Arena Cove is one mile west
of Point Arena and Highway One. This location off the main road provides a
unique solitude not found elsewhere on the north coast. Arena Cove is home
to the municipal pier and the dozen or so boats that make up the commercial
fishing fleet.
Most days the fishermen bring in their catch while mesmerized land-dwellers
gaze on in awe.
The Cove is also home to sport fishing, abalone diving, tide pooling and
world-class surfing.
Pick up
the detailed
Sea Ranch Trail Guide at the Redwood Coast Chamber Visitors Center. The
Sea Ranch has four public access trails for hiking and beach walking.
Soda Springs Reserve
– Highway 1 South, turn onto
Annapolis Road and up the mile about 7.5 miles to Soda Springs Road.The park
is a perfect place to stop among your travels. Rest or hike under the
fragrant shelter of redwood groves, while enjoying the soothing sounds of
running water from the adjacent Soda Springs Creek. Also a great trip to tie
in with your Annapolis Winery visit.
Gualala Bluff Trail - The Trail provides spectacular Gualala river
estuary and ocean vistas as well as unparalleled opportunities to experience
estuary wildlife "up close and personal." Look for the sign on the West side
as you enter Gualala from South Highway 1.
Redwood Coast Land Conservancy – this site will keep you up to date on
coastal access.
Salt Point State Park – Highway 1 South near Mile Marker 43. With 20
miles of hiking trails, over six miles of rugged coastline, and an
underwater park, you can enjoy a variety of picnicking, hiking, horseback
riding, fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, and camping
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve is located adjacent to Salt
Point State Park. This pristine reserve contains second-growth redwood,
Douglas fir, grand firs, tanoaks, and a plethora of rhododendrons. Each
May these spectacular flowers burst into bloom and color the deep green of
the forest with brilliant pink blossoms. There are five miles of hiking
trails through the quiet forest with a short loop trail that leads through
clusters of rhododendrons. No Dogs or Bikes are allowed
Beach Hiking Guide
ELK:
Greenwood-Elk State Beach – Highway 1 North - Mile Marker 32. Greenwood
State Beach offers beach access and a picturesque view of the Pacific Ocean.
The visitor center is in the middle of town and provides a glimpse of what
life was like in this lumber town during the late 1800s.
MANCHESTER BEACH: Each access to this spectacular five
mile crescent shaped beach is unique and each offers the hiker a different
visual experience. All are worth visiting.
·
Stoneboro Road – Mile Marker 19.64
·
Kinney Road – Mile Marker 21.41
·
Alder Creek Beach – Mile Marker
22.48
POINT ARENA:
Stornetta Public Lands -
Lighthouse Road off Highway 1 North - Mile Marker 17.23 The 1,132 acre
Stornetta Public Lands include over 2 miles of coastline, the estuary of the
Garcia River and adjacent beach, and a small island accessible during low
tide. The property is recognized by several state and federal agencies as
containing significant natural resources, including important wildlife
habitat, several riparian corridors, extensive wetlands, ponds and other
water sources, cypress groves, meadows and sand dunes. Migratory waterfowl,
shore birds, raptors, and several special status species may be found on the
property. People can use the area for daytime activities, including hiking,
picnicking, nature photography, and wildlife watching
Bowling Ball Beach and Schooner Gulch - The beach and headlands
preserve a scenic spot along the Mendocino Coast and offers a stunning perch
for watching sunsets, or merely sitting in the grass as the afternoon sun
glistens on the waters below. Fishing, picnicking, and surfing are popular
activities here.
A small parking area located at Mile Marker 11.50 with two trailheads is on
the west side of the highway. The southern trail leads to Schooner Gulch
Beach and the northern trail provides access to Bowling Ball Beach.
GUALALA:
Gualala Point Regional Park - The 195 acre park has open meadows
mixed with coastal forest. The park contains a trail system, coastal vistas,
and sandy beaches. The park is located adjacent to the Gualala River, which
offers limited seasonal fishing.
Gualala Point Park is
popular with day hikers and picnickers.
