Shayla B.

This is what life is truly all about; exploring nature's beauty and all that it has to offer. The Palomarin trail to Alamere Falls is one of those coveted beauties that will make you wish that it was all yours. The drive down Mesa Road to the trailhead will be rough. The roads are badly degraded and covered in potholes. Just when you think that you may have turned into a road leading to nowhere, you'll reach a dead end with a parking lot and probably tons of other parked vehicles depending on the time of day that you arrive. The Palomarin trail begins right near the parking lot. There are a set of steps with a trail marker near the start. Restrooms are only located in the parking lot, so make sure you go before you begin your hike. There are several different connector trails that you can take, with the most popular one leading down to Alamere Falls. If you are planning on hiking to the falls, you should be prepared to hike a little over 8 miles in total roundtrip. Make sure you bring lots of water and snacks as this hike will probably take at least a few hours to complete roundtrip. In the summer, there are parts of the trail that are unshaded, so it's easy to get dehydrated if you don't have enough water. The hike itself is pretty easy. The incline is gradual and you will gain tons of elevation, but the main trail isn't steep at all. The views on the way up the trail are spectacular! You'll be greeted by the most beautiful views of Bass Lake and the Marin coastline. When you are close to the halfway point, you'll pass by an arrow made of rocks on the ground (not sure if it's still there, but the actual trail marker is badly degraded). This is the Alamere Falls trail. Make sure you are paying attention because it is super easy to pass up. It's about 3.5-4 miles in and will be located on your left hand side amongst the brush. The Alamere Falls trail is about a half mile long and isn't well maintained. The trail is narrow and filled with poison ivy. I would recommend wearing long sleeves at least for this portion, especially if you are allergic. Once you get closer to the falls, you'll have to scale down some very steep rocks. This is probably the most difficult part of the hike. Upper body strength will really play a major roll here as you will have to depend on your hands and legs to help you get down safely. Hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes are highly recommended. The first steep rock climb down will take you to the first 3 Falls. The second even steeper rock climb will take you to the biggest waterfall and will lead you right onto Palomarin Beach. And that will be your reward! Soaking in the gorgeous views of Alamere Falls and the secluded Palomarin Beach. This is by far one of the most enjoyable hikes that I've ever done in Marin! And the stunning views of Alamere Falls makes it all worth while.

Cat P.

This is possibly my favorite hiking trail. It's challenging but not bad, all the hills are rolling ups and downs rather than long steep stretches. The beach gets pretty cold and windy (not surprising for Northern California) so pack some layers. I've seen both a mountain lion and a fox on the trail different times that I've hiked. Weekends can get obnoxiously crowded, so definitely go midweek if possible!

Kevin F.

What a beautiful hike along the Point Reyes coastline. Waterfalls to the ocean are rare as it is in California, especially with climate change and drought. So, this is a must on any one's hiking list in Cali. The one in Big Sur is cool, but not accessible, Alamere falls is, just be ready for a moderate hike along the coastline. No redwoods here, more reminiscent of the far north Cali, or Oregon or maybe San Juan island, lots of fir trees. Unfortunately, like most of the Bay Area, poison oak is definitely present. Pretty moderate trail throughout, for some reason it seemed more uphill coming back, as it's a there and back trail. If I do it again, I'll probably take the beach route again to the falls, the take the trail above the falls, back to the coast trail. Be aware! It's 7 miles in, just to get to the falls. This is a very popular trail, so come early, parking fills up fast and by the time I was done was stretching down the road. Lots of amazing views of the coast line, extending up to Bodega bay and down Point Reyes. Lots of fishing boats up n down the coast. The beach was nice, it's a trek to the falls, once you get to the beach, but you can see it on the distance. Quite a few good views of the farallon islands, even with the high fog most the morning. Definitely a worth while hike to do, just remember, it's going to be 13-14 mile hike. The views and lakes and waterfalls were all pretty amazing. Definitely a hike ya want to do, in the Bay Area. Even though there was lots of cars in the parking lot, the trails weren't crowded. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the day and hike. So... Always willing to go the extra mile, happy hiking, God bless, and cheers!

