2019 Sonoma Family Coastal Trail Day Walk Series

2019 Sonoma Family Coastal Trail Day Walk Series!

Join us for our newest family walk series along the Sonoma Coast & learn about our variety of coastal resources

WALK LEADERS:

Peter Levequerenowned biologist, SRJC instructor of 35 years with the Life Sciences Department, and volunteer naturalist trail guide for Sonoma County environmental non-profits.

Cea HigginsExecutive Director of Coastwalk, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Council, & Marine Debris Educator.  

Costs: Suggested $5 donation.  For more details including what to bring, where to meet, how to join Coastwalk, and to register visit www.coastwalk.org

February 9th from 9AM -12PM

 Explore Mammoth Rocks!

Walk the flat and easy Kortum Trail from Shell Beach to Mammoth Rocks and learn the answer to the question of how these smooth rocks were the rubbing sites of giant mammoths over 10,000 years ago.  

 

March 9th- 9AM-12PM - RAIN DATE March 23rd

Sandy Shore Inhabitants

Beach comb with us along South Salmon Creek Beach and learn about the beach hopper, mole crabs, and many more organisms while strolling along this beautiful sandy beach.

 

April 5th - 4:00-7:30PM

Red Hill Sunset Hike

Walk with us from Shell Beach to Red Hill learning about the flora & fauna and enjoy the views of the Russian River &The Sonoma Coast while enjoying the sunset and your packed dinner.

 

MAY 17th - 4:30PM-8:30PM

Jenner Headlands Sunset Hike – Sorry this walk has reached it’s capacity ! Please join us for another walk!

Hike to the Mystery Trees at our newest coastal park -an easy uphill hike.  

 

June 8th - 8:30AM - 12:00PM

Bodega Bay Mudflats

Come meet us at Doran Park and walk the flats to meet the mud critters of Bodega Bay-clams, worms, shrimp, snails & more. Bring your boots!

 

Del Norte County 2019

The Del Norte Classic Coastwalk 2019 - SOLD OUT

The return of the Northernmost Coastwalk along the Coastal Trail!

Del Norte County

Sept. 30-Oct. 5

6 days/5 nights

Rating: Moderate

Max Capacity: 25

$595 Non-Member Price

$570 Coastwalk Member Price

Join us on a border-to-border Coastwalk of the Del Norte County coast which spans 56 miles of Coastal Trail offering a unique diversity of unspoiled scenery and abundant wildlife. From remote beaches, ancient vegetated dunes, and rocky bluffs, to marine terraces and virgin redwood forests. Spend time with local naturalists, historians and advocates for the coast who guide you on daily hikes from the beach at the California/Oregon border to the Klamath River. 

 

 

Highlights:

Camping one night on the unspoiled beaches above the mouth of the Smith River on the California/Oregon border. Meeting with a representative from the Tolowa Nation as we hike in the Tolowa Dunes State Park. Camping two nights in the 17-acre campground with open sunny sites and Alder Groves. Visit the Del Norte Museum in Crescent City and follow the beach to the east and rugged sea stacks to the west. Walk out to the Battery Point Lighthouse and walk to Enderts Beach trailhead. Follow the original old Redwood Highway route offering sweeping views of the Del Norte coastline descending through dense coastal scrub into Nickel Creek Canyon. Meet with Redwood National Park biologist and hike through virgin redwood forests. Camp for two nights at Kamp Klamath where the Pacific meets the mouth of the Klamath River. Enjoy an all you can eat BBQ (with vegetarian options) on our final night together. Learn about the Yurok Tribe at the Yurok Country Visitor Center in downtown Klamath.

Trip Includes:

Camping, parking, guided hiking; shuttle transportation; gear haul; light breakfast fixings (cereal, juice, coffee); and 5 dinners.

Make sure to bring:

Food for your lunches.

Average Daily Hiking:

5 to 12 miles.

Types of Hiking Surfaces:

Coastal bluffs, sandy beaches, steep coastal mountains, dirt trail, old road with some pavement.

Elevation Gain/Loss:

Climb and descend 1320 feet with many switchbacks on Damnation Creek Trail in Redwood National Park.

