California Coastal Access Guide, Seventh Edition. California Coastal Commission
Читать онлайн книгу.
by heat and pressure. The nature of the rocks depends on the size of the sediment grains: pebbles and gravels become conglomerates, sand becomes sandstone, and mud becomes shale.
Along the Salt Point Trail north of Gerstle Cove the layers of sedimentary rocks line the shore, with giant blocks tilted like building foundations gone askew. In fact, stone was once quarried here for use in construction projects in 19th-century San Francisco. Weathering of the sandstones has resulted in a beautiful, honeycomb-like formation known as tafoni, especially prominent at Gerstle Cove.
Sandstone tafoni, north of Gerstle Cove
Paddle a canoe
Canoeing on the Russian River is a long-time tradition. Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville rents equipment for summertime self-guided canoe tours up to ten miles downstream with pickup and return by shuttle; call: 707-887-1222. Or you can rent a kayak or arrange a trip with WaterTreks at Jenner, either to start at the mouth of the river or via shuttle upriver followed by a lazy paddle downstream. For information, call; 707-865-2249. Canoes, kayaks, and other watercraft can be rented also from vendors in Forestville, Guerneville, and Duncans Mills.
Other attractions
The Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival, now in its fifth decade, includes a festive boat parade and blessing of the fleet in recognition of the dangers of going to sea. The event is held in April, traditionally the opening of the ocean salmon fishing season. Musical entertainment, Coast Guard rescue demonstrations, and food and wine-tasting are part of the festivities, all to benefit local community services. For information, see: www.bbfishfest.org/.
Information about whale-watching trips and fishing excursions for salmon, halibut, rockcod, lingcod, or crabs is available at the Sportfishing Center next to Porto Bodega in Bodega Bay. To contact Bodega Bay Sport Fishing, call: 707-875-3344; for Miss Anita Fishing Charters, call: 707-875-3474.
Sonoma County
Northern Sonoma County
GUALALA POINT REGIONAL PARK: Hwy. One, 1 mi. S. of Gualala. The park’s day-use facilities are west of Hwy. One. Visitor center with changing exhibits is open weekends, Memorial Day–Labor Day. Fee for day use and camping. For park information, call: 707-785-2377.
▪ The park’s campground, including a hike or bike campsite, is east of Hwy. One. Coin-operated hot shower available; no RV hookups. For camping reservations, call: 707-565-2267.
▪ Access to the beach at the Gualala River mouth and to Sea Ranch Blufftop Trail
▪ Wheelchair-accessible trail leads seaward from visitor center parking area
SALAL TRAIL: Hwy. One, .2 mi. S. of Gualala Point Regional Park entrance. Trail leads along a thickly vegetated creek to the bluff above the ocean, intersecting with the Sea Ranch Blufftop Trail. No parking at the trailhead on Hwy. One.
SEA RANCH BLUFFTOP TRAIL: W. of Hwy. One starting at Gualala Point Regional Park. Trail winds south along the bluff edge from Gualala Point Regional Park a distance of three miles to the Walk-On Beach Trail. Sea Ranch residences are nearby; respect private property.
▪ Spectacular views of the rocky coast
▪ Del Mar Landing State Marine Reserve lies offshore; all living marine resources are protected
Keep in Mind
Beaches at Sea Ranch belong to the public. Trails provide access to the beaches.
Trails within the development that are open to public use are marked, and other trails are private.
All roads in the Sea Ranch are private; do not trespass.
WALK-ON BEACH TRAIL: Hwy. One, 2.5 mi. S. of Gualala. Trail leads one-quarter mile from the parking area to the bluff near Walk-On Beach. Due to bluff erosion, access to Walk-On Beach is not available. The Sea Ranch Blufftop Trail leads north to Gualala Point Regional Park. Call: 707-785-2377.
SHELL BEACH: Hwy. One, 3.7 mi. S. of Gualala. Half-mile-long trail leads to a fine sand beach. Offshore rocks shelter the ocean waters here.
▪ Harbor seals haul out on the beach
STENGEL BEACH: Hwy. One, 5 mi. S. of Gualala. Small parking area; beach access via short trail and wooden stairs.
PEBBLE BEACH: Hwy. One, 6.7 mi. S. of Gualala. Small parking lot next to Hwy. One. Quarter-mile-long trail leads to a secluded beach, paved with fine pebbles.
BLACK POINT BEACH: Hwy. One, 8.1 mi. S. of Gualala. Trail leads one-quarter mile to bluff edge. High wooden stairs provide access down the cliff to a long curving sandy beach.
Sonoma County
Salt Point to Ocean Cove
SALT POINT STATE PARK: Hwy. One,18 mi. N. of Jenner. Day-use and camping facilities on 6,000 acres, with mixed-conifer forest, grasslands, rocky shore, and sandy beach. There is even an underwater park. Salt Point State Park includes all the land between Hwy. One and the sea for a distance of six miles, as well as much of the area inland to the top of the ridge. In the campground RVs are limited to 31 feet long; trailers to 27 feet. Family and group campsites can be reserved; call: 1-800-444-7275. Hike or bike sites and overflow camping are first-come, first served. For information on park facilities, call: 707-847-3221.
▪ Twenty miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians
▪ Unusual pygmy forest with stunted cypress, pine, and redwood trees
▪ Fishing and abalone diving allowed except at Gerstle Cove and Stewarts Point State Marine Reserves
HORSESHOE POINT: Hwy. One, .5 to 1.5 mi. N. of Fisk Mill Cove park entrance. Trail at Hwy. One milepost 43.06 leads to the ocean bluff through bishop pine forest.
▪ Spring and summer wildflowers grow on the bluffs
▪ Near Horseshoe Cove is a surf break known as Secrets
FISK MILL COVE: 2.7 mi. N. of Gerstle Cove park entrance. Wind-sheltered picnic areas. A viewing platform atop Sentinel Rock is at the north end of the parking area.
STUMP BEACH COVE: Hwy. One, 1.2 mi. N. of Gerstle Cove park entrance. Sandy cove beach ringed by sandstone cliffs. Picnic tables near the parking lot.
▪ Pelagic cormorants nest in springtime in niches on the cliffs
GERSTLE COVE: Hwy. One, 7 mi. N. of Fort Ross. Picnic and day use facilities. A mile-long trail leads north along the bluff to Stump Beach Cove. Trails also connect to the much larger area of the state park east of Hwy. One. The inner cove is part of a state marine reserve where no marine life may be taken or disturbed. Visitor center open weekends, April–October.
▪ Harbor