Alamere Falls

Enjoy a great view with an ocean view to your left as you hike towards the falls. You'll walk through a pine forest with some shade on a hot day. The variable elevation is not that hard; it's just the distance. Four miles there and four back. You'll be rewarded with multiple smaller waterfalls which end of the bluff where a bigger waterfall meets the ocean. Worth it. Enjoy.

We went early morning on a weekday so it wasn’t crowded. It took us about 2 hours to hike to the waterfall from the parking area roughly 4–5 miles each way. It was an incredible experience.absolutely worth it. The waterfall was stunning.😍

Beautiful place to visit. I enjoyed the hike with sooo much excitement and the views are wonderful and worth hiking 12 miles. The beach and waterfall both are amazing. We found many deers near wildcat camp ground. Found Mushrooms, banana slugs on the walkway and beautiful flowers. While coming back, we enjoyed watching the sunset.

I was here on 2/9/2025, after a big rain. Alamere Falls is a coastal waterfall in Point Reyes. It flows directly into the ocean. Alamere Falls tumbles over fragile shale cliffs at Alamere Creek Beach. It has a few Falls upstream above the main Falls and that area is sometimes called the "Upper" Alamere Falls. It consists of three separate cascades. Together, these cascades are approximately 20–30 feet in height and are a dramatic sight as well as the main Alamere Falls which cascades over a ~40-foot-tall drop!!! There is free parking, and it has a basic bathroom at the trailhead, plus the trail is easy to follow. I hiked a little over 4 miles one way with about 1,350 ft of elevation gain. I used a shortcut, but finding and using that shortcut was a little challenging. I used the shortcut because it allowed me to walk up the whole upstream to the "Upper" Alamere Falls. Alamere Falls has spectacular images. It is a natural snapshot made for everyone to take. Hiking shoes are very helpful especially if you want to take the shortcuts. I expect to go back there sometime soon.

This was one excellent hike! The trail goes next to the ocean, in the woods, and narrow paths. It has everything you wish for. Most part of the trail is shaded. At some point there’s a deviation that leads to falls. Both paths will lead to falls, but one has rocks where you need to climb down and the other is a normal trail. The normal trail path is longer and the one that looks like a cave with tree branches is a short cut trail. We took the longer path while going to the falls. Walking on the beach sand was the hardest. While coming back we took a shorter route - that’s rocky and a bit difficult route but one can get back to their car faster. We had to climb up to the cliffs. There were loose rocks and I was afraid of slipping down. We had to cross the falls too either long jumping from one side to another or walking in cold water, you can choose what’s best for you. Overall it was a good experience. What to pack? - hiking poles, snacks, water, sun glasses, hat, comfortable shoes. Make sure that you check the weather and tides forecast before going to this hike.

Great hike. All Trails rates it as difficult and I would concur. 14 miles at and back with an 1,800 elevation gain and a combination of rack, dirt, mud and sand trails can make this challenging. However, the views and serenity that comes from this place is amazing. I have seen people talk about taking the shortcut which will shave off about 4 miles from the hike. Please don’t. Stay on the main trail to protect the bluffs. There is a rope at the falls that is needed to climb up and down the bluff. The bluffs are crumbling and make it dangerous. I was at the fall for about 30 min and could hear rock falls the entire time. Save this for future generations

Beautiful hike! Long way: 13 miles Short cut: 8.8 miles What to wear: Long sleeves and pants, hiking shoes or tennis shoes with traction. Gloves for gripping on rocks. Walking sticks. Cap or hat. Snacks and drinks. WetNaps and hand sanitizer. Bathroom: only at the parking lot. There are four outhouse style toilets. There is no running water or sink to wash your hand. Went on Saturday. started our hike at 10 AM and finish by 3 PM with couple of stops to rest and about an hour to take picture and have lunch. We took the shortcut way, but I’m a slow hiker so it still took us four hours. Our friend who have done it round-trip on the shortcut route did it 2 1/2 hours. Parking lot was full by 10 AM so come early. The trail is sort of well-kept. There are different terrains from mud to rock to pebbles to dust and dirt roads. There is a little bit of climb here and there, but nothing too strenuous. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt because there are ticks and poison oak. If you want to take the shortcut way look out for a bunch of sticks and rocks after the 3rd lake on the right side. The shortcut way is best way to see the three other waterfalls on top of the main waterfall. you can also take the short way back to your car so you don’t miss the upper three waterfalls. If you do decide to take the long way for more hiking, check on the tide schedule. if it’s high tide, you will be stuck by rocks because it’s 1 mile to the waterfall on the beach. The shortcut way is a little bit more adventurous, and a little bit of climbing up and down rocks. If you are going to do the short way, please bring all the suggested gears above. Watch the video that I have up in here that shows you how steep it is to go down to the beach and to the waterfalls. Specially, on a misty day where the mist will actually become like rain and the rocks and sand are slippery. It’s a gorgeous hike and I would do it again on a sunny day. we miss all the ocean view since that day was very foggy. people bring dogs, but you will have to carry your dog if you do the shortcut way because it’s very hard climb for dogs.

