The Coastal trail to Alamere Falls

Overview: When you get to Bolinas take Mesa road to the end, the last 1.5 miles is graded not paved. The trail head is well marked on the right side of the parking lot (Palomarin Trailhead), begin your hike with a peak of the ocean through a grove of trees, as the trail winds to the right and back towards to coast your first full view of the ocean appears, the trail follows the coast with spectacular views of the ocean, Marin coastline and the Farallon islands (on a clear day), continue as the trail leaves the coast and winds though a forest and past Bass lake and Pelican lake (I like to call it ocean lake, as it sits just above the ocean), continue on for about a .5 mile along the coast to a sign marking Alamere Falls .4 miles, the trail is well marked and traveled, as you approach the falls the pounding surf first gets your attention, when you get to the falls which are four tiered, walk just past the top fall, cross over it and down to the other falls, beach access is on the right down a not so stable cliff, but manageable, I would not suggesting going down during high tide as the shale rock is slippery and there are sneaker waves that can take you away. A lot of people relax here and have lunch. The hike back is every bit as scenic. Enjoy!! I did

I took this trip again last month, the cliff down to the falls has eroded so badly it is no longer safe to go down.

Tips: Take layers, it can get windy and during colder months when the sun goes down the temperature drops quickly, bring a least two bottles of water and boots are suggested over tennis shoes as it can be rocky and muddy in places.

in late winter early spring whales migrate past here, there are bobcats, endangered salamanders and an other wildlife, early Spring is alive with flowers.

Any time is a good time to take this trip.