Whether you're interested in a casual walk along bluffs above
crashing surf or a longer excursion into the coastal mountains high
above the Pacific, hundreds of miles of serene coastal trails await on
the California coastline.
Between the Oregon border and Big Sur alone, outings range from wandering through a fairy-tale land of the
giant trees of the Redwood Empire to a multi-day, tide-timed trek along the
Lost Coast, to a stroll to a waterfall plunging into the ocean at
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Where
to start? Use this list, oriented north to south, to help you start
exploring some of coastal Northern California's finest.
Lands End Coastal Trail
The
1.4-mile Coastal Trail at Lands End is a favorite among San Franciscans
for good reason. It offers spectacular views of the Golden Gate, the
Marin Headlands and the waters of the Pacific. Traversing the coastal
bluffs above the ocean between Point Lobos and the Sea Cliff
neighborhood, the Coastal Trail provides hikers, runners, bicyclists and
beachcombers easy urban access to the Golden Gate's rugged southern
edge.
- PROS: Stunning views of the Golden Gate. Beach access. Easy access within San Francisco.
- CONS: Often in fog.
- REGION: San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz, CA
- CONGESTION: High
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- TRAIL USES: Hiking, Biking
- TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back
- DOGS ALLOWED: Yes
Point St. George Heritage Area. (Photo by Aron Bosworth)
Pt. St. George Heritage Area
Point
St. George Heritage Area, lying just north of Crescent City, is the
third westernmost point in the continental United States. The 340 acres
of coastal bluffs and rocky shoreline that jut out to sea provide
unparalleled panoramas of the surrounding coastline. Panoramic views of
Oregon to the north, the Siskoyou Mountains inland, and the forested
bluffs of the Redwood Empire to the south make for a spectacular
backdrop against the cool blue Pacific Ocean. Walking trails thread the
headlands and provide access to the beaches and scenic overlooks before
connecting to additional trails that explore the adjacent Tolowa Dunes
State Park and a network of coastal lakes and lagoons.
- PROS: Stunning coastal panaromas. Point St. George Reef Lighthouse.
- CONS: None.
- REGION: Redwoods + Del Norte Coast, CA
- CONGESTION: Low
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- BEACH: Open, sandy beach, Pebbly Beach, Rocky Shore
- TIDE POOLS: Yes
- WILDLIFE: Seabirds, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions
Stout Memorial Grove. Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park. (Photo by Aron Bosworth)
Stout Memorial Grove
Tucked
away from the drive-through limelight of Highway 199, Stout Memorial
Grove is out of sight and out of mind for many, if not most,
Redwood-bound visitors. Those who do make the side trip down Howland
Hill Road to see Stout Grove's magnificent coast redwoods are well
rewarded. Stout Grove is arguably the most scenic of the coast redwood
groves in Jedidiah Smith Redwood State Park, and the location on the
other side of the Smith River from the highway keeps the visitor count
down.
- PROS: Cathedral-like redwood grove. Few people.
- CONS: Tougher to find than other nearby groves
- REGION: Redwoods + Del Norte Coast, CA
- CONGESTION: Low
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- DOGS ALLOWED: No
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Established
in 1963, Mount Tamalpais State Park is one of the Bay Area's open space
treasures. Rising above the Marin Headlands, Mount Tam boasts over 50
miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, and Marin's highest point, East
Peak, at 2,571 feet. With a diversity of ecosystems ranging from hill
covered grasslands to fog-laden redwoods, the park leaves little to be
desired when it comes to natural diversity. Mount Tam is connected to a
larger network of Marin County open space areas and shares borders with
the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument,
and the Marin Municipal Water District, offering visitors a nearly
inexhaustible swath of open space and trails to explore.
- PROS: Tallest point in Marin. Vistas. Top-notch hiking trails.
- CONS: Can get crowded on weekends.
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: Moderate
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($10.00)
- PICNIC TABLES: Yes
Natural Arch on the south end of College Cove Beach. (Photo by Ashley Johnson)
Elk Head Trail
This trail is an easy there-and-back that provides great views and access to
College Cove Beach.
