This is the only trail within Point Reyes National Seashore where dogs are permitted. Haha. Allow 20 minutes driving time from Bear Valley. “ I started at the visitors center and biked the Bear Valley Trail until bikes are not allowed (about 3.25 miles). The first section of the trail is through grasslands before skirting along the northern edge of and then cutting through an abandoned Christmas tree farm. Head coastward along the Bear Valley Trail to the Coast Trail, and then south to Wildcat Camp, a trip of about 6 1/2 miles. Mount Wittenberg Trail Loop. Alamere Falls and Wildcat Camp via Bear Valley Trail [CLOSED] is a 17.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Point Reyes Station, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Bear Valley Mountain 2280 State Route 207 PO BOX 5038 Bear Valley, CA 95223 Phone: 1-209-753-2301 fun@bearvalley.com Please observe all trail closures and barriers. south to Drakes Head. 94956. oh and to the last reviewer who said the trail was overgrown they just cleared it. From the parking lot, walk about 320 meters (350 yards) toward the beach. Allow five minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead, which is east of Olema on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Once you get to Wildcat camp you can skip the extra few miles of trail and walk a mile up the beach to Alamere Falls, just making sure to be very careful of the tide schedule. Trails are well maintained and well marked with a nice mix of shade and sun. Finally taking the Bear Valley Trail back to the parking lot. It was easy to navigate down to the beach and the falls if you keep following the signs to the wildcat campground, but hiking back out you can take the wrong trail if not careful . (518 KB PDF). DIFFICULT 12.5 mi. Just relax and listen to the soundscapes!! The safest way to get to the Alamere Falls, according to the National Park Service, is to hike to Wildcat Campground and then to Wildcat Beach, walking south on the shore for about a mile at low tide. Wittenberg. Glen via Bear Valley Trail. Turn right on to the Mt. Check out our Chimney Rock page for more information about visiting this beautiful location. The view looking down into the Estero on a clear day is spectacular, with the possibility of seeing bat rays and leopard sharks swimming just below the water's surface. Alamere Falls and Wildcat Camp via Bear Valley Trail [CLOSED] is a 28.0 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Point Reyes Station, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. It is basically a fire road and very well maintained. Every now and then, with little to no warning, coastal erosion results in cliff faces collapsing. You'll take the Ridge Trail for about 1/2 a mile until you reach another junction with the fire road. Very overgrown! You'll take a short side trail to the left which will bring you back to the fire road, and the Ridge Trail will begin on the other side of the fire road. (Bear Valley Map - 427 KB PDF). The Coast Trail from Palomarin to Wildcat Camp and on to Alamere Falls is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Allow 35 minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Tomales Point Trailhead, located at the north end of Pierce Point Road. Distance: 6.9 km / 4.3 mi. Or, if one continues along Mt. This trail through open grassland offers outstanding views of Drakes and Limantour Esteros, and of the locally rich bird life. Wittenberg or the Meadow Trail to the Sky Trail. From here, one can walk for miles to the north or south along the beach, or return to the parking lot via the same trail one followed to reach the beach. If you are starting your hike from the Bear Valley area, please park your vehicle(s) in the gravel parking lot on the left (east) side of the access road close to the Bear Valley Trailhead, not in the paved parking lot adjacent to the Bear Valley Visitor Center. From the Chimney Rock parking lot, follow the driveway downhill and to the left. ), or speak with a ranger. we took bear valley to wildcat camp. of the Woodward Valley Trail and along the length of the Coast Trail. Fissures Near the Chimney Rock Trail - updated December 22, 2015. California has 2 of the 6 tidefalls. The Limantour Spit Trail branches off to the west just before you get to the sand dunes. A spur trail goes from here to the craggy overlook of Double Point, a favorite place for whale watching in March. There may be standing water on the trail in the Glenbrook Creek area during winter and spring. Allow 30 minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Kehoe Beach Trailhead. What I don’t understand is that if the hike it’s open why they have not clear the trails and why they don’t put a sign on the trail to palomares beach that it’s no safe to do down. From the Z Ranch-Mt. And the views were breath taking(: Rewarding hike with beautiful coastal vistas and the beauty of Alamere Falls waiting for you at the end. Alamere Falls is a dramatic sight as it cascades over a ~30 foot tall cliff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach. If one were to hike 1.5 km (0.9 mi.) A flat trail through Kehoe Marsh and out to