Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches, and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.
A series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs, Sonoma Coast has 16 miles of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along coast Highway 1.
A series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs, Sonoma Coast has 16 miles of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along coast Highway 1.
Park News Alert
Notice:
The Abalone fishing / diving season is closed until further notice due to red tide’s impact on the Abalone resource.
Effective October 1, 2011
Due to service reductions at Sonoma Coast SP, the following facilities are closed:
Blind Beach Day Use
Bodega Dunes Day Use
Bodega Head East Day Use
Campbell Cove Day Use
Pomo Campground
Russian Gulch Day Use
South Salmon Day Use
Schoolhouse Day Use
Vista Point Day Use
Willow Creek E Camp
The following facility is open:
Bodega Dunes Campground (19 sites open)
Service reductions are subject to change. Please call 707-865-2391 for further information.
Notice:
The Abalone fishing / diving season is closed until further notice due to red tide’s impact on the Abalone resource.
Effective October 1, 2011
Due to service reductions at Sonoma Coast SP, the following facilities are closed:
Blind Beach Day Use
Bodega Dunes Day Use
Bodega Head East Day Use
Campbell Cove Day Use
Pomo Campground
Russian Gulch Day Use
South Salmon Day Use
Schoolhouse Day Use
Vista Point Day Use
Willow Creek E Camp
The following facility is open:
Bodega Dunes Campground (19 sites open)
Service reductions are subject to change. Please call 707-865-2391 for further information.
Operating Hours & Contact
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 707-875-3483
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 707-875-3483
Fees
Day Use
$8.00 per vehicle; $7.00 per vehicle for seniors
Bus fee for 10-24 passengers is $50.00
Bus fee for 25+ passengers is $100.00
Camping:
Bodega Dunes $35.00 / night
Hike & Bike: $6.00
Wrights Beach $35.00 / night
Premium $45.00 / night
Environmental Campgrounds:
Willow Creek $25.00
Pomo $25.00
Extra vehicle: $8.00
Extra vehicle with senior:
$7.00
Day Use
$8.00 per vehicle; $7.00 per vehicle for seniors
Bus fee for 10-24 passengers is $50.00
Bus fee for 25+ passengers is $100.00
Camping:
Bodega Dunes $35.00 / night
Hike & Bike: $6.00
Wrights Beach $35.00 / night
Premium $45.00 / night
Environmental Campgrounds:
Willow Creek $25.00
Pomo $25.00
Extra vehicle: $8.00
Extra vehicle with senior:
$7.00
Beaches
Bodega Head is the rocky headland that forms the entrance into Bodega Harbor. The harbor side provides a popular crabbing area along the jetty, and the many hiking trails on the ocean side allow access to small, sandy coves and spectacular scenic bluff-top views. The high cliffs offer excellent vantage points for observing migrating gray whales.
Goat Rock, near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline and easily accessible sandy beach. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are also available. Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals which are fun to watch, but please stay 50 yards from the seals, especially during pupping season (March - August.) Due to the protected status of the seals, NO DOGS are allowed on Goat Rock Beach.
Shell Beach is a favorite location for beachcombing and tide pooling. It is used by schools as an outdoor classroom for the study of tidal pool marine life and enjoys a reputation as a prime fishing spot.
Duncan's Landing is famous for two things: as an early-day landing for loading small coastal ships with lumber and food products and for being the most dangerous point along the Sonoma Coast due to large and unpredictable surf. Heed the signs and stay off the rocks, the waves have come up to the parking lot and people have been swept off the rocks. In the spring the wildflower displays are spectacular.
Portuguese Beach & Schoolhouse Beach are beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by rocky headlands. Rock fishing and surf fishing are popular in these locations.
Salmon Creek Beach, where a lagoon forms as sand closes the mouth of Salmon Creek, is a popular summer destination. Nearly two miles of unbroken, scenic, sandy beach make this an excellent place for surf fishing, beachcombing, and picnicking. The surfers are here when the waves are good. NO DOGS and NO FIRES are allowed on Salmon Creek Beach due to the protection of the snowy plovers. The western snowy plover is listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act as a threatened species because of loss of nesting habitat due to human development, invasion of European beach grass and predation by ravens, foxes, domestic dogs and cats.