Fitness Requirements:

Hikers should be in good physical condition

Itinerary (subject to change after winter weather and spring scouting trip, with more details to come)

Day 1: Monday September 30 – Hike to the mouth of the Smith River 3.75 miles – Easy.
1:00 PM – Meet at Kamp Klamath Campground, 1661 West Klamath Beach Road, Klamath, CA. or Alternate, carpool from Santa Rosa or Ukiah CA to Kamp Klamath, details to be determined. Leave cars park here.

2 PM – Welcome and Introductions. After everyone arrives shuttle to the California/Oregon border hike to the mouth of the Smith River, set up camp.

5PM- Happy Hour

6PM – Dinner

Overnight: Clifford Camp

Day 2: Tuesday October 1 – Tolowa Dunes State Park 6 – 8 miles – Easy.

7-8 AM – Breakfast

9 AM – Shuttle to Tolowa Dunes, meet with Tolowa Nation representative.

12 NOON: LUNCH ON OWN – Walk down Kellogg Beach to Pt. St. George, possibly go to Pebble Beach in Crescent City.

5PM- Happy Hour

6PM – Dinner

Overnight: KOA Group Campground, Crescent City

Day 3: Wednesday October 2 – Battery Point to Enderts Beach Trailhead 6-12 miles – Strenuous.
7-8 AM- Breakfast

9AM – Shuttle to Battery Point walk south on CCT on the edge of Crescent City, Visit Del Norte Museum, the Marina, Starfish Way. Walk to Crescent Beach to Overlook 200 elevation gain.

12 NOON: LUNCH ON OWN – Enderts beach Overlook to Nickel Creek then up the Last Chance Trail to Damnation Trailhead. Total up to 12.75 miles, 1330 feet elevation gain/560 loss, hikers can choose options here.

5PM- Happy Hour

6PM – Dinner

Overnight: KOA Group Campground, Crescent City

Day 4: Thursday October 3 – Damnation Trailhead MPM 16 to Lagoon Creek Picnic Area, on the De Martin trail, 8.75 miles, 670 elevation gain, 1530 loss – Strenuous.

7-8 AM- Breakfast

9AM – Shuttle to Damnation Creek, Visit with Redwood National Park Biologist, hike to Lagoon Creek.

12 NOON: LUNCH ON OWN –

5PM- Happy Hour

6PM – Dinner

Overnight: Kamp Klamath Campground

Day 5: Friday October 4 – Lagoon Creek to Klamath River 5.5 miles – Moderate.
7-8 AM- Breakfast

9AM – Shuttle to Yurok Country Visitor Center, hike Lagoon Creek Parking area to Klamath River Overlook.

12 NOON: LUNCH ON OWN –

5PM- Happy Hour

6PM – Last Night Party and All you can eat Kamp Klamath BBQ

Overnight: Kamp Klamath Campground

Day 6: Saturday October 5 – Flint Trail 4.5 miles, 850 elevation gain/loss – Moderate.

7-8 AM- Breakfast

9AM – Shuttle to Flint Trailhead – hike Flint Trail.

12 NOON: LUNCH ON OWN –

GOOD BYE COASTWALKERS

What to Bring

  • Camping gear
  • food for your lunches
  • Tent, sleeping bag, & sleeping pad
  • Sturdy walking shoes/boots
  • Windbreaker/parka
  • Fleece pullover, sweatshirt or sweater for warmth
  • Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and tics)
  • Hat for sun protection, watchcap/beanie for cold, windy conditions
  • Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, socks, etc.
  • Sun glasses with UV protection
  • Personal first aid kit (Band-Aids, antiseptic, blister pads, aspirin,
  • bug repellant
  • Toiletries, sunscreen
  • Day pack & reusable water bottle
  • Mess kit: plate, cup, bowl, eating utensils
  • Personal medicines & toiletries
  • Flashlight or Headlamp with new batteries (bring extra batteries)
  • Folding chair

Gail Williams: Gail is a retired Air Quality Planner who loves the coast and hiking and naturally found Coastwalk as a good fit. This is Gail’s first time as a walk leader, but she has many other seasoned leaders joining her for the revival of Del Norte Coastwalk. Gail has been on many Coastwalks over the years including Santa Catalina, San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo and Fort Bragg. It is Gail’s vision to walk the entire California Coastal Trail.

