Alamere Falls in December 2009
Alamere Falls is one of those visual feasts that you’ll remember forever. Alamere Falls is found on Alamere Creek, which drops 40 feet into the vast Pacific Ocean. I’m a big fan of waterfalls that flow into oceans and lakes, so this was a great find.
First off, the hike is not simple, though it is also not terrible. It’s an 8.8 mile round trip hike, so beware. The hike is up or down, though the trail is surprisingly even. There aren’t many random rocks to make the hike more difficult.
Second, from what I have read, this fall (and a few others in the area) only flow in winter and spring during the rainy season. I visited three days ago, and it was flowing, so December is a pretty good time to visit, and the temperature was very pleasant.
Finally, the final “ascent” to the crest requires a caution. You have to maneuver down some slippery talus. You’ll need both hands available. Once at the crest, further exploration will reveal that you can get down to the base, though it’s not very obvious at first. I didn’t look as scary as I had thought, but I decided to err on the side of caution, since I was alone at the time. Still, it’s not an easy climb down to the base.
Directions:
- Head toward Olema, California.
- In Olema, head south on CA-1 for about 9 miles toward Bolinas.
- In Bolinas, turn right onto Bolinas Road, which doesn’t have a sign. A GPS helped me find the road.
- In a very short distance, you’ll turn right onto Mesa Road.
- Head to the very end of Mesa Road and park in the parking area.
- You’ll start on the Palomarin Trailhead in the Point Reyes National Seashore.
- After a short distance, you’ll connect onto the Coast Trail for 3.5 miles or so.
- On your left, you’ll see a sign indicating a 0.4 mile hike to Alamere Falls. Take this trail, which is EXTREMELY narrow. Dress appropriately, as there are MANY trees and bushes that are there to attack you.
Accessibility: 3/10 (moderate/strenuous)
Height: 40′
Length of Hike: 8.8 miles round-trip
Where in the World is Alamere Falls?
The Waterfall Record 