FORT ROSS GRASSLANDS

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

photo credit: Bob R, Harmony

mileage: 3.4

 

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 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

photo credit: Phil

STORNETTA LANDS OCEAN VIEWS NORTH

 

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 

photo credit: Phil and Annie

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 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 Coffeysmithphoto credit: Bob R & Phil

ALDER CREEK-MANCHESTER BEACH

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

photo credit: Phil & Gary

TALLGRASS VARIATION

 

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 

photo credit: Laura

SALT POINT BLUFFS/SLEEPING LION

 

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  

photo credit: Phil