Where do I start my hike to Alamere Falls?
There are three trailheads at which most visitors park to hike to Alamere Falls: Bear Valley, Palomarin, and Five Brooks. Information about the routes from these trailheads to Alamere Falls via Wildcat Campground may be found below. The Bear Valley Trailhead. The Bear Valley Trailhead is located just south of the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
How long is the hike from Palomarin to alamare falls?
From Palomarin Trailhead to Wildcat Campground to the Alamare Falls is a 13 miles/ 21 km long hike recommended by the National Park Headquarter. Low tide is essential for the walk along Wildcat Beach to the falls and back. Otherwise, your walk may be cut by the tide. In winter and spring, Wildcat Beach is inaccessible during high tide.
Where is Alamere Falls in California?
Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore is an essential bucket list hike in California. The most popular route to the falls starts at the Palomarin Trailhead, although you can also start at the Bear Valley or Five Brooks Trailheads.
When is the best time to visit Alamere Falls?
If you wish to visit Alamere Falls or other locations accessed via the Palomarin Trailhead, arrive early, or consider visiting mid-week. Some trails, such as the Coast Trail from Palomarin, are more popular than others. Some trailheads, such as Bear Valley, have larger parking areas, while some, such as the Palomarin Trailhead, are very limited.
How long is the Alamere Falls hike?
14 mileAlamere Falls is one of those rare and special places where a beautiful waterfall cascades directly onto the beach. This 14 mile hike is the easiest route to the falls, and makes a perfect long day hike.
How hard of a hike is Alamere Falls?
Explore this 13.6-mile out-and-back trail near Bolinas, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 46 min to complete.
Can you swim in Alamere Falls?
Swimming at Alamere Falls Pelican Lake is one of three lakes along the trail. Swimming is not safe here. The beach is not patrolled, and strong currents can occur.
Is Alamere Falls hike dog friendly?
Pets: Dogs and other pets are prohibited on almost all trails within Point Reyes National Seashore, including all of the trails leading to Alamere Falls.
How long does it take to hike 14 miles?
Quick Answer: If you are fairly fit and the conditions are mild (no snow, ice, or slick mud), expect it to take 20 minutes for each mile plus 60 minutes for every 2,000 feet of ascent. If you are hiking with a heavy pack, then calculate 30 minutes for each mile plus 60 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent.
How long does a 10 mile hike take?
A 10-mile hike can take between 4 and 10 hours, depending on the pace, trail surface, elevation gain, and pack weight.
How long does an 8 mile hike take?
An 8 mile hike can easily take 4 to 7 hours depending on the speed, terrain surface, pack weight, elevation gain, and the number of rest breaks you need to take. There are several variables that will determine your actual hiking time.
How long is the Tomales Point Trail?
9.7-mileThe 9.7-mile (15-km) round-trip Tomales Point Trail leads along the ridge crest of a narrow peninsula, offering spectacular views of Tomales Bay and Bolinas Ridge to the east, Bodega Bay to the north, and the coastline of the Point Reyes peninsula stretching to the south.
Can you swim in Bass Lake?
Bass Lake is one of California's premier boating, swimming and sailing lakes. Located at 3,400 feet in elevation, Bass Lake is nearly five miles long and is surrounded by beautiful pine trees. Boat launching facilities, mooring and rentals are available at several Bass Lake marinas.
Can I bring my dog to Muir Woods?
Pets are not permitted in Muir Woods. The park is very small and can get very crowded. To protect the wildlife, other visitors, and your pet, we suggest that you visit nearby areas such as the Coastal Trail at Muir Beach, and some trails in the Marin Headlands where they are permitted.
How long is Bolinas Ridge Trail?
11 milesThe Bolinas Ridge trail spans 11 miles (17.6 km) from its northern trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to its southern terminus on the Fairfax-Bolinas Road. Allow 5.5 hours for a one-way hike (if you have vehicles at both ends of the trail) or 11 hours to hike the entire 22 miles (35.2 km) roundtrip.
How long is the Cross Marin trail?
5.3 milesThe Cross Marin Trail spans 5.3 miles (8.5 km) from its northern trailhead along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard to its southern terminus at the Leo T Cronin Fish Viewing Area at the southeast border of Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
What is the shortest hike to Alamere Falls?
How to Get to Alamere Falls and Parking at the Palomarin Trailhead. Alamere Falls is accessible from three trailheads in Point Reyes National Seashore. I recommend starting and ending at the Palomarin Trailhead for the Alamere Falls hike. It's the shortest and most popular route to the falls.
How long does it take to hike 7 miles?