Bodega Head is the rocky headland that forms the entrance into Bodega Harbor. The harbor side provides a popular crabbing area along the jetty, and the many hiking trails on the ocean side allow access to small, sandy coves and spectacular scenic bluff-top views. The high cliffs offer excellent vantage points for observing migrating gray whales.
Goat Rock, near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline and easily accessible sandy beach. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are also available. Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals which are fun to watch, but please stay 50 yards from the seals, especially during pupping season (March - August.) Due to the protected status of the seals, NO DOGS are allowed on Goat Rock Beach.
Shell Beach is a favorite location for beachcombing and tide pooling. It is used by schools as an outdoor classroom for the study of tidal pool marine life and enjoys a reputation as a prime fishing spot.
Duncan's Landing is famous for two things: as an early-day landing for loading small coastal ships with lumber and food products and for being the most dangerous point along the Sonoma Coast due to large and unpredictable surf. Heed the signs and stay off the rocks, the waves have come up to the parking lot and people have been swept off the rocks. In the spring the wildflower displays are spectacular.
Portuguese Beach & Schoolhouse Beach are beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by rocky headlands. Rock fishing and surf fishing are popular in these locations.
Salmon Creek Beach, where a lagoon forms as sand closes the mouth of Salmon Creek, is a popular summer destination. Nearly two miles of unbroken, scenic, sandy beach make this an excellent place for surf fishing, beachcombing, and picnicking. The surfers are here when the waves are good. NO DOGS and NO FIRES are allowed on Salmon Creek Beach due to the protection of the snowy plovers. The western snowy plover is listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act as a threatened species because of loss of nesting habitat due to human development, invasion of European beach grass and predation by ravens, foxes, domestic dogs and cats.
Camping
Wright's Beach
There are 27 developed campsites located adjacent to the beach. There are no showers, but campers may use the hot showers at nearby Bodega Dunes Campground. Maximum trailer length is 27', no hook-ups are available. Each site has picnic tables, fire rings and paved parking spurs. Running water and flush toilets are nearby. When the campground is filled, the overflow area in the Wright's Beach Picnic Area may be used for self-contained vehicles. This area is along the roadway adjacent to the kiosk. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends and during the peak season.
Bodega Dunes
There are 98 campsites with hot showers, flush toilets, and a trailer sanitation dump station. Maximum trailer length is 31', no hook-ups are available. Campfire and Junior Ranger programs are held in the summer months. The day use area includes a disabled accessible boardwalk out to a classic sandy beach. No DOGS and NO FIRES are allowed on the beach as a measure to protect the snowy plovers. The western snowy plover is listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act as a threatened species because of loss of nesting habitat due to human development, invasion of European beach grass and predation by ravens, foxes, domestic dogs and cats.
Willow Creek Environmental Camp
11 primitive campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Campsites are within 1/4 mile from the parking lot and there is no running water. The only State Park campground on the Russian River, sites are shaded by willows but close to a large beach for swimming and fishing. Blue heron, egrets, osprey, and occasionally river otters can be seen by the river. To protect the wildlife, no dogs are allowed. These sites are not on the reservation system.
Pomo Canyon Environmental Camp
20 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets and running water nearby. Campsites are within 1/4 mile from the parking lot, one is disabled accessible. Camps are set in a beautiful redwood grove among the ferns. A three mile trail to Shell Beach takes off from the campground, crossing seasonal streams and rising up into the grassland with marvelous views of the river and finally the ocean. To protect the wildlife, no dogs are allowed. This campground is not on the reservation system.
Make Campground Reservations
Wright's Beach
There are 27 developed campsites located adjacent to the beach. There are no showers, but campers may use the hot showers at nearby Bodega Dunes Campground. Maximum trailer length is 27', no hook-ups are available. Each site has picnic tables, fire rings and paved parking spurs. Running water and flush toilets are nearby. When the campground is filled, the overflow area in the Wright's Beach Picnic Area may be used for self-contained vehicles. This area is along the roadway adjacent to the kiosk. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends and during the peak season.
Bodega Dunes
There are 98 campsites with hot showers, flush toilets, and a trailer sanitation dump station. Maximum trailer length is 31', no hook-ups are available. Campfire and Junior Ranger programs are held in the summer months. The day use area includes a disabled accessible boardwalk out to a classic sandy beach. No DOGS and NO FIRES are allowed on the beach as a measure to protect the snowy plovers. The western snowy plover is listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act as a threatened species because of loss of nesting habitat due to human development, invasion of European beach grass and predation by ravens, foxes, domestic dogs and cats.