 

 

Bob Adams: I was born to a mom that loved taking her dogs for long walks. It was the 50’s & 60’s and San Francisco was a much less “developed” area, offering large areas to hike or drive to one of the many open coastal properties nearby for a daily 4-6-mile walk. My dad would arrange family gatherings and camping adventures throughout the Western United States. I then spent 24 years flying Air Force Cargo Aircraft around the world which afforded me access to hiking and camping opportunities throughout the globe so that I was able to hike on every continent-including Antarctica! Alone, with family or like-minded groups I have spent my years with a love of the outdoors. I spent 20 years as a RN at medical, surgical, oncology hospitals units.  I joined Coastwalk several years ago for another opportunity to discover new hiking and camping experiences and have been a Chuckwagon Wrangler supporting Coastwalks in almost every coastal county. This is my first year as a Walk Leader & organizer and I look forward to sharing some of my favorite hiking areas with like-minded friends & coastal enthusiasts”.

 

David LaFollette: I am a third generation Californian, now living in Ukiah, in Mendocino County. I have an education in Biological Science and years of experience in traveling and working in the woods and enjoying our Natural History.

Having retired from Cal Fire about ten years ago I got to travel all around the State fighting fires. Now I get to go to some of the Beautiful natural areas of this state and the world seeing the fauna and flora as a Naturalist.

I first become aware of Coastwalk in 1983 when as President of Madrone Audubon Society; a group of coastal activists approached the Sonoma Environmental Counsel seeking seed money to start Coastwalk. I joined their group and helped organize and lead the first couple of years of “Walks”. Then a permanent position with CDF opened up in Mendocino County and I took it. As a wildland fire fighter, back then, we couldn’t take summer vacation so making plans with Coastwalk ended, until I retired. With my summers free again, I have coordinated and led about ten years of “Walks” in Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. My commitment to Coastwalk has grown as I stepped up to help, with the Walks Committee, as a Day Hike Leader and now on the Advisory Committee. Our latest project, a “Service Walk” will bring out my knowledge of working in the Forest with hand tools and combine it with coordinating a camping/hiking trip like a Coastwalk. This project will bring me a lot of satisfaction building another section of the California Coastal Trail. Finishing the whole CCT is a life time goal of mine.

Best of Mendocino 2019

Best of Mendocino

REGISTER

Best of Mendocino

July 7-12

July 7-12

6 days/5 nights

Rating: Moderate

Max Capacity: 20

$625 Non-Member Price

$600.00 Coastwalk Member Price

Experience the best trails, campgrounds, State Parks, historical sites, beaches, and communities on the iconic Mendocino Coast. Walk with us under the unique Candelabra Redwood Trees of the Peter Douglas Trail. Saunter along eleven beaches, view native wildlife from the beautiful bluff top trails of Russian Gulch, Mendocino Headlands, Van Damme and Sinkyone Wilderness State Parks. Visit Coast Botanical Gardens & Mendocino Village, lunch at the Little River Inn, and enjoy a guided tour of Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse.

This is a unique Coastwalk we will be walking on the California Coastal Trail (CCT) from Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, to Little River; staying, two nights at MacKerricher State Park, two nights in Jug Handle Farms and Nature Center and one night at Van Damme State Park.  Our trail will pass through Redwood Forest, Pine Forest, Fir Forest and over eleven beaches. All dinners, campsites, transportation and leadership will be provided.

Sunday, July 7:

This Coastwalk will begin July 7, at 3 PM, just north of Fort Brag, CA; at MacKerricher State Park, group site (Cleone West).  We will set up camp, introduce everyone.  Around four we will head to the beach, take in the Ocean environment and feel the soft sand beneath our feet.  Dinner 6 PM. followed by an Orientation for the week and Coastal Safety discussion.

Monday, July 8:

Breakfast 7-8 AM.  8:30 Shuttle to Usal.  Hike to Shady Dell and candelabra shaped Redwood trees, on the Peter Douglas section of the (CCT.), about 4 miles on the trail and dirt road, 1060 feet elevation loss, down 400 steps.  About 2 PM. shuttle to Pacific Star Winery and Westport. Dinner before 6 PM, Purple Rose Restaurant**

** $15 voucher for food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided for this meal.

Tuesday, July 9:

 Breakfast 7-8AM.  8:30 break camp all gear loaded up, drivers move vehicles to Botanical Gardens parking lot. When we are all together again, we’ll walk south on the CCT, stopping along the way at Laguna Point,  Glass Beach, Noyo River, Pomo Bluffs, Hare Creek, Babcock Beach and ending our day of hiking at the beautiful Coast Botanical Gardens.  After the Gardens we’ll shuttle to Jug Handle Farms and Nature Center, our base for the next two nights.  

