The best walks and hikes around Bolinas

You can hike to Alamere Falls via the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead, a moderate route covering 5.7 miles (9.1 km) with an elevation gain of 787 feet (240 metres). This journey typically takes about 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete. As you hike, you will experience diverse scenery, transitioning from open coastal scrub with continuous ocean views to shaded eucalyptus groves. The trail also leads you past scenic lakes such as Bass Lake and Pelican Lake, offering peaceful spots along the way. Your destination is Alamere Falls, a unique waterfall that cascades directly onto Wildcat Beach, providing a memorable coastal experience.

When planning your visit, be aware that the final 1.2 miles of Mesa Road to the Palomarin Trailhead is unpaved and often has potholes, so drive with care. Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, so arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot. It is also crucial to check tide charts before you go; high tide can make reaching the base of Alamere Falls unsafe or impossible. Consider starting your hike earlier in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have ample time.

This trail is notable for leading to one of California's rare 'tidefalls', where fresh water plunges directly onto the beach. The route takes you through the Phillip Burton Wilderness, offering a chance to observe the natural coastal environment. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the distant Farallon Islands from various points along the path. This unique combination of coastal views, serene lakes, and a dramatic waterfall makes the hike a distinctive experience in the region.

Prepare for a challenging hike on the Coast Trail and Lake Ranch Trail Loop, a difficult route covering 15.1 miles (24.4 km) with an elevation gain of 2538 feet (773 metres). This extensive loop typically takes around 7 hours and 13 minutes to complete. You will begin with expansive ocean views from bluffs along the Coast Trail, then transition inland through diverse landscapes. Expect to pass several freshwater lakes, including Bass Lake and Pelican Lake View, before the scenery shifts dramatically to fir forests and coastal scrub on the Lake Ranch Trail.

When planning your visit, be aware that parking at the Palomarin trailhead can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so an early start is highly recommended. This trail is not suitable for young children due to its length and demanding nature. You should also be prepared for potential hazards like stinging nettle, ticks, and poison oak, particularly in overgrown sections; wearing long pants can offer good protection.

This loop offers a rewarding experience for experienced hikers seeking varied terrain within the Phillip Burton Wilderness. The trail's environment changes from coastal bluffs to dense forests, providing a unique blend of natural beauty. Be ready for sections that can be overgrown with tall grasses and brambles, which adds to the wild, untamed feel of the route, especially during summer months.

Embark on the Teixeira, Ridge and Olema Valley Loop, a moderate hiking route that takes you through a diverse landscape within Point Reyes National Seashore. This 9.5-mile (15.3 km) journey, with an elevation gain of 1371 feet (418 metres), offers a varied experience over approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. You will wander through lush conifer highlands and dense forested ridges, transitioning into open grassy meadows. The Teixeira Trail section provides a shaded, almost rainforest-like atmosphere with bays and firs, while later you'll traverse the unique San Andreas Fault rift zone in the Olema Valley.

When planning your hike, be aware that the route is accessible year-round, but conditions can change with the seasons. During wet periods, you might encounter muddy sections and higher water levels at stream crossings, so prepare accordingly. It is important to note that dogs are typically not permitted on trails within Point Reyes National Seashore. Additionally, keep an eye out for poison oak, particularly when you are hiking through the Olema Valley sections of the trail.

This loop offers a unique opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of ecosystems within Point Reyes National Seashore. You will experience the distinct geology of the San Andreas Fault rift zone as you pass through the Olema Valley. The trail's varied terrain, from dense forests to open meadows, showcases the natural diversity of this coastal region. It provides a substantial outing for hikers seeking a comprehensive experience of the area's natural beauty.

Embark on the Randall, Bolinas Ridge, McCurdy, Olema Valley Trail for a moderate hiking adventure that spans 8.4 miles (13.5 km). You will gain 1401 feet (427 metres) in elevation over approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes. The route guides you through a dynamic landscape, transitioning from dense Douglas fir and coast redwood forests to open grasslands, offering sweeping vistas, including panoramic views of Tomales Bay from the Bolinas Ridge Trail.

When planning your visit, you can find parking for the Randall Trailhead on unpaved shoulders along Highway 1, or at the Olema Valley Trail parking area across the road. Be aware that leashed pets are not permitted on the full Randall–Bolinas Ridge–McCurdy–Olema Valley loop or on the Olema Valley Trail itself. Also, prepare for the McCurdy Trail section, which is known to be very steep, overgrown, and arduous in parts.

This trail is nestled within the stunning Point Reyes National Seashore, providing a rich natural environment to explore. The diverse ecosystems you encounter, from fragrant chaparral to towering redwoods, make it a notable route for experiencing the varied beauty of the region. Keep an eye out for the McCurdy Trail Junction on Bolinas Ridge, where the scenery distinctly shifts from open ridges into more forested areas.