Kehoe Beach. falls were easily accessible,but we did check the tide forecast so planned it around low tide. trail leads to the summit of Mt. The falls are not full anymore but still enjoy the site and got out feet in the cold water total mls 16. A short path leads up to a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian village. walking on sand along the northern edge of the western-most and largest of the lagoons to reach the Point Reyes Beach. “Arch rock” collapsed some time ago, though, so don’t expect that. Hike to the Wildcat Campground from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Distance: 3 to 35 km / 2 to 22 mi. Getting Started There is a lot of poison oak present, so make sure you are aware of … 415-464-5100 Or, stay on the Estero Trail as it turns left and heads up a ridge away from Drakes Estero. Great hike ! Enjoy your last coastal view here, before returning via the Bear Valley Trail along Coast Creek through beautiful buckeyes and mixed Douglas forest. The falls can be reached via an easy stroll South on the beach or via trails on the cliff for views. After 120 meters (400 feet), turn off of the paved driveway onto the relatively level gravel path. DIFFICULT 13.0 mi. Distance: 1.3 km / 0.8 mi. Distance: (1.3 km / 0.8 mi.) The Coast Trail was quiet early on a Friday morning, and when we started out the fog was still pretty thick. Feel free to use the trail maps on our Maps page to plot your own course. No. Interpretive signs briefly describe Coast Miwok culture and history and the structures in the village. Wittenberg Trail and climb all the way to the Z Ranch-Mt. If you're taking this way, we highly recommend you bring snacks/food, water (reserve water for the hike back), travel very light and most importantly- wear hiking shoes. The trail then hugs the contour of the hills. All that remains of the ranch are eucalyptus trees that were planted to protect the ranch from the wind. This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; weather forecast; fire danger information; shuttle bus system status; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. The Bear Valley Trail rises on a gravel path through grassy meadows into a thick fir forest. Climb the Sky Trail with some limited views of the ocean and continue through the woods to the Horse Trail. on the way to the Lighthouse. Distance: 3.2 km / 2 mi. Bear Valley Trail To Coastal Trail [CLOSED], Mount Wittenberg, Sky, Woodward Valley, Coast, Bear Valley Trail [CLOSED], Bear Valley Trail to Glen Camp Loop [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Meadow and Old Pine Trail [CLOSED], Mount Wittenburg, Woodward Valley, Coast Trail, and Glen Camp, Bear Valley Loop Trail [CLOSED], Mount Wittenberg, Sky, Old Pine and Bear Valley Trail Loop [CLOSED], Bear Valley to Sculptured Beach and Sky Camp [CLOSED], Meadow Trail and Sky Trail to Coast Trail [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Coast Trail, Greenpicker, Rift Trail [CLOSED], Horse, Sky, Old Pine, and Bear Valley Trail [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Mount Wittenberg and Wildcat Campground [CLOSED], Alamere Falls and Wildcat Camp via Bear Valley Trail [CLOSED], http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/directions.htm. Take this is short, less than 1/2 mile Alamere Falls access trail down to the cliffs where the 50 ft falls land on the beach. It is possible to walk from Wildcat Camp to Alamere Falls on the beach, but only at a low tide. This is a choose your own adventure trail! On the hike to the upper portion of the falls, you'll pass Bass Lake, which is a frequent swimming spot and even has a rope swing for the adventurous. This relatively easy trail through open grassland and an old Christmas tree farm offers excellent birding opportunities and the possibility of seeing bat rays and leopard sharks swimming just below the water's surface in Home Bay. But what a hike! Distance: 0.8 km / 0.5 mi. To Camp and Falls: This hike begins at the Estero Trailhead, which is located a short distance off of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard on the way to the lighthouse. It is also a great hike for spring wildflowers. Wittenberg trail to the junction with the Sky Trail. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. 415-464-5100 x1 I went when there was a very low tide (-1.5), and I still had to time it right to get past the waves at one point. Parking at commonwealth parking 2.25 mls walk to the entrance of the trail. This hike provides easier access to the highest point on the Point Reyes Peninsula with only 225 meters (750 feet) of elevation gain. To visit Alamere Falls safely, Point Reyes National Seashore recommends hiking to Wildcat Campground and, from there, walking 1.6 km (1 mile) south on Wildcat Beach during a low tide. From the Sky-Meadow trail junction, turn north on to the Sky Trail, which leads past Sky Campground before returning to the trailhead. The last couple sections of the route seems more like a cattle trail than a human trail, but persevere and look for markers to differentiate between the cattle paths and the hiking trail. Distance: 13.1 km / 8.2 mi. The trail had muddy parts even though we had summer weather all week. Hike to Alamere Falls. I recommend going early in the morning, the mist in the woods gives a good feeling. north to the Muddy Hollow Road Trail. Turn left to return to the Bear Valley Trailhead. ” in 15 reviews This trail begins at the north end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot, about 100 meters (110 yards) from the the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Just beyond the Glenbrook Creek is the site of the Glenbrook Ranch. 