Willow Creek Environmental Camp
11 primitive campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Campsites are within 1/4 mile from the parking lot and there is no running water. The only State Park campground on the Russian River, sites are shaded by willows but close to a large beach for swimming and fishing. Blue heron, egrets, osprey, and occasionally river otters can be seen by the river. To protect the wildlife, no dogs are allowed. These sites are not on the reservation system.
Pomo Canyon Environmental Camp
20 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, pit toilets and running water nearby. Campsites are within 1/4 mile from the parking lot, one is disabled accessible. Camps are set in a beautiful redwood grove among the ferns. A three mile trail to Shell Beach takes off from the campground, crossing seasonal streams and rising up into the grassland with marvelous views of the river and finally the ocean. To protect the wildlife, no dogs are allowed. This campground is not on the reservation system.
Make Campground Reservations
Activities
Fishing: The ocean, bay and river frontage of the Sonoma County coast are an angler’s paradise. Sport fishing species include rockfish, perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt, as well as red abalone, mussels and cockles. A valid California sport fishing license is required.
Picnicking: At Bodega Head, Bodega Dunes, Rock Point, Duncans Landing, Wright’s Beach and Goat Rock Beach, picnic tables and wide stretches of sandy beach entice visitors to stop and watch the surf pound against the rugged coastline. Most day-use areas have restroom facilities nearby.
Riding and Hiking: Equestrians and hikers can access the park’s five-mile trail system through the Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat Road. Horses are allowed onto Salmon Creek Beach if they stay on the trail, but are not allowed north of the picnic area. The Kortum Trail begins at Wright’s Beach and travels north to Blind Beach. The Pomo Canyon Trail, out of the Shell Beach parking lot, winds over the hill 3 1/2 miles to the Pomo Canyon Campground.
Jenner Visitor Center: Learn about the natural and cultural history of the Jenner area while enjoying a spectacular view of the Russian River. This volunteer-staffed facility is open only on weekends through the summer months.
Fishing: The ocean, bay and river frontage of the Sonoma County coast are an angler’s paradise. Sport fishing species include rockfish, perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt, as well as red abalone, mussels and cockles. A valid California sport fishing license is required.
Picnicking: At Bodega Head, Bodega Dunes, Rock Point, Duncans Landing, Wright’s Beach and Goat Rock Beach, picnic tables and wide stretches of sandy beach entice visitors to stop and watch the surf pound against the rugged coastline. Most day-use areas have restroom facilities nearby.
Riding and Hiking: Equestrians and hikers can access the park’s five-mile trail system through the Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat Road. Horses are allowed onto Salmon Creek Beach if they stay on the trail, but are not allowed north of the picnic area. The Kortum Trail begins at Wright’s Beach and travels north to Blind Beach. The Pomo Canyon Trail, out of the Shell Beach parking lot, winds over the hill 3 1/2 miles to the Pomo Canyon Campground.
Jenner Visitor Center: Learn about the natural and cultural history of the Jenner area while enjoying a spectacular view of the Russian River. This volunteer-staffed facility is open only on weekends through the summer months.
Tips & Rules
Like most north coast beaches, Sonoma Coast is NOT FOR SWIMMING. Strong rip currents, heavy surf and sudden ground swells make even surf play dangerous. A small staff of well-trained lifeguards are usually on duty during the peak season, but with so much coastline to cover they may not be available.
It is especially important to keep children back from the highest water-line and never turn your back to the ocean. Many rescues are made each year. Also be careful of the bluffs and rocks. The shale formations are unstable and unsafe for climbing, so stay on the trails and heed warning signs.
California State Parks is implementing new policies and restrictions on state beaches as part of the expanding effort to protect the western snowy plover. Some measures will result in additional restrictions on visitor use in areas that provide important plover habitat, particularly nesting areas. This includes enforcement of existing regulations prohibiting dogs on state beaches. The new rules do not prohibit leashed dogs in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas and roads, where dogs are allowed under state regulations.
The Department will limit disruption of public use as much as possible, but at the same time maximize its protective efforts for the threatened shorebird.