Wednesday, July 10:

Breakfast 7:30-8:30 AM.  This morning we will enjoy Jughandle  Beach and State Preserve, then walk south to Casper across Caspar Creek on the Upland Trail to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.  We’ll enjoy lunch at the lighthouse and a Docent talk. From Point Cabrillo we will shuttle you back to Jug Handle Farms and Nature Center.

Thursday, July 11:

 Breakfast 7-8AM, after breakfast break camp, load gear then shuttle cars to Van Damme parking lot. When drivers return, shuttle to Russian Gulch State Park, walk into the park from North, follow CCT to Russian Gulch, then up onto the cliffs to the south of the Gulch and onto Road 500D.  At Highway One, shuttle to Lansing street, then walk along the Mendocino Headlands State Park to Lunch in Village of Mendocino.  At 2PM we will meet at the front of the Ford House Museum and walk along Big River beach to Big River parking lot. Then shuttle to Brewery Gulch, walk to Van Damme State Park via Spring Ranch Headlands and Little River Beach.

Friday, July 12:

 Breakfast 7:30-8:30. Pack up camp, around 9AM walk up Little River Canyon and back, at noon, picnic lunch (included), Little River Inn.  After lunch we’ll walk back to Van Damme State Park group site; trip ends around 1 PM.

Clothing

Hat

Jacket, wind and water resistant

Long pants

Hiking shorts

Hiking boots

Walking shoes

Vest

Long Sleeve shirt

Sweater

Underwear

Tee shirt

Socks

Bandanna, handkerchief

Sleep wear

Poncho or rain gear

Toiletries

Soap or body wash, Bio based/biodegradable

Tooth brush

Toothpaste

Dental floss

Daily Medications and vitamins

Shampoo, bio based/biodegradable

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Comb or brush

Towel and wash cloth

Personnel first aid items

 Camping gear

Tent, with foot print

Sleeping bag with pad

Plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork and spoon

Flashlight or head lamp (bring extra batteries)

Small Folding chair/ camp chair

Day pack

Canteen, hydration pack or 2 water bottles, 1 liter minimum each.

 Food

Breakfast and Lunch food

 Nice to have

Camera

Binoculars

Tupperware container, for left overs

 

  David La Follette

I am a third generation Californian, now living in Ukiah, in Mendocino County. I have an education in Biological Science and years of experience in traveling and working in the woods and enjoying our Natural History.

Having retired from Cal Fire about ten years ago I got to travel all around the State fighting fires. Now I get to go to some of the Beautiful natural areas of this state and the world seeing the fauna and flora as a Naturalist.

I first become aware of Coastwalk in 1983 when as President of Madrone Audubon Society; a group of coastal activists approached the Sonoma Environmental Counsel seeking seed money to start Coastwalk. I joined their group and helped organize and lead the first couple of years of “Walks”. Then a permanent position with CDF opened in Mendocino County and I took it. As a wildland fire fighter, back then, we couldn’t take summer vacation so making plans with Coastwalk ended, until I retired. With my summers free again, I have coordinated and led about ten years of “Walks” in Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. My commitment to Coastwalk has grown as I stepped up to help, with the Walks Committee, as a Day Hike Leader and now on the Advisory Committee. Our latest project, a “Service Walk” will bring out my knowledge of working in the Forest with hand tools and combine it with coordinating a camping/hiking trip like a Coastwalk. This project will bring me a lot of satisfaction building another section of the California Coastal Trail. Finishing the whole CCT is a life time goal of mine

The Lost Coast Adventure 2019

The Lost Cost Adventure - SOLD OUT

Explore California’s most inaccessible and undeveloped coastline with Coastwalk’s experienced guides.

The Lost Coast Adventure 2019

The Lost Coast Adventure

May 20-24 

5 days/4 nights 

Rating: Moderately strenuous.

Backpacking experience required. 

Max Capacity: 13 

$525 Non-Member Price

$500.00 Coastwalk Member Price

 

Explore California’s most inaccessible and undeveloped coastline with Coastwalk’s experienced guides.  See black sand and boulder beaches, high terraces of grasslands and wildflowers, and the rugged mountains of the King Range with its crystal-clear creeks during grey whale migration and coastal wildflower season.  We transport you to the trailhead, provide one delicious dinner and lunch, local naturalist talks, morning coffee and tea, tide-pooling opportunities, and guide you along the Northern Lost Coast.  

