Now, before I go on (and on!) about how everyone needs to add this hike to their bucket list, it's important to keep the following tips in mind:
- The most ideal place to start this hike is at the Palomarin Trailhead, which lies at the southern-most staging area on the Point Reyes peninsula. But be warned: the parking lots here fills up extremely fast, as this trailhead is the launching point for multiple hikes. So I highly recommend getting here earlier rather than later. My husband and I arrived around 8 a.m. on a Saturday, and to our surprise, there were only a few spots left to park. That said, definitely skip the snoozes the day of your hike because I've read that if the lots get too full, visitors might be turned away.
- There are no restrooms on the trail — you know, besides making your own in a bush somewhere off the beaten path. So take advantage of the ones located in the parking lot at Palomarin Trailhead.
- Make sure to bring lots of water, as there are no drinking fountains along this hike.
- Don't forget to layer. Trust me on this one. This trail is notoriously known for poison ivy, so opt for wearing long sleeves and pants. I wore a tank top with a jacket and full-length yoga pants, which worked out great.
- There is hardly (if any) cell service along the trail, so be sure to download the area's map on Google beforehand to assist with navigation.
- Because conditions on the coast can change rapidly, it's a good idea to check for trail closures online before you leave your house. You can also check at the Point Reyes Ranger Station.
- It's best to allow two to three hours each way to complete this hike, although it could take more or less time, depending on your desired speed.
One last piece of advice: When hiking to Alamere Falls, you have two trails options. One: you can follow the Coast Trail all the way to the Wildcat Campground, where you will then walk the seashore to the 40-foot waterfall. This option is pretty straight forward, with a total distance of 13 miles.
The second choice you have is following the Coast Trail until you get to the "shortcut" — also known as the Alamere Falls Trail. This shortcut will get you to the waterfall much faster, as this trail's total distance is 8.4 miles. The only drawback here is that it does require some scrambling, which I'll touch on more in the next few slides.
As you can probably guess, we chose the shortcut. While a large majority of people opt for this alternate route, it is critical that I point out the Point Reyes park staff do not encourage visitors to do so, as the Alamere Falls Trail is not maintained. Therefore, make sure to choose the path you're most comfortable with.
But let's face it: no matter how you decide to get to the falls, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience!