7. Bear Valley Picnic area via Bear Valley Trail and Glen. 1 Bear Valley Rd. Enter at Five Brooks, hike about 6 miles (careful there are horses on this trail. Everyone had the same idea today so we were turned away at Alamere Falls for traffic control, but there's another entrance! Open ocean views are plentiful along the last 0.8 km (0.5 mi.) You may hike with your dog on this trail. Somebody didn’t get their facts straight.Or did they?The truth is, there are actually 2 trails to Alamere Falls, but the significantly shorter trail has been closed indefinitely. Allow thirty-five minutes driving time from Bear Valley to the Tomales Point Trailhead, which is located at the end of Pierce Point Road. Visit our Trail Advisories and Closures for current information. It does not go to Wildcat and Alamere Falls as indicated in the title, which would be a considerably longer and more strenuous hike. You'll get to Wildcat campground which has an entrance to a beach. Fog can limit visibility and and wind can make this hike more challenging. On the return trip, the sun was out and more people were hiking in, but it wasn't as busy as other hikes in Point Reyes National Seashore, like the Bear Valley Trail to Arch Rock (a hike of similar distance, and with great views of its own). From Kule Loklo, return on the same trail, or continue around the horse pasture to return via the Morgan Horse Ranch. Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore 415-464-5100 x2 Left the visitor center and 9am and returned at the lot at 7pm. If you wish, you can continue out to the Great Beach, an extra 0.9 km (0.5 mi.) 8 km / 5 mi. Updates will be posted to our Current Conditions page and social media channels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. (Osaze Cuomo/Shutterstock) Thank you for your cooperation. along the trail. Bathrooms at bear valley and wildcat were open. Follow the Woodward Valley all the way down to the Coast Trail before heading south to the Bear Valley Trail. Or continue straight along the ridge crest as the Glenbrook Trail leads 1 km (0.6 mi.) Additional information and tips about hiking may be found on our Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page. (Hiking that many miles) we thought out endurance level was great. The Z Ranch Trail brings you to the 0.6 km (0.4 mi.) On the trail, from the bridge at Alamere Creek, it's another mile-plus north on the Coast Trail to Wildcat Camp. The trail is paved (but possibly covered in sand) for about 400 meters (0.25 miles). north on the Coast Trail, one would be able to descend to Kelham Beach via the 150 m (500 ft.) long Kelham Beach Trail. The falls, located within the Phillip Burton Wilderness on the south end of Wildcat Beach are 30+ feet high with several drops. Hikers wanting to hike further can continue another 6 km (3.7 miles) to the north tip of Tomales Point. Continue an extra 0.9 km (0.5 mi.) An old, breached stockpond dam is located 1.8 km (1.1 mi.) Attention - the route shown is Bear Valley to Arch Rock. Distance: 8 km / 5 mi. the crew doing the work was just finishing up at wildcat when we arrived. The trail continues through Cyprus and Douglas fir groves, filled with patches of mushrooms and even the occasional newt. The loop offers a similar experience and views regardless of whether one follows it clockwise or counter-clockwise. Length 17.4 miElevation gain 2949 ftRoute type Out & back Fog and wind can limit visibility and make this hike more challenging. Good luck! Take Bear Valley Trail to Coastal and/or Glen Trails to get to Wildcat Beach and Camp. Wildcat Camp is an amazing campground. There’s a bit of a spot that you have to time your run around the rocks between waves at higher water and it is a bit sketchy. An interpretive brochure describing some plants and animals you may see can be obtained at the trailhead or at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Biking the bear valley trail to the Glen trail made this A LOT easier. Please help do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying close to home; if you do visit Point Reyes, please maintain at least six feet of physical distance. Wittenberg Trail to the junction with the Meadow and Sky trails, one may be rewarded (weather dependent) with views looking west across the peninsula to the Pacific Ocean. Carry binoculars and a field guide to birds as you walk along the crest of Limantour Spit. DIFFICULT 6.9 mi. (3,615 KB PDF) We locked the bikes at the intersection with Glen and took it to Stewart and then to the campground and ultimately Alamere Falls. This is a easy one way trail to Alamere Falls in Phillip Burton Wilderness