POINT ARENA PUBLIC LANDS LOOP

 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. We will have lunch at a nice spot on the trail.
Leaders: Susan and Gary, 882-1750

MENDOCINO COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS

Meet at 8:20 at pullout for Gualala business directory to carpool and at 8:30 at Anchor Bay (west side of Hwy 1) to carpool to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg. This is a LONG drive for us so be forewarned. Hikers north of Anchor Bay should call the leaders ahead of time if you want to be picked up along the way. There is an admission charge for the Gardens unless you are a MCBG member or a member of a reciprocal garden.  Our leaders are members and member's guests are $10 if they come in with a member so it shouldn't be more than $10 a person. This hike is limited to 14 people. You must email msittner@mcn.org or call Mary Sue to reserve a place (707-884-4824). This garden includes 47 acres of manicured gardens, diverse plant collections, forests, streams, fern canyons and bluffs. We will walk out to the Cliff House and see spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean along the Coastal Bluff Trail and visit the vegetable garden where a lot of produce is grown and donated to the food bank. Dahlias, heritage roses, heathers, begonias, fuchsias, hydrangeas, perennials are at their peak bloom August-October. Dogs are welcome on leash. Those who want to can eat at Rhody's Cafe where you can get fresh made sandwiches and salads, homemade soup and desserts, coffee, drinks, and Cowlick's ice cream. We will order and pay when we arrive and our lunch will be ready to pick up when we are done hiking.  It's also fine to bring your lunch if you prefer.
Leaders: Mary Sue and Bob

Photo Credit: Bob & 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: Cynthia, 925-683-3089

Photo Credit: Laura & Dave

IRISH BEACH POMO LAKE, TRAIL AND FOOTBRIDGE

 

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 including going down to the beach and backup, up to Pomo Lake to walk on the new improved trail and new foot bridge, then through Irish Beach ending with lunch on Gary and Susan’s deck overlooking the ocean.
Leader: Dave, 510-606-0730
Photo Credit: Laura & Dave

STUMP BEACH LOOP

 

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.
Leader: Joel, 707-485-4339
Photo Credit: Laura & Dave

GUALALA POINT PARK #1

 

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.
Leader: Dona, 775-420-2265
Photo Credit: Laura & Dave

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 Sea Ranch 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

Photo Credit: Stephen