Alamere Falls: A Coastal Cascade
Hike to Alamere Falls in Point Reyes for breathtaking coastal views and a unique waterfall cascading onto Wildcat Beach.
Alamere Falls, within Point Reyes National Seashore, is a unique coastal waterfall where Alamere Creek dramatically spills over a 40-foot cliff onto Wildcat Beach. This popular, yet sometimes crowded, destination requires a scenic 13-mile roundtrip hike.
A brief summary to Alamere Falls
- Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas, California, 94924, US
- +1415-464-5100
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check tide charts before your hike; Wildcat Beach is unsafe to access during high tide.
- Start your hike early, especially on weekends, as parking at trailheads fills up quickly.
- Bring layers, as weather conditions in Point Reyes can change rapidly.
- Stay on designated trails and avoid the unmaintained 'shortcut' to the falls due to safety hazards.
- Carry plenty of water and snacks, as the hike to Alamere Falls is a strenuous 13-mile round trip.
Getting There
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Driving
To reach Alamere Falls, most visitors drive to one of the trailheads. The most popular is the Palomarin Trailhead, located at the end of Mesa Road, about 5 miles northwest of Bolinas. Be aware that the last 1.2 miles of Mesa Road are unpaved and can be rough. Parking at the trailhead is free, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. From San Francisco, take Highway 101 North to Highway 1 South, then follow Olema Bolinas Road and Mesa Road to the trailhead. There are no entrance fees for Point Reyes National Seashore. Expect about a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco.
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Public Transport
While there's no direct public transportation to the Alamere Falls trailhead, you can take public transit to the Bear Valley Visitor Center and then connect to a trailhead. From San Francisco, take the Golden Gate Transit Route 101 bus to San Rafael Transit Center, then transfer to the West Marin Stagecoach Route 68 to the Bear Valley Visitor Center. From there, you would need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare to the Palomarin Trailhead, adding significant cost and time. The West Marin Stagecoach fare is approximately $2-$4. The taxi or rideshare from Bear Valley Visitor Center to Palomarin Trailhead will cost approximately $20-$30.
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Walking
From the Palomarin Trailhead, follow the Coast Trail for approximately 5.5 miles to Wildcat Campground. From there, walk south along Wildcat Beach for 1.1 miles to Alamere Falls. Be aware of the tides, as the beach may be impassable at high tide. The hike is a 13-mile round trip and considered strenuous. There are no fees associated with hiking.
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