The Department has been implementing site protection and enforcement at many plover nesting areas for years. However, more areas will be afforded protection by the expanded effort set forth in the new management program.
Salmon Creek Beach and Bodega Dunes Beach are protected areas for the snowy plover. Dogs and fires on these beaches are prohibited.
Like most north coast beaches, Sonoma Coast is NOT FOR SWIMMING. Strong rip currents, heavy surf and sudden ground swells make even surf play dangerous. A small staff of well-trained lifeguards are usually on duty during the peak season, but with so much coastline to cover they may not be available.
It is especially important to keep children back from the highest water-line and never turn your back to the ocean. Many rescues are made each year. Also be careful of the bluffs and rocks. The shale formations are unstable and unsafe for climbing, so stay on the trails and heed warning signs.
California State Parks is implementing new policies and restrictions on state beaches as part of the expanding effort to protect the western snowy plover. Some measures will result in additional restrictions on visitor use in areas that provide important plover habitat, particularly nesting areas. This includes enforcement of existing regulations prohibiting dogs on state beaches. The new rules do not prohibit leashed dogs in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas and roads, where dogs are allowed under state regulations.
The Department will limit disruption of public use as much as possible, but at the same time maximize its protective efforts for the threatened shorebird.
The Department has been implementing site protection and enforcement at many plover nesting areas for years. However, more areas will be afforded protection by the expanded effort set forth in the new management program.
Salmon Creek Beach and Bodega Dunes Beach are protected areas for the snowy plover. Dogs and fires on these beaches are prohibited.
Plant Communities
The bluffs, slopes and dunes that frame the many beaches support a hardy ground cover of native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. In the spring these areas are particularly beautiful, with displays of yellow and blue lupine, sea pink, Indian paintbrush, western wallflower, verbena and dozens of other species of native wildflowers.
In 1951 a program was begun to stabilize the drifting sand and keep it from filling Bodega Bay. The dunes between the bay and Salmon Creek were planted with specialized grasses, including European beach grass, a species used to protect dikes in the Netherlands. This species is now considered invasive, so California State Parks staff and volunteers are removing the beach grass wherever possible.
The bluffs, slopes and dunes that frame the many beaches support a hardy ground cover of native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. In the spring these areas are particularly beautiful, with displays of yellow and blue lupine, sea pink, Indian paintbrush, western wallflower, verbena and dozens of other species of native wildflowers.
In 1951 a program was begun to stabilize the drifting sand and keep it from filling Bodega Bay. The dunes between the bay and Salmon Creek were planted with specialized grasses, including European beach grass, a species used to protect dikes in the Netherlands. This species is now considered invasive, so California State Parks staff and volunteers are removing the beach grass wherever possible.
Wildlife
Many types of animals make their homes in this lush coastal environment. A lucky visitor might catch a glimpse of raccoons, rabbits, black-tailed deer, skunks, squirrels, or, on rare occasions, elusive gray foxes or badgers.
The Sonoma Coast is also rich in bird life, with some 300 identified species. The many shore birds and other waterfowl in the area include willets, godwits, gulls, cormorants, pelicans, coots and many species of ducks. Among the land birds thriving here are quail, ravens, wrens, hawks, owls and swallows.
Whales: From December through April, volunteers assist visitors at Bodega Head in viewing the annual gray whale migration from Alaska to Baja California and back.
Seals: The Sonoma Coast, especially the mouth of the Russian River, is home to hundreds of harbor seals. From March through June, seal pups are born unable to swim and defenseless against predators when left alone. Solitary pups have neither been abandoned nor are they ill—their mothers are feeding offshore. People who approach the pregnant females and newborn pups too closely are considered a serious threat. The seemingly tame seals frighten easily, and— like all wild animals—can inflict serious bites. Do not touch any of the pups, and keep your distance from any beached seal.
Tide pool creatures: Please do not disturb the life in the tide pools. Even the simple act of turning over a rock and exposing the invertebrates to the sun or air can destroy them. These delicate animals usually die after being removed from their habitat. State law protects many species; check with park rangers and lifeguards, or consult the latest sport fishing regulations for information on licensing, species, season, size and bag limit.
Many types of animals make their homes in this lush coastal environment. A lucky visitor might catch a glimpse of raccoons, rabbits, black-tailed deer, skunks, squirrels, or, on rare occasions, elusive gray foxes or badgers.