For example, most people hike 2 miles per hour on an average hike. If you are walking a five-mile loop through moderate, you should allocate 2.5 hours for the hike. Likewise, a 7-mile hike will take 3.5 hours, while a 10-mile hike will take 5 hours.
How long does an 8 mile hike take?
An 8 mile hike can easily take 4 to 7 hours depending on the speed, terrain surface, pack weight, elevation gain, and the number of rest breaks you need to take. There are several variables that will determine your actual hiking time.
What beach is Alamere Falls on?
Alamere Falls resides in the Point Reyes National Seashore near Bolinas in Marin County, California. It is administered by the National Park Service.
How long is the trail to Alamere Falls?
The 13.8-mile trail to Alamere Falls from the Palomarin Trailhead starts in a eucalyptus grove. When you emerge from the grove, you’ll be on a rolling, exposed dirt path along the coastline (seriously, the coastal views never get old!). On a clear day, you can make out the Farallon Islands in the distance.
When is the best time to hike Alamere Falls?
Thanks to the mild weather in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Alamere Falls trail is accessible all year long. Typically, September and October are the warmest months in the Bay Area. You might find morning fog most of the year, but the fog is sure to burn off after you begin your hike!
How far is Alamere Falls from Palomarin?
The official route to Alamere Falls from the Palomarin Trailhead is 13.8 miles, taking you through Wildcat Campground.
What is the best waterfall in California?
Alamere Falls: The Best California Waterfall Hike. Alamere Falls is one of only 34 waterfalls in the world that flows into an ocean. And only 4 of those are in the United States! This 13-mile trail to stunning, and rare, 40-foot falls should be on your California bucket list.
What is the name of the trail at the other end of Point Reyes National Seashore?
Point Reyes National Seashore has so much to offer, like the popular Tomales Point Trail at the other end of the park.
What is the largest waterfall in the Bay Area?
Alamere Falls is the largest of the Bay Area waterfalls, dropping 40 feet over the cliffside into the Pacific Ocean. At high tide, the waterfall flows directly into the ocean. At low tide, a small stream feeds into the waves.
Where to start and end Alamere Falls?
I recommend starting and ending at the Palomarin Trailhead for the Alamere Falls hike. It’s the shortest and most popular route to the falls. The Palomarin Trailhead is roughly 5 miles northwest of Bolinas, California. From Bolinas, you’ll follow Mesa Road to the trailhead parking area.
How long does it take to hike to Alamere Falls?
Most visitors can complete the Alamere Falls trail in about two to three hours each way if you are of a moderate fitness level. This trail’s distance with the short cut is about 4.5 miles each way; otherwise, expect about a 6.5-mile trip each way, making it a 13-mile round trip.
How to see the Alamere Falls?
After the lakes, you’ll make it to the Coast Trail, which will head towards the ocean and Alamere Falls. Keep an eye out for the signpost on the left side of the trail pointing to the Falls; you can easily miss it. It’s a narrow, single-track path that can appear a bit overgrown, but it’s the right one to get you to the falls. After a short distance, you’ll find yourself overlooking the top section of the falls. If you are really lucky, you may see whales in the distance along the Pacific Coast. Hikers commonly stop at this point to enjoy a picnic. The crowds are more apparent when you get closer to the waterfall. If you are looking for a shorter day out, this is the perfect endpoint for a quicker round trip.
What is the best way to see the Farallon Islands?
The Alamere Falls Trail offers excellent views of the Pacific Ocean throughout the hike. On a clear day, you can also see the Farallon Islands. The trails are well marked, which is great considering that cellular signal is spotty at best.
Where is the Palomarin Trailhead?
The Palomarin Trailhead starts at the parking lot. After the first mile, the trail will take you through woodland patches and then climbs towards Pelican Lake. You can take a moment to admire the nature here and be on the lookout for salamanders and frogs. Alternatively, if it’s a hot day, you can pack your swimwear and enjoy swimming in Bass Lake.
Where is Alamere Falls in San Francisco?
Alamere Falls is located just a little over an hour North of San Francisco. The views that you’ll experience on this hike are just incredible. As a bonus, the hike ends at a stunning cascading waterfall! The Alamere Falls hike is not the easiest of hikes, but it makes for a fantastic day out. Along the hike are plenty of excellent stops where you can stop for a picnic or even a swim in one of the lakes. We’ll talk about everything you need to know about the hike, starting at the Palomarin Trailhead.
Why is it dangerous to hike near cliff edges?
Beware of hiking too close to the cliff edges, as the area suffers from coastal erosion.
Can you hike to Palomarin?