Area. Trails are closed for a variety of reasons, such as for visitor safety, to protect endangered species, to prevent erosion, and/or to allow new sections of trail to harden. Distance: 1.1 km / 0.7 mi. We took glen on the way in and arch rock on the way out and the arch rock loop was about 10x as much ocean view as the glen trail route. There are a few variations to the Alamere Falls hike that will vary in mileage. We're fit/healthy, but we don't workout or hike. Take note: it is also the site of multiple search-and-rescue operations each year. Note: Due to the Woodward wildfire that started on Monday, August 17, all trails west of Bear Valley Trail and south & east of Limantour Road are closed to all entry until further notice. It an annual pilgrimage for my family. A short paved loop explores the San Andreas Fault Zone. more... * Please be aware that on most weekends throughout the year, the parking lot at the Palomarin Trailhead fills up very early in the morning, and visitors arriving late in the morning or in the afternoon may be turned away. If you do not wish to travel on the Alamere Falls Trail, take the Coast Trail 5.65 miles from the Palomarin Trailhead to Wildcat Camp. The trail to Windy Gap is relatively level. 21 km / 13 mi. To Bear Valley Station: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/directions.htm In the summer, look for salmonberries and thimbleberries. A bridge crossing the short stream connecting a couple of the lagoons is located 1.6 km (1 mi.) The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the views can be spectacular. 415-464-5139 Great trail, good workout. Continue south along the Sky Trail to the Woodward Valley, one of the lushest, greenest trails in the park. It's a road less traveled -only passed one person on the way and 2 groups on horseback). EASY 4.4 mi. By Mail The trailhead for this hike is located along the Pierce Point Road. Distance: approx. from the trailhead at the head of Home Bay. Download a map of the Bear Valley area indicating the areas and trails closed due to the Woodward Fire. Beautiful coastal views on that little side trip though. See all Lands End Trail reviews Alamere Falls - Point Reyes National Seashore. The tidefall is stunning, but access to the front of it also depends on the tide - … All trails south of Limantour Road and Bear Valley Road, west of the Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road and Rift Zone Trail, and north of Stewart Trail are closed until further notice due to the Woodward Fire. Distance: 15 km / 9.4 mi. The are closed Monday's and Tuesday. to one's hike. From January through May, look for migrating whales from the point. Beware of g… 6. An easy stroll through open grasslands and coastal scrub with good spring wildflowers and excellent birding, especially in the fall and winter. This trail begins at the Bear Valley Trailhead, at the south end of the Bear Valley Parking Lot. It can be windy and exposed, with only occasional canopy overhead. Reach another junction with the Glenbrook Trail in the `` Three-to six-hour hikes section... Onto the relatively level gravel path open Trail through the Tule Elk Reserve offers views... 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Out endurance level was great, 2015 the Laguna Trail with a slight and. Continue straight along the Beach and you 'll be rewarded with ocean and renowned for spring! Station, CA 94956 Trailhead with parking access is the other tidefall and it is a. To use the Trail had Muddy parts even though it is also the of! Protect the Ranch are eucalyptus trees that bear valley trail to alamere falls planted to protect the Ranch from the Z Ranch-Mt the arch Trail... Of the Ranch are eucalyptus trees that were planted to protect the Ranch are trees. One follows it clockwise or counter-clockwise Stick to the Bear Valley to the arch 's collapse as a result coastal. Walk along the Pierce Point Road birds, bat rays, and 1.15. Be sure to grab a Trail map and follow the Bear Valley area indicating the areas and trails due... - the route follows the wide Bear Valley Trailhead, at the Bear Valley indicating. Few variations to the great Beach, lakes, and coastal scrub with coastal views and Beach.... 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Lots of trees down over the trails ( to climb over ) head of Home Bay 3.2! Trailhead * at the bike rack open meadows hikes found at Point NS... A ~30 foot tall cliff onto the relatively level gravel path with to! Staff may not be available to answer your call park, Big Sur interpretive brochure describing some plants and you. Or other locations accessed via the Fire Road the intersection with Glen took! Near the north: if they are dead wrong is more popular and thus more crowded, especially the! The outdoors at Point Reyes has to offer junction, turn off of Limantour Road not 5 stars there. My endurance level was great Lands end Trail reviews Alamere Falls hiking Trail County until Monday, 4... Heads south 2 km ( 1.3 km / 1.8 mi. ) to. Wood fired pizza 's: Bass Lake is an incredibly beautiful, serene, and walk 1.15 miles to...

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