Tiffany H.

Took this trail to hike to Alamere falls! It's super chill and the breeze was nice, since we were walking mostly along the coast. Be sure to wear longs sleeves and long pants because there are lots of plant things poking at you at various points in the hike. Also, people have told me that there's poison ivy here, so be careful!

Lisa F.

Best hike in the Bay Area. No dogs. We started at 9:15AM at the trailhead and got back at 4pm. We also spent about 1.5 hours enjoying the scenery and lunch at the beach.

Stanley L.

Initial Tips: 1. Pack lots of water/ pack some snacks for hike if you are going to the falls 2. The road to the parking lot is very rocky, make sure your car has the proper tires as it it quite rough and my tires were damaged quite a lot from the rough unpaved roads. 3. Bring long sleeves and do not wear shorts as there is a lot of poison oak, it is even displayed at the trailhead stairways leading to the start of the trail. 4. Bring a camelpack or a small backpack as traversing down the cliff with a bulky backpack is troublesome. 5. Check the weather as roads leading to the trailhead my be flooded or a heavy rain/storm may cause some of the trails to be flooded/muddy. Overview: I would give this 3 to 3.5 stars due to the fact that getting to the trailhead is quite a bit of work (from a driving standpoint). The drive to this trailhead is rough on your car and also rough on the driver as there are a lot of twists and turns (be sure you have sufficient sleep and eat a good breakfast!). The GPS signal is quite weak to non-existent. I would recommend not relying on just your phone's GPS as service is limited (So either rely on your Car's GPS navigation or pack a portable one). While driving on the rocky road, be sure to drive on the side as there are a lot of pot holes on the ground (pot holes have sharp rocks!). Parking: There is a small parking lot prior to getting to the main parking lot at the trailhead. If you are there after 9am or 10am, it is best to just park at the small parking lot and walk towards the main trailhead parking lot. It takes about 5 to 10 mins to walk. A lot of people park on the side of the road if parking is full but their car's suspensions are leaning towards the side of the road and that is bad on your car! At the trailhead, be sure to take a picture of the trail map. There is a bathroom at the trailhead and also a recycling/trash can. Be sure to empty your trash at this trashcan on your way back from a hike. No matter which hike you decide to do, getting to this trailhead has its struggles, but the hike and scenery will be worth it! So persevere!

Ricky W.

This is the hike to make if you enjoy hiking, and beaching it up along the coast. Ive made this hike/journey twice now, both in the heat/light of all gods, and now in the winter time under clouds that spit rain at us periodically, through mud, and eventually darkness as we made it back to the car. This is what Id call an intermediate hike. The Palomarin trail is in the Point Reyes peninsula area and is about a 12 mile hike there and back depending on what trails you take. The drive up to the trail is scenic, a bit tedious with all the bikers on the narrow roads, its easy to miss and there is almost no reception whatsoever in the area. This is not a hike for those that really just like to walk. You will use your leg muscles, breathing techniques on the inclines if youre like me and enjoy eating and drinking while hiking :) the trail takes you in and out of the woods, along the cliffs and through what appears to be a marsh like area. Most people hike here to see the bad ass waterfalls that come from high up somewhere that the water never seems to end. There are actually several waterfalls that fall into one another leading down to the beach and running into the ocean. The end result of the hike if you choose is Wildcat beach...the beach is bad ass during the summer time with extra smooth/clean sand and it looks and feels endless. We just visited this december and there was a high surf advisory and the beach was washed out! We still enjoyed the hike and it was still bad ass. There is of course the great clean smell of ocean meets forest and sand. There were alot of salamanders out on the trail when I went during the rainy season so beware. Ive seen so many different animals here from lizzards, deer, wild cats, and most recently what appeared be be a small fox. Do it and enjoy it! 5 cheers for the Palomarin Trail!!!!! I will the trail again in 2016.

Kim H.