We have revised this trip for a more moderate-hiker friendly experience.  Come see this magnificent coastline!  

What you will see:  

Remote beaches, grand vistas, wildlife encounters, serenity, the spirit of adventure and a sense of accomplishment; Coastwalk has been running this trip for over 25 years!

Fitness Requirements: 

You must be an experienced and well-conditioned backpacker. Hike leaders will contact you to help you decide if you are ready for this adventure and are capable of completing it without undue difficulty. Please click here to see, complete, and submit the fitness questionnaire. You must be approved by a hike leader prior to registration and payment. 

Trip Includes: 

Expert itinerary developed around tide conditions; guided hiking; camping, parking & permit fees; first night’s dinner and last day’s lunch provided as well as daily morning coffee, tea, hot chocolate; transportation from parking area to starting point and back to your car. 

What to Bring: 

After registration, you will be provided with a detailed letter regarding meeting location, hiking itinerary, more detailed list of what to pack, food suggestions, where to get things, etc.  

Food & Water: 

Coastwalk will provide the first night’s dinner at Mattole Campground and the last day’s lunch and hot water & coffee each morning.  Hikers are responsible for all other meals. ** Hikers should bring a personal water filtration system for refilling their water bottles.  

**Prepared vegetarian and non-vegetarian prepared food packages will be available for purchase from Coastwalk. 

Typical Daily Hiking: 

Usually about 5 hours of hiking each day, averaging 6 to 7 miles per day (shortest 4, longest 8). Though moderate distances, trails are difficult, and you are carrying a full pack every day over sometimes challenging terrain. 24 miles total over 4 days of hiking with a full pack. 

Types of Hiking Surfaces: 

Sandy and rocky beaches, grassy flats, rock hopping, ridge trails, crumbling ravines, and even potentially scrambling over downed trees and wading creek crossings 

Elevation Gains & Losses: 

Modest daily gains and losses (300 ft. some days), depending on necessity to take inland trails when coastal route less navigable. 

Subject to change (some hikes and campsites use special permits. This itinerary is not a recommendation for personal use) 

Day 1 May 20: 
Meet in Shelter Cove at Black Sands Beach Parking lot at 12:30 where you will leave your vehicles. CW shuttle to Mattole River Campground for dinner & camp 

Day 2 May 21: 
Hike to Cooskie Creek, 6 miles, moderate sand hiking and rock-hopping, with one steep but short climb 

Day 3 May 22: 
Hike to Hadley Creek, 6.5 miles, grassy flat and moderate sand hiking 

Day 4 May 23: 
Hike to Gitchell Creek, 7.5 miles, grassy flats and moderate sand hiking with some rugged cobbled beaches 

Day 5 May 24:  
Hike to Black Sands Beach Trailhead in Shelter Cove, about 4.5 miles on soft sand. Catered lunch provided, and then return to your vehicles for farewell. 

What to Bring

Just bring the essentials, what you need will make you more comfortable than bringing all that you want.  A lighter backpack makes for a happier hiker! You will be provided with a more detailed list of items once you have registered.  

  • Backpack large enough to carry necessary gear plus one group item 
  • Sleeping bag- 3 season bag (to 40 degrees) and sleeping pad 
  • Tent with ground cloth and rain fly 
  • stove and fuel 
  • bear-proof canister (REQUIRED)
  • eating/cooking utensils- fork, spoon, plate or bowl, thermal cup 
  • sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, chapstick, flashlight, extra batteries, pocket knife 
  • biodegradable soap, toothbrush, paste, small roll of toilet paper, small plastic shovel 
  • insect repellent, and any first aid or medical supplies you personally need 
  • Comfortable hiking boots or hiking shoes (broken in), camp sandals for night and stream crossings 
  • Clothing- thin layers, long pants, extra socks, windbreaker 
  • water bottle(s), water filter or purification tablets, camera,  
  • Notebook and pencil, binoculars, reading material 
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries 
  • 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 3 dinners plus snacks 