The Sonoma Coast is also rich in bird life, with some 300 identified species. The many shore birds and other waterfowl in the area include willets, godwits, gulls, cormorants, pelicans, coots and many species of ducks. Among the land birds thriving here are quail, ravens, wrens, hawks, owls and swallows.
Whales: From December through April, volunteers assist visitors at Bodega Head in viewing the annual gray whale migration from Alaska to Baja California and back.
Seals: The Sonoma Coast, especially the mouth of the Russian River, is home to hundreds of harbor seals. From March through June, seal pups are born unable to swim and defenseless against predators when left alone. Solitary pups have neither been abandoned nor are they ill—their mothers are feeding offshore. People who approach the pregnant females and newborn pups too closely are considered a serious threat. The seemingly tame seals frighten easily, and— like all wild animals—can inflict serious bites. Do not touch any of the pups, and keep your distance from any beached seal.
Tide pool creatures: Please do not disturb the life in the tide pools. Even the simple act of turning over a rock and exposing the invertebrates to the sun or air can destroy them. These delicate animals usually die after being removed from their habitat. State law protects many species; check with park rangers and lifeguards, or consult the latest sport fishing regulations for information on licensing, species, season, size and bag limit.
Accessible Features
Camping
Bodega Dunes Campground: Three sites are generally accessible. Blown sand may affect surface firmness.
Restrooms with showers: Four restrooms with showers are generally accessible.
Parking: Designated accessible parking is adjacent to restrooms.
Pomo Environmental Campground (Walk-in) has one accessible campsites, an accessible non-flush toilet, and a designated accessible parking space. It is approximately 200 feet over hard pack (in dry weather) from the accessible parking space to the campsites. Accessible campsite is # 11.
Wright's Beach Campground has accessible campsites, picnic sites restrooms and parking.
Willow Creek Campground has two accessible campsites and accessible restrooms. Accessible campsites are #’s 3 and 5.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area
Bodega Head area: Campbell Cove, West Head, and Goat Rock now have accessible picnicking, parking, and non-flush toilets.
Bodega Dunes day use area: Accessible parking and picnic sites along with a newly reconstructed ramp to the beach are now open in this area. Vista Point area. A picnic area near the Vista Trail has four accessible picnic sites on firm pads with accessible paths of travel. A non-flush toilet is accessible. There are two accessible parking spaces, including one van accessible, with accessible routes to the restroom and picnic tables.
Trails
Vista Trail is a .7 mile asphalt trail at the northern boundary of Sonoma Coast State Beach. The trail offers sweeping views of the rugged Sonoma coastline. Accessible parking, picnicking and restrooms are available.
Kortum Trail (Segment 3) is a .8 mile compacted soil trail that runs along coastal bluff. The primary trail surface is compacted soil with a short section of boardwalk. The out-and-back trail runs from Carlevaro Way to Wrights Beach. The trail offers outstanding views of the Sonoma Coastline and Pacific Ocean. Accessible parking is provided at both trailheads.
The Bodega Head Trail is a 1.9 mile loop trail originating from the western most parking lot at the end of Westshore Road. The trail offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Tamales Bay, and Bodega Bay all on the same hike. Accessible parking and restroom facilities are available at the trailhead. The trail surface is constructed of compacted soil.
Beach/Shore Access
Beach wheelchairs are available. Call (707) 875-3483 for information.
A 675-foot-long boardwalk and ramp runs through the dunes to the beach. It is designed accessible but due to quickly changing site conditions, including blowing sand, this route may not always be passable for people in wheelchairs. Visitors who want to use the ramp should call (707) 875-3483 to inquire about current conditions on the boardwalk.
Exhibits/Programs
The Jenner Visitor Center/Park Store has been modified and is accessible, including parking and a no-flush toilet.
Salmon Creek Ranger Station: A small Visitor Center/Museum/information center is generally accessible.
Camping
Bodega Dunes Campground: Three sites are generally accessible. Blown sand may affect surface firmness.
Restrooms with showers: Four restrooms with showers are generally accessible.
Parking: Designated accessible parking is adjacent to restrooms.
Pomo Environmental Campground (Walk-in) has one accessible campsites, an accessible non-flush toilet, and a designated accessible parking space. It is approximately 200 feet over hard pack (in dry weather) from the accessible parking space to the campsites. Accessible campsite is # 11.