We did the Alamere Falls hike, via Palomarin. I believe it is just shy of about 8 miles, not at ALL a hard hike. The BEAUTY of this hike is hard to put in words, so you do need to take photos. My camera gave up, just as we reached our elevation destination, then it was down to the beach and taking in some lunch. I am part of an active hiking club, and this gem is one of my favorites (gets your legs ready for the bigger hikes that are closer to 20 miles RT.) I will be training for a half marathon this fall, so THIS trek is on my to-do list (scheduled) for TWO trips before my 1/2 marathon. My HUBBY is NOT a hiker, and I sure the heck wouldn't expect someone to do stuff they don't like to do (who does that?) THIS hike is so much fun for our group, it takes me an hour to debrief my better half when I return. LOVE THIS HIKE!

Wolfe S.

Awesome, except on the hottest weekends, when you might find more peace and quiet in areas of Point Reyes. Previously, this trailhead featured two main attractions: - Bass Lake's Ropeswing - Alamere Falls However, the ropeswing is no more, since the ~70 foot tall tree supporting it fell into the lake, taking part of bluff with it. Alamere falls are pretty and have beach access, but the trailhead there and back is a single in and out path, so the only variety is from the changing light around sunset. Don't get me wrong, the sunsets here are beautiful, but they're beautiful anywhere in Point Reyes and if you're looking for more of an adventure maze to explore, this trailhead isn't it. Bass Lake is still swimmable, but it's less fun without the rope swing.

Lynn R.

Scenery: Forest, Coast, Lake, Beach, Waterfall Difficulty: Easy Distance: 4.2 miles one way Elevation Gain: Duration: 8.4 miles round trip Route Type: Out & Back Good for Kids: Palomarin Trail: Yes Coast Trail: Yes Alamere Trail: Would not recommend for little kids (lots of poison oak, steep climb down to the falls) Strollers: Some parts of the trail yes, but would not recommend Bikes: No Dogs: No Parking Fee: Tip: Directions on Yelp are correct. This Trailhead will lead you to Alamere Falls. After a few minutes of walking on the trail, you will see an information map and then a sign. Do not make a left towards the Palomarin Beach Trail. Continue to go straight towards the Coast Trail. You will then pass a picnic table and will see amazing views of the coastline. Soon after, you will reach the first of two wooden bridges. The first bridge is out in the open with the hills as its backdrop. The second bridge is covered with shade from the trees above it. Continue hiking and you will eventually reach a trail surrounded with trees that it looks as if you are walking through a tunnel, trying to reach the light at the end. Next, you will continue on a rocky trail and then come upon a split. Do not go towards the Lake Ranch Trail. Stay on the Coast Trail. You will soon pass Bass Lake and the wooden Portable Water container to your right. There is also a fallen tree on the trail, who knows how long that has been there? Watch where you step because we saw lots of horse poop too. You will then see another sign that says Coast Trail, continue on with the trail. Next, you will see the second lake, Pelican Lake. Eventually, you will come across another sign. It's easy to miss so be on the lookout. It will be on your left side. Alamere Falls Trail. Yay! We made it and now it's the home stretch!! This is a jungle like narrow trail full of poison oak so take caution. Finally, you hear the falls and you see the ocean. Relax and take a deep breath because this is not the end of your adventure. You will need to climb down a short climb on rocks. I used both my hands and feet to feel more stable. When you reach the bottom, you will see small waterfalls leading to the main waterfall. To get to the mail waterfall, you will need to continue the adventure and climb down yet another short and very steep climb on rocks. The rocks here are loose and crumbly like. I scraped my leg because I slipped so be careful! LASTLY, we reached the end of our adventure. We both sat on the beach and enjoyed the view. I felt at peace as I sat there trying to let it all sink in. It's not everyday I get to see this beautiful waterfall tumbling over a cliff, it's waters racing towards the ocean.

David S.