If you aren’t tired by now, you can continue hiking and connect to different trails. You might even see horses galloping in this area, which is quite a sight! From Wildcat Beach, take the Coast Trail to return to the Palomarin trailhead in a loop. There are also a few further options available for even longer hikes.
When is the best time to hike Alamere Falls?
Overall the best times to hike to Alamere Falls regarding weather and crowds are spring in April and May, the end of the summer in September and the beginning of fall in October. However, also the winter can be an excellent time on a sunny day. It is rare that the Bay Area experiences minus degrees.
How long is the hike to Bear Valley?
Starting point Bear Valley Information Center; the hike is 15 miles/ 24 km long, and low tide is essential to walk along Wildcat Beach to get to the falls and back.
What to do when you reach the upper part of the falls?
When reaching the upper part of the falls, turn left again. Now comes the tricky part, which is steep and slippery. This part is unmaintained, and visitors get frequently injured. I don't want to encourage you to hike this trail. If you do, so it is at your own risk. Therefore, please wear proper shoes! Down is more difficult than scrambling up on loose rocks.
How far do you walk through thick bushes in the desert?
Afterwards, you walk along with open meadows and bushes until you have to turn left through thick bushes after around 3.7 miles/ 6.0 km.
What is the best time to take a shot of the falls?
The best light for a good shot of the falls is after midday. Of course, the falls are always fascinating, but the morning light is terrible.
When is the fog in the park?
During summer, from July to September, the Park is frequently covered in fog while the inland has sunshine and warm temperatures. However, it is a mystic place despite the weather always worth visiting.
Which lake is the first to the left?
Bass Lake is the first one to the left, Crystal the second to the right, and Pelican Lake the last one to the left, where we went swimming on the way back. If you go swimming in one of the lakes, it is at your own risk.
How to hike Alamere Falls?
Many trails lead to Wildcat Campground, but the most commonly used routes are: the 6.3-mile (10.1 km) hike from the Bear Valley Trailhead via the Bear Valley, Glen, and Stewart Trails; the 5.5-mile (8.8 km) hike from the Palomarin Trailhead via the Coast Trail; or the 6- to 6.7-mile (10 to 10.7 km) hike from the Five Brooks Trailhead via the Stewart Trail. The Stewart Trail is open to bicycles for those who wish to ride up and over the 1,300-foot (400 m) Inverness Ridge.
How far is Alamere Falls from Bear Valley?
There is also a water faucet from which one may obtain potable water. From Bear Valley, the minimum hiking distance to Alamere Falls is 7.3 miles (11.7 km). Directions to the Bear Valley Visitor Center. The Palomarin Trailhead on a relatively low-visitation Saturday afternoon.
How to avoid falling on cliffs?
Stay on park-maintained trails. Hiking along the bluff tops is strongly discouraged. Stay away from cliff edges. Loose soil and/or rock can give way suddenly and you may fall. Visitors walking on the beach below the cliffs may be injured or killed by rocks dislodged by visitors at the edge of the clifftops. Do not climb cliffs.
Is Palomarin Trailhead open on weekends?
Please be aware that on weekends throughout the year and on many weekdays throughout the summer, the parking lot at the Palomarin Trailhead fills very early in the day . Visitors arriving late in the morning or in the afternoon may be turned away. The park will close the Palomarin area to further entry, potentially for several hours, when there are no more parking spaces available in the parking lot. Please observe all "No Parking" signs. If you wish to visit Alamere Falls or other locations accessed via the Palomarin Trailhead, arrive early, or consider visiting mid-week.
Where is Alamere Falls?
Alamere Falls, at the Point Reyes Seashore, is a gorgeous scenic jewel set close to the city of San Francisco.
Where to hike to see the falls in the National Park?
The National Park Services recommends hiking to Wildcat Beach Campground and then walking down the beach at low tide to view the falls.
Where is Palomarin Trailhead?
Possibly the most popular of the trails leading to Alamere Falls, the Palomarin Trailhead is on Mesa Road, around 5 miles outside of Bolinas, to the northwest.
Can you walk to the falls in the summer?
Summer and fall conditions allow you to walk more safely at a higher tide, but if the water is reaching the bluff bases, you should not attempt to reach the falls.
Can you park in the gravel lot at the Visitor Center?
Make sure you park in the gravel lot, not in the paved lot that’s reserved for Visitor Center parking.
Is there overflow parking on Mesa Road?
There is overflow parking on the west side of Mesa Road, but the park often closes when it gets to capacity , so there’s a chance you could be turned away if you’re not among the first visitors.
Can you park shoulder at the trailhead?
The parking lots fill up quickly and you’ll have to queue for entrance or come another day if it’s full — there’s no shoulder parking allowed at most trailheads.
