Bob R

CORMORANT-WALK-ON BEACH LOOP

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
mileage: 3.9
photos contributed by: Phil& Bob R

KRUSE RANCH ROAD TO PLANTATION

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
Mileage: 6.5
photos contributed by:  Mary Sue, Bob R, Phil, and Catherine