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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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.
Learn More About Point Reyes and Nearby Adventures
- Point Reyes National Seashore official website (trail conditions, tide safety, park updates)
- National Park Service: Alamere Falls and Wildcat Campground information