Worth the hike I misjudged my trail there is a stick arrow pointing to the path that takes you to where I am on top of the falls. You have to climb down a bit so I recommend good shoes but I used the wildcat trail. Would've doubled back but that hike is no easy climb.

Best leisure hike in Bay Area. Waterfalls are a great way to end any hike, and this waterfall is not just relatively beautiful. It's gorgeous when it's flowing! Bring a jacket though, you aren't hanging out at the waterfalls for a beach day. Fairly easy hike, great for those who rarely hike or just want to start on their fit life journey.

Take the Shortcut!! Don't take Long Route, its hella overgrown for like last 2miles to Wildcat We took long route there but shortcut back, seriously shortcut is hella shorter and less crazy trail(only like 20' of overgrown trail) The waterfall from the beach is coo but the main dope shit to me was the waterfalls above the waterfall(theres 3 waterfalls above the main one) and u r higher up so u can see ocean more!!!!. Go early dont leave parking lot anytime after 630am if u wanna be there for Low tide by 9am took 2.5hrs hiking fast on long route to beach then 20 more min to walk to Falls. Easily cut that time in half no seriously in half if u take shortcut.

Enjoy a great view with an ocean view to your left as you hike towards the falls. You'll walk through a pine forest with some shade on a hot day. The variable elevation is not that hard; it's just the distance. Four miles there and four back. You'll be rewarded with multiple smaller waterfalls which end of the bluff where a bigger waterfall meets the ocean. Worth it. Enjoy.

It was a great hike--long but worth it! One of our favorite spots to hike, the waterfall is stunning as always.

Definitely a challenging hike that needs preparation but totally worth it!!! I did it in the beginning of April and it was beautiful! Also make sure to check the tides to pick a good time to go

Serene and easy hike all the way down to beach and over to the falls using the sanctioned route. I saw a lot of wild life and pretty plants. Plan your trip by checking the weather and tide forecasts so you can enjoy too! I saw people coming down the "shortcut" and it looked a bit risky with the rocks breaking off and lots of loose rocks falling down. So it's easy to lose grip or lose your step. Be careful!

The falls are beautiful and unique how the water cascades over to the ocean! It's very popular with people sitting around picnicking and taking pictures, it's quite the social scene and a great activity for groups. The Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead had lots of different terrains: coastal trail alongside the cliff with views of the ocean, shaded wooded areas, heavily brush areas with very tall, towering hemlock bushes, and a sandy beach walk. The hike isn't too strenuous but it's long at 10-13 miles with about a 50-minute drive from Mill Valley so it's not for people who don't want to hike a long way though there are tons of other waterfalls in Marin if interested in something shorter and easier. This was the only waterfall hike I did a lot of prep for, be sure to pack snacks, a big lunch, sunscreen, a hat, band aids for blisters, external phone charger, sweatshirt, and a bathing suit if going in the ocean or Bass Lake. All Trails says the hike is 13 miles but there is a shortcut trail which makes this hike around 10 miles. This trail is unmarked from the Coast Trail so it's not obvious. I was confused when I got to the beach from the Coastal Trail at Wildcat Camp because there were no signs to the falls but if going that way make sure to make a left turn then the falls are a 30-minute beach walk. I later heard you should check the tide because it might be hard to get there if it's high. To the immediate left of the falls is the shortcut trail, it seemed like more people went this way. I went back this way and wasn't impressed with this trail because I thought it was kinda dangerous, at least going down not as much going back up. There are crumbling falling rocks, it's easy to lose footing and it bottlenecks with so many people trying to get up and go down at the same time. I didn't think it was the safest thing so not the best decision if hiking with young children or babies.