Cea Higgins

The Executive Director of Coastwalk, Cea has focused her career on education and coastal advocacy. She taught at the elementary, middle, high-school, & junior college levels. She was the Policy & Volunteer Coordinator for Sonoma Coast Surfrider Foundation for 2 decades. To improve her ability to advocate for coastal preservation, she earned a Juris Doctorate with honors in 2016 focusing on ocean policy. Cea was selected by NOAA to serve on the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council as the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast Community-at-Large Primary representative.  She is a founding member of the Bodega Bay Collaborative, which sponsors town halls, community forums, and provides a voice to unincorporated coastal areas. Cea also helped establish the Sonoma County Marine Protected Areas Collaborative, where she works with scientific institutions, environmental NGOs, and tribal governments to raise awareness of the value of marine protected areas amongst coastal residents and visitors.  An avid surfer, hiker, and trained in marine mammal and sea bird rescue, Cea believes in giving back to the ocean that she cherishes and sharing its wonders so that others will work to advocate for its stewardship. 

Connie Ayers

Connie is retired from a career in Family Medicine and has been catching up on following her passion for hiking, backpacking, and pursuit of nature in all its manifestations.  She has hiked, and backpacked the John Muir Trail, the Grand Canyon and Havasupai, sections of the Colorado Trail, many sections of the High Sierra trails, Trinity Alps, Desolation Wilderness, as well as her homelands of Point Reyes and Tamalpais State Park.   She led a private group of backpackers on the Lost Coast a few years ago and was inspired by the experience.  She is working to bring her expertise to Coastwalk at the recent retirement of the long-active and hard-to-replace Lost Coast leader, Stan Bluhm. 

She is a certified Naturalist and for 10 years has been active with the Laguna Foundation bringing the love and joy of the natural world into the elementary schools in Sonoma County.  She also is active in the public safety sector, volunteering and training with the Sonoma County Search and Rescue team

Kings Range Conservation Area Info: 

https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/king-range-national-conservation-area 

Interactive Map of King’s Range: 

https://blm-egis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4819cc0d690e486f9b0d018115192ff4 

Birds of the Kings Range: 

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/uploads/BirdsofKingRangeNCA.pdf 

Lost Coast Blogs:  

notes from a BLM backcountry ranger in the Kings Range 

Leave No Trace Camping Suggestions:  

https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles 

Aerial Photos of the California Coast 

https://www.californiacoastline.org/ 

Conditioning for Backpacking: 

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/conditioning-backpacking.html 

Backpackers Info:(includes information about how to avoid knee injury before and during a hike, pre-hike workout routine, and how to use Trekking poles 

https://www.backpacker.com/skills/how-to-get-in-shape-for-hiking 

The Sonoma Classic Coastwalk 2019

The Sonoma Classic Coastwalk

Back by Popular Demand!
REGISTER

The Sonoma Classic Coastwalk

June 1-6

June 1-6

6 days/5 nights

Rating: Moderate

Max Capacity: 25

$650 Non-Member Price

$625 Coastwalk Member Price

Back by Popular Demand this Season!

Join us for spectacular hikes and gourmet dinners on the Sonoma Coast. Camp at Salt Point State Park and Casini Ranch, tour historic Fort Ross, cross the Russian River in kayaks, observe prehistoric mammoth rubbing rocks along the Kortum Trail, marvel at the awe-inspiring hikes from Duncan’s Mills over ‘Islands in the Sky’ and Pomo Canyon to Shell Beach and enjoy a private tour of the UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab.

Trip Includes:

Camping; shuttle transportation while on walk; all meals, including light breakfast, hot water/coffee, appetizers & hot dinners; guided hiking and an optional kayaking trip. Coffee and hot water for tea will be available every morning about 7 am. We will have breakfast about 8 am and start hiking about 9.30 am. Hiking will be with daypacks only. Every day appetizers will be available about 5:30pm, dinner at p.m. and a guest speaker and discussion about the following days hike between 7-p.m.

Daily Itinerary:

Sat June 1: Meet any time after 2 p.m. at the Salt Point Hike and Bike campsite at Salt Point State Park. This campsite is on the EAST side entrance to Salt Point and is 20 miles north of Jenner on Hwy 1. We will be camping two nights here. There is not a led hike today. We suggest you drive to the Kruse Rhododendron Preserve a nice 2-mile stroll or hike from the campsite to the pygmy forest. We will have a group meeting at 4.30 pm.

Sun June 2:  Campsite, Salt Point SP Hike and Bike campground We will shuttle hikers to the start of the hike at Horseshoe cove. We walk to Gerstle Cove and the visitor center a distance of 7 miles over fairly lever terrain. Hikers can walk or be shuttled back from the visitor center to the campsite an extra one mile. The hike will be led by a State Park staff interpretive specialist.

