Alamere Falls via Coast Trail

The most common starting point is the Palomarin Trailhead. Be aware that the last mile and a half of Mesa Road leading to the trailhead is unpaved and can be potholed and washboarded. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access Alamere Falls or the trails within Point Reyes National Seashore. However, standard park regulations apply.

Dogs are generally not allowed on most trails within Point Reyes National Seashore, including the Coast Trail to Alamere Falls, to protect wildlife and natural resources. Always check the official National Park Service website for the most current regulations regarding pets.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall often offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and clear skies. Winter can bring rain, making some sections muddy, while summer can be foggy or warm. Always check weather and tide conditions before you go, especially if planning to descend to the beach.

The trail offers diverse terrain. You'll start with coastal views, then move through rolling hills and dense forests. Sections of the Coast Trail are well-maintained. However, the unofficial shortcut directly to the falls is overgrown, steep, and eroded, involving scrambling. If you descend to the beach, expect ruts, rock benches, and potentially running on sand.

The National Park Service advises against using the unmaintained "shortcut" directly down to the falls due to hazards like crumbling cliffs, poison oak, and steep, loose sections. The recommended route is to hike to Wildcat Campground and then walk south along the beach for about a mile. This requires careful planning around low tide, as high tide can make the beach inaccessible and dangerous.

Beyond the stunning Alamere Falls itself, you'll enjoy dramatic coastal views, especially from Palomarin Beach. The route also passes by picturesque Bass Lake and Pelican Lake, and traverses through forested areas and open meadows. On clear days, you might even spot the Farallon Islands.

The estimated jogging duration for this route is around 2 hours, 1 minute. However, this can vary significantly based on your pace, how much time you spend at the falls, and whether you take the longer, safer route to the base of the falls.

This trail is generally considered difficult for jogging. While sections of the main Coast Trail are relatively easygoing, its overall length (nearly 15 km) and the significant elevation gain (over 450 meters) make it challenging. The most difficult parts involve reaching the base of the falls, which is not recommended for beginners due to steep, unmaintained sections.

Alamere Falls is a rare "tidefall," meaning it cascades directly onto the sandy beach of the Pacific Ocean. It's one of only two such coastal waterfalls in California and one of very few in the world. This dramatic sight of fresh water meeting the ocean makes it a truly spectacular and sought-after destination.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Coast Trail for much of its length. You'll also encounter sections of the Palomarin Beach Trail, Alamere Falls Trail, Bass Lake, Pelican Hill Trail, and Lake Ranch Trail along the way.