The route we took was about 9 miles we got there at 9 am and we were back to our car at 2. We went in Feb so it was a little muddy but it was fine. A little over cast when we went. The hike doesn't get challenging until the end when you get the waterfall but if you take your time it's fine. Pack a lunch and bring plenty of water. There are bathrooms in the parking lot. It's a really beautiful hike you pass lakes and go through so many different terrains.

My GF Patty "PattytOH" Pascual took me to Alamere Falls in February 2024 what an AMAZING place to hike we took the "short cut" to the Falls. Once we climbed down to the falls the black sand beach was so beautiful there was no one there that morning it was just us.The falls were so gorgeous (as you can appreciate in the photos).Thank you Amor for making this road trip one of the best in my life. Love you since 1902 (As you always said) Patty+Levi=Love Levi+Patty=Love

Recently I've been saying that destinations are not important but rather who you share the moments with is more important. But in reality, who am I kidding, destination does matter, perhaps it can be described as icing on the cake. Well, today I got both quality destinations and people. The road to the trailhead was windy and had lots of potholes near the end.  Fortunately, we drove an SUV. We arrived at trailhead at 9am on a Sunday in Sep, there were plenty of parking spaces, and 2 pit toilets. It was an overcast day without harsh lighting, perfect for pictures. I would describe this as an easy hike with an adventurous short descent to the beach. The water was cool but not cold, I am glad I got to shower under the waterfall, no regrets. Note the upper pools are beautiful enough to be a destination. I would have been perfectly fine to chill there if I could not go down to the beach. Next time, might spend some time fishing at Bass Lake.

I get why people take the shortcut now. It's steep but the other option is to use your body as a weed whacker for a good 40 minutes as you tread through overgrown grass and greenery. The shortcut actually seems to be better maintained. You also have to time the tide when you go the long route. Regardless of the route you take, make sure to wear or bring clothes/layers that will cover your legs and arms because there will be overgrowth touching you at some point in the hike. It's a moderate to challenging hike mainly due to the length of the hike. Pretty typical coastal Bay Area hike until you reach the weed whacking incline, then you get a nice reprieve walking along the beach for around 20 minutes. I thought the waterfall was underwhelming; photos make it look way taller. It's not worth the hike to me when you can see beauties like Burney and McCloud in Northern California. Cataract Falls in Mt. Tam was also more rewarding in my opinion. To be fair, I hiked Alamere on a cloudy day. I'm sure it's more stunning in the sunlight!

One of the best hike with amazing waterfall! I've been here 4 times and always introduce people here. Something to note is that coming at the right time does matter! Like in the first 2 photos was mid June 2024 and there was like no waterfall, idky. In the video it was taken last year in August when me and my bf went and the waterfall was amazing. However, during high tides it's impossible to get down to see the waterfall. It's 4-6 hours there and back depending on your pace. Taking the short cut saves you 1-2 hours!! BUT it can be dangerous because when you can have to come down the cliff to get to the bottom. I wouldn't recommend going alone, bring a partner. The trail has plenty of shades to rest. Love it!

Wow! Spectacular! Magical! Super Epic! Alamere Falls is a waterfall in Point Reyes National Seashore part of the Marin. Alamere Falls is also known as "tidefall" since the waterfall flows directly into the ocean. It is one of only two known tidefalls in California, the other being McWay Falls. Alamere Falls tumble over fragile shale cliffs at Alamere Creek Beach. Upstream of the main Alamere Falls is the upper Alamere Falls, consisting of three separate cascades. Together, these cascades are approximately 20-30 feet in height. All of these waterfalls are fed by the Alamere Creek. Alamere Falls can be hiked from the Palomarin Trailhead at the end of Mesa Road out of Bolinas, California. It will take about 2.5 miles to get to two small lakes (Bass Lake and Pelican Lake) Bass Lake can be accessed by a side trail that leads to a rope swing, and hikers often stop for a swim on a super hot days. From the Palomarin Trailhead, the hike is about 4 miles one-way, to the top of the falls. To reach the bottom of the falls, you can