Mon June 3:  Campsite, Casini Ranch group site This morning we pack our tents into our own cars and drive 8 miles south to Fort Ross arriving at 10 am . We will hike to the original orchard, through the meadow to the coast and back to the Fort. The hike is 5 miles with 500 ft. elevation gain and will be led by a volunteer.

After visiting the Fort buildings, we drive south to Duncan’s Mills a distance of 12 miles. We camp here at the Casini Ranch for 3 nights with a site adjacent to the Russian River.

Tue June 4: Campsite- Casini Ranch. Today is our hardest hike – a distance of 9 miles with 1400 ft. elevation gain. We hike from Freezeout flat trailhead over Islands in the Sky and Pomo canyon to Shell beach. For hikers wanting a shorter hike a shuttle van will be available half way along the trail. This is a beautiful hike with creeks, redwoods and lovely ocean views. A park ranger will lead the hike.

Wed June 5: Campsite, Casini Ranch Hikers will be shuttled to Jenner where kayaks will be waiting for us to paddle in the Russian river. Anyone not wishing to paddle will be taken to the trailhead. We will hike from Goat Rock beach to Duncan’s landing along the Kortum trail a distance of 6 miles of mainly flat terrain. En route we will visit the mammoth rubbing rocks. The hike will be led by a Coastwalk volunteer. At Duncan’s landing we will be shuttled back to the campsite.

Thurs June 6: Today we will break camp, load our gear into our own cars and drive to Sonoma Coast State Park Bodega Dunes picnic area a distance of 13 miles. We will hike along Salmon Creek Beach and dunes to the UC Davis Marine Lab a distance of 2 miles. We have a private tour of the Marine Lab and then continue 2 miles to Bodega Head for our farewell. A coast walk volunteer will lead the hike.

Shuttles will take hikers back to their cars at approximately 3 pm.

What to Bring:

We will only be moving camp once-from Salt Point State Park to Casino Ranch. There is no gear van. You will use your own cars to transport gear. We suggest bringing the following:

GEAR:

  • Tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag, a small camp chair
  • A waterproof windbreaker, warm layers of clothing, hiking boots, socks, soft shoes to wear in camp and hat.
  • A pair of shoes or sandals the can get wet for kayaking
  • Any extra food for breakfast and lunches in addition to items provided by us. We have limited room in our ice-chest
  • Your own cup, plate, bowl, eating utensils, a plastic container for leftovers, your own cloth napkin and dishtowel.
  • Personal items such as soap, shampoo, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, and sunscreen.
  • Basic first aid for your daypack such as bandages, insect repellant., moleskin for blister protection and your own special medical needs.
  • Daypack
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses & sun hat
  • flashlight or headlamp,
  • camera and binoculars (optional)
  • Food for your packed lunches

FOOD:

There will be hot water for tea and percolated coffee available from 7 am Breakfast will be available from 8am. We will provide the following oatmeal, granola, low fat milk, half and half milk, sugar, fresh fruit and dried fruit, whole wheat bread, marmalade and home-made jam. Hikers will bring their own food for lunches; some room in the ice chest will be available. In addition, we will provide any leftovers from the previous nights’ dinner; whole wheat bread, mayonnaise, peanut butter and home-made jam, granola bars, fruit and nuts. Appetizers will be served at the camp at about 5.30pm. Dinner will be served about 6pm. Food will be provided by “food angels”. Food angels are volunteers who prepare food at home and bring it to our campsite. There will be a meat dish and a vegetarian option. Drinks Both campsites have good clean drinking water.

 Beverages:

Both campsites have good clean drinking water. The Coastwalk organization cannot buy or sell alcoholic drinks. Ice will be available.

Trip leaders Simon and Anne Lowings are avid hikers. They have trekked worldwide but especially like Nepal where they have been to Everest and Annapurna base camps. Both are now retired and have lived in Sonoma county for 20 years. They will be supported by volunteer Gary Morgret, a keen photographer and bird watcher. Gary has had his photos displayed in many galleries in California. Our team is complemented by Robert Harkavy, a member of the Sonoma Wednesday Walkers group, and a Coastwalker who is very familiar with the Sonoma coast. Simon also  volunteers at the Coastwalk office.