The trail is easy to follow and clearly marked, and the first portion
of the trail provides some great viewing points for looking down on the
beach. The coastal spruce forest has a lush understory of ferns, moss,
wild flowers; as you approach the open areas, watch for a variety of
birds such as common murres, brown pelicans and gray jays. The beach is a
local favorite, and the cove provides shelter for safe swimming and
surfing in the warmer months. You can see that the beach is actually
separated in the middle (access between the two is possible during low
tide only), and on the southern end there is a rock formation with a
visible natural arch.
- REGION: Humboldt, CA
- CONGESTION: Moderate
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- DOGS ALLOWED: Yes
(Photo by Brandon Katcher)
The Lost Coast Trail
The
Lost Coast Trail is a wild and unique backpacking adventure along one
of the most rugged sections of the Northern California Coast. The King
Range area is nearly untouched by civilization, with only a few small
towns along the two-hour shuttle from Shelter Cove to the Mattole Beach
trailhead to the north. The trail provides incredible views, a variety
of wildlife and flora, and a glimpse of some rarely seen California
coastal terrain. Keep in mind that portions of this trip take a great
deal of effort; the majority of the 25-mile, 3-day trip takes place on
sandy beaches, which can be exhausting for legs and feet.
- PROS: Beautiful landscape. Only backpackers. Wildflowers. Plenty of water.
- CONS: Long shuttle ride. Hard on legs and feet. Many river crossings.
- REGION: Humboldt, CA
- CONGESTION: Low
- PREFERABLE SEASON(S):Spring, Summer, Fall
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- DOGS ALLOWED: Yes
Fern Canyon Trail
Not
to be confused with Fern Canyon of Russian Gulch Sate Park found only a
few miles to the north, this Fern Canyon Trail is tucked away at the
east end of Van Damme State Park. The trail is known for it's lush
environs, spawning habitat for salmon and steelhead, and as a connector
trail to a cypress and pine pygmy forest found a few miles inland.
- PROS: Open to hiking and biking. Ferns.
- CONS: Bridges crossing Little River are removed during winter.
- REGION: Mendocino Coast + Clear Lake Area, CA
- CONGESTION: Moderate
- PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Spring, Summer, Fall
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: State Park Fee ($8.00)
- TRAIL USES: Hiking, Biking
- TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back
- DOGS ALLOWED: No
(Photo by Aron Bosworth)
Kortum Trail
Approximately
8 miles north of Bodega Bay, a beautiful stretch of coastal bluffs is
made accessible by an inconspicuous coastal path known as the Kortum
Trail. Connecting Blind Beach near Goat Rock in the north to Wright's
Beach in the south, the full length of the Kortum Trail traverses 3.8
miles of Sonoma Coast State Park and offers sweeping views of the great
blue Pacific, offshore sea stacks, and access to a fun little climbing
crag along the way. The most scenic and interesting part of the trail is
the northern section, which starts near the Blind Beach parking area
and continues 2.25 miles south to Shell Beach.
- PROS: Ocean views. Bouldering rocks.
- CONS: Can be windy.
- REGION: Sonoma Coast + Napa Area, CA
- CONGESTION: Low
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- TRAIL USES: Hiking
- TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back
- DOGS ALLOWED: No
(Photo by Aron Bosworth)
Chimney Rock
Part
of the Point Reyes National Seashore, this short hike out to Chimney
Rock provides an unparalleled perspective on the beauty of Drake's Bay
and the surrounding swath of Pacific Ocean. The Chimney Rock trail
traverses the exposed, bluff-lined peninsula that forms the eastern
section of Point Reyes, heading out to the tip and an overlook of the
ocean, Drakes' Bay, and Chimney Rock. Despite the trail's name, Chimney
Rock itself might be the least exciting feature of the hike; rather,
views of the unique coastline, marine life, Point Reyes' lifeboat
history, and spring wildflowers steal the show.
- PROS: Scenic Point Reyes vistas. Wildlife. Unique coastline terrain.
- CONS: Often foggy or windy.
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: Moderate
- PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Winter, Spring, Fall
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- TRAIL USES: Hiking
- TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back
- DOGS ALLOWED: No
(Photo by Brandon Katcher)
Sky Trail Loop, Bear Valley to Mount Wittenberg
Point
Reyes National Seashore is a 70,000-acre outdoor playground about 30
miles north of San Francisco. With ample trails, campgrounds, and
beaches, Point Reyes attracts outdoor and nature enthusiasts from around
the world. The area has a resident tule elk herd, a huge variety of
bird species, and it is a favorite mating spot for northern elephant
seals.