Wright's Beach Campground has accessible campsites, picnic sites restrooms and parking.
Willow Creek Campground has two accessible campsites and accessible restrooms. Accessible campsites are #’s 3 and 5.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area
Bodega Head area: Campbell Cove, West Head, and Goat Rock now have accessible picnicking, parking, and non-flush toilets.
Bodega Dunes day use area: Accessible parking and picnic sites along with a newly reconstructed ramp to the beach are now open in this area. Vista Point area. A picnic area near the Vista Trail has four accessible picnic sites on firm pads with accessible paths of travel. A non-flush toilet is accessible. There are two accessible parking spaces, including one van accessible, with accessible routes to the restroom and picnic tables.
Trails
Vista Trail is a .7 mile asphalt trail at the northern boundary of Sonoma Coast State Beach. The trail offers sweeping views of the rugged Sonoma coastline. Accessible parking, picnicking and restrooms are available.
Kortum Trail (Segment 3) is a .8 mile compacted soil trail that runs along coastal bluff. The primary trail surface is compacted soil with a short section of boardwalk. The out-and-back trail runs from Carlevaro Way to Wrights Beach. The trail offers outstanding views of the Sonoma Coastline and Pacific Ocean. Accessible parking is provided at both trailheads.
The Bodega Head Trail is a 1.9 mile loop trail originating from the western most parking lot at the end of Westshore Road. The trail offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Tamales Bay, and Bodega Bay all on the same hike. Accessible parking and restroom facilities are available at the trailhead. The trail surface is constructed of compacted soil.
Beach/Shore Access
Beach wheelchairs are available. Call (707) 875-3483 for information.
A 675-foot-long boardwalk and ramp runs through the dunes to the beach. It is designed accessible but due to quickly changing site conditions, including blowing sand, this route may not always be passable for people in wheelchairs. Visitors who want to use the ramp should call (707) 875-3483 to inquire about current conditions on the boardwalk.
Exhibits/Programs
The Jenner Visitor Center/Park Store has been modified and is accessible, including parking and a no-flush toilet.
Salmon Creek Ranger Station: A small Visitor Center/Museum/information center is generally accessible.
Getting There
The beach is located between Jenner and Bodega Bay on Highway One. The Rangers' Station is at the north side of Salmon Creek, off Highway 1.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The beach is located between Jenner and Bodega Bay on Highway One. The Rangers' Station is at the north side of Salmon Creek, off Highway 1.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
While the north coast weather can be foggy in the summer, it usually burns off by midday and the cool ocean breezes make the Sonoma Coast a haven for visitors seeking to escape the inland heat. Layered clothing is recommended.
While the north coast weather can be foggy in the summer, it usually burns off by midday and the cool ocean breezes make the Sonoma Coast a haven for visitors seeking to escape the inland heat. Layered clothing is recommended.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Lower Russian River Exploration
The Russian River originates in the redwood forests of Mendocino County and winds gently south through Sonoma County.
The Russian River originates in the redwood forests of Mendocino County and winds gently south through Sonoma County.
Difficult
5.8 mi
9.3 km
9.3 km
Goat Rock State Beach
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Red Hill at Sonoma Coast State Beach
An old California ranch overlooking the coast and Jenner headlands
An old California ranch overlooking the coast and Jenner headlands
Moderate
5.8 mi
9.3 km
9.3 km
Guides
An old California ranch overlooking the coast and Jenner headlands
The Russian River originates in the redwood forests of Mendocino County and winds gently south through Sonoma County.
Community Trips
A trip to the coast with visiting grandparents, involving 3 geocaches.We started at the Shell Beach parking lot and headed up the trail to Going Coastal. After a quick find, we continued on until we reached Sunset Boulders, another ammo can.On the way back to the beach, we decided to give Riddle of the Rubbing Rocks (4* terrain rating) a go. Being 90 feet higher up made for quite a nice view.We...
This is actually the Kortum Trail and it goes from Blind Beach through Shell Beach and on to Wrights Beach. Blind Beach is right next to goat rock beach and that is why I called it the Goat Rock Trail. We walked about 6 miles and we worked up a good sweat, took a few breaks by the ocean and had a nice time.
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