Beautiful seaside views off of Point Reyes' southern shores and the trail to get to Alamere Falls. Don't forget to stop by Bolinas, the quirky, artsy, hippie community on your way to/from this trail. The trail, at least the parts that we hiked, were not very difficult and the views were spectacular. It is unfortunate that you cannot take mountain bikes on these trails, as it would be great for bikes. I went here with my six-year-old son, but was unable to make it to Alamere falls due to my son's fatigue. Oh well. I look forward to returning and visiting the falls in the future. The trail starts at the Palomarin Trailhead. The whole hike is pretty flat so it is an easy hike. The first part of the Hike is high along cliffs that drop down to the ocean. After about a mile the Trail will cut inland passing two small lakes (Bass Lake and Pelican Lake). Bass Lake has a trail leading down to so taking a swim here is a option, while Pelican Lake does not have a trail leading to it. This is one of the nicest parts of the trip as it is wooded and rich with vegetation. After 3.6 miles you will reach the Alamere Falls Trail. This trail is very poorly maintained so it will probably be a little overgrown. Watch out for Poison Oak as there is some along the trail. After a short time on that trail you will reach a series of small but awesome waterfalls. If you go towards the right while facing the ocean along the cliff you will see a very steep area with lots of lose rocks you can climb down to the beach and see the lower fall which is my favorite part of the trip. Be very careful when climbing down. Tips: Forks in the road: 1) Shortly after two miles into the trip is the first fork in the road make sure to stay left. 2) Around 3.6 miles will be the second major fork in the trail splitting three ways. Take the trail straight towards Alamere Falls.

Nandini B.

This is such a lovely place for a beginner hike. 4.2 miles each way and it takes about 3 hours + the amount of time you choose to spend at the beach. Getting here is a bit tricky. You drive through Marin on CA1. Pass the Bolinas's marshes. You will see the Olemas-Bolinas intersection. Go straight and then turn left on Horsetrack Trail. Note: this left turn is easy to miss, so keep a look out for this after the marshes on your left. Drive about 3 miles on this road and you find a stop sign at a T-junction of Mesa Rd. Take a right here. Keep driving on this road till changes to a dirt trail. This then ends in a dead end and that is the Palomarin trail head. There are trash cans and restrooms right at the start. The restrooms can be given a miss unless it is really necessary :P. This hike is pretty level. It has short climbs and dips along the sea and through the forests. Take the Wild Cat trail which will take you down to the Alamere falls. You will hike past 2 lakes - Bass lake and then quickly followed by the Pelican lake. After the Pelican lake the trail gets really narrow and you need to hike through a lot of wild foliage. Keep a lookout for a sign that reads Alamere falls to your left. This path has poison oak on the right side (lookout for those oily slick leaves). You then have a scramble down to get to the top of a 3 tiered falls on the Alamere creek. And then one more scramble over loose gravel and rocks down to the beach to see the falls join the sea. You then go back the way you came in. So the climb up the scramble is a lot easier than the climb down. The view from the beach is breathtaking....

Chris D.

This hike has it all. Sure it is tough to get to. 45 min out of the city through curling roads and sometimes silly Stinson Beach traffic. However, once you're beyond SB it is smooth sailing. The dirt road for the last mile is a wonderful transition from your old world and a day of relaxation. There usually is plenty of parking too! The bathrooms are infinitely better than Muir Beach. The trail has several off shoots but I like the long one to Alemeria Falls. It is the perfect distance (about 5.5 miles out). The route offers everchanging scenery to make the hour + trip out so enjoyable. You are treated to eucalytpus forests, stark coast paths, firs, dense covered paths, several beautiful swimable lakes, coastal brush, and lastly, waterfalls into the ocean. Add to that I've seen deer, seals, snakes and numerous birds. Pack a lunch or a snack for a small stop at the end. Remember that its 1 hour + and about 30 minutes driving before reaching the throngs of people in Stinson Beach. I've made that mistake before and was about to eat my fist. All in all. Its about 11 miles and takes 2 hours 45 minutes of hiking. There is some very minor rock climbing at the end only if you want to head down tho the beach for the best view of the waterfall. It is quite a find and even when the parking lot is full you'll have plenty of solitary time out and about.