Point Reyes National Seashore: Hike to Alamere Falls

Just 34 miles north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore offers one of California’s most unforgettable day hikes—the hike to Alamere Falls. I’ve always been drawn to waterfalls. There’s something compelling about seeking them out at the end of a long trail. The sound of moving water feels like both a reward and a reminder to slow down. This iconic trail leads to a rare natural phenomenon. It features a tidefall, a freshwater waterfall that spills directly onto the beach and into the Pacific Ocean.

Alamere Falls is one of only three tidefalls in the United States. This makes it a bucket-list destination for hikers looking to experience something truly unique along the California coast.

Alamere Falls, the water spraying and falling over the cliff onto the sand — Alamere Falls on Point Reyes National Seashore

Why Hike to Alamere Falls?

This hike showcases the incredible diversity of Point Reyes National Seashore. Over 13 miles round trip, you’ll pass through shaded forests, walk above dramatic coastal cliffs, skirt peaceful lakes, and finish on a lovely stretch of beach where the falls cascade toward the ocean.

It’s a challenging but rewarding day hike near San Francisco, ideal for hikers who enjoy long distances, changing terrain, and planning around natural conditions like tides.

Getting There and Parking

From San Francisco: ~34 miles (about 1.5 hours)
From Napa Valley (Napa): ~65–70 miles (about 2–2.5 hours)
From Santa Rosa: ~50 miles (about 1.75–2 hours)

The final stretch into Bolinas is narrow and winding, so allow extra travel time. If you’re hiking to Alamere Falls, plan your arrival and start time carefully around the tides.

Park at the Palomarin Trailhead, a small dirt and gravel parking lot with space for approximately 75 vehicles, located at the northwest end of Mesa Road, Bolinas, 94924. Parking is free.

Wildcat Beach, ocean on the right, rocky mountains and cliff face on the left; Alamere Falls tumbling onto the sand

Timing Is Everything: Tide and Start Time

This hike requires careful planning.

Begin no later than 8:00 AM to secure parking at the trailhead and to reach the falls in low tide.
Check tide tables before you go. At high tide, the ocean meets the cliffs, eliminating the beach route and making travel unsafe.
Plan your hike to reach the beach and Alamere Falls during low tide. Allow enough time to safely return.

Ocean high tide meets the Point Reyes cliff walls — High tide meets the cliff walls, washing away our earlier footprints in the sandy beach below.

Safety Notes

Carry plenty of water. None is available at the trailhead or along the path.
Never attempt to climb down the unstable cliffs above the falls.
Turn around if tides rise faster than expected.
Wear sturdy footwear suitable for sand and uneven coastal terrain.
Bring layers—coastal weather can change quickly.

Trail cut into the side of a mountain bordering the ocean — The Point Reyes Coast Trail weaves through forest, along mountain sides and travels across rocky cliffs.

Route Description

Start at the Palomarin Trailhead, following the Palomarin Trail before connecting to the Coast Trail. Continue toward Wildcat Beach. Then take the Ocean Lake Loop. It is a lollipop-style loop in the middle of the hike. Afterward, rejoin the Coast Trail and return to the trailhead. This makes the hike primarily out-and-back with a scenic loop in the center.

Alamere Falls trail map in Point Reyes National Seashore — Access the AllTrails map at this link: Alamere Fals

Hike difficulty classifications (link)
Difficulty	Moderate to difficult
Geographic location	Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Trailhead parking options	Palomarin Trailhead; approximately 75 spots
Trail amenities	Vault bathrooms, trash cans at the trailhead
Elevation – trailhead	279′
Elevation – highest peak	584′
Elevation gain	2,034′
Total mileage	13.6 miles
Water sources	None; bring sufficient water
Highlights	Ocean views, beautiful forest and awe inspiring Alamere Falls

Respect Restoration and Closed Trails

An old, unofficial route near Alamere Falls is not a park-maintained trail. This “Alamere Falls Trail” is closed, unsafe due to erosion and undergoing habitat restoration.

Despite this, some hikers continue to scale the cliff wall or follow the abandoned path, which may still appear on apps like AllTrails or be marked by clothing or bandanas tied to vegetation.

Please do not use this route. Traveling on closed, unmaintained paths damages fragile coastal ecosystems, slows restoration efforts, and puts hikers at serious risk.

Hikers can still reach Alamere Falls safely by following the official route. First, hike to Wildcat Campground. Then walk approximately one mile south along the beach at low tide.

Practice the Leave No Trace Principles by respecting trail closures. Stay on designated routes. This helps protect this rare coastal landscape for future visitors.