LONG HIKE: SALT POINT STATE PARK

The hike includes a spectacular coastline unlike any other in Sonoma County, formed by the interaction of the Pacific with molten rock. Also see seals, sea palms, tide pools, and at the right time of year rhododendron in bloom. It answers the question: what do we get on a hike on the coast north of Jenner, rather than going south as usual?  Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach and then beyond to Sentinel Rock and Fisk Cove. Return by the same route, about 7 miles , plus an optional trip into the forests on the Stump Beach Trail making a total of 10 miles and less than 1000ft elevation gain.  Includes the following  All Trails routes: "Stump Beach and Bluff", "Salt Point to Stump" and "Stump Beach". 

If I don't get out there to prehike, be advised that conditions on part of the bluffs were described thusly on All Trails in August: "Glad we know what poison oak looks like and there were some downed trees in the way, trail is way overgrown in spots but still very doable for both my wife and I (in our early 70s). Really enjoyed the hike". 

Driving time is 1 hr 40 minutes, and anyone wanting to return by the spectacularly wiggly Skaggs Point road from Stewart's Point should add half an hour and negotiate with your passengers. Be prepared for wind, bring lunch and water. Leave the Berger at 8:30am promptly. Hike Leader Martin Johns 330-815-5167