- PROS: Beautiful forests and views. Various loops and lengths available.
- CONS: Can be crowded.
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: Moderate
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- TRAIL USES: Hiking
- TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back/Loop
- DOGS ALLOWED: No
Pelican Lake. (Photo by Monica Ralston)
Palomarin to Alamere Falls
The
trip to Alamere Falls offers stunning coastal views of Point Reyes
National Seashore and a wonderfully unique waterfall. The landscape is
varied with coastal scrub pine and oak forests, and there are several
lakes along the way. Alamere Falls pours from a rocky cliff onto a long,
wide stretch of beach, and it is the perfect place to enjoy a lunch
break or an afternoon stroll in the sand.
- PROS: Coastal views. Swimming lake. Waterfalls.
- CONS: Weekend crowds. Poison oak.
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: High
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- TRAIL USES: Hiking
- TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back
Muir Woods via Deer Park Fire Road
With
nearly one million annual visitors, Muir Woods National Monument can
feel like a tourist zoo at times, particularly on weekends. Fortunately,
there's a little known back-door entrance, that offers a pleasant hike
with coastal views, ridges, and redwood stands via the Deer Park Fire
Rd. that is a guaranteed way to avoid the crowds.
- PROS: Pacific Ocean views. Back door/less crowded route into Muir Woods.
- CONS: Weekend parking and crowds.
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: Moderate
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: General Day Use Fee ($5.00)
- TRAIL USES: Hiking
- TRAIL TYPE: Loop
- DOGS ALLOWED: No
The trail toward Tennessee Valley. (Photo by Rini Sugianto)
Coastal Trail, Rodeo Beach to Muir Beach
This
section of the Coastal Trail begins not to far from Marin Mammals
Center at Rodeo Beach, a unique beach with red and green pebbly chert
grains. You'll quickly note the dilapidated military structures that are
visible in the distance; in contrast to Rodeo Beach's Fort Barry and
Fort Cronkhite, both of which serve as National Park Service facilities,
all of the batteries and small gun emplacements on the ridge are empty
and abandoned, their walls covered by graffiti.
- PROS: Pretty coastal views. Beaches.
- CONS: Can get foggy. Crowds.
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: High
- PREFERABLE SEASON(S): Spring, Summer, Fall
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- TRAIL USES: Hiking, Biking, Horseback
- TRAIL TYPE: There-and-back
Marin Headlands
While
the Marin Headlands may be best known for front-and-center views of the
Golden Gate Bridge found at Battery Spencer, there is much to explore
beyond this heavily traveled viewpoint. Encompassing 2,100 acres of
rugged, hilly landscape overlooking the Pacific, the Marin Headlands
have been protected and managed by the National Park Service as part of
the Golden Gate National Recreation Area since 1970, and for good
reason. The area is an outdoor recreation treasure trove. With dozens of
miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, walk-in campgrounds, a
handful of spectacular beaches and numerous historical sites of
interest, the viewpoints only scratch the surface of this outdoor
playground.
- PROS: Beautiful vistas. Diversity of recreational actvities.
- CONS: Battery Spencer crowds
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: High
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
Steep Ravine Trail to Dipsea Trail Loop
Mount
Tamalpais State Park's Steep Ravine Trail is a worthy hike by itself,
but when you add the western stretch of the Dipsea Trail to make a loop
out of the hike, this becomes one of Mount Tam's most spectacular
jaunts. The Steep Ravine Trail follows Webb Creek through a cascading
canyon under a canopy of lush redwoods and fern-filled gullies. Pass
over a handful of wooden bridges that crisscross the creek, and even
scramble up a 10-foot ladder surmounting moss covered boulders. This
shaded, verdant oasis feels like Land Before Time territory, and
thoughts of urban hustle and bustle float away with the creek's flow.
- PROS: Diversity of landscapes throughout loop. Free parking at Whitegate Ranch Trailhead.
- CONS: None.
- REGION: Marin, CA
- CONGESTION: Moderate
- DAY-USE/PARKING PASS REQUIRED: Not Required
- TRAIL USES: Hiking
- TRAIL TYPE: Loop
Article and images sourced from http://www.7x7.com/the-best-hikes-on-the-northern-california-coast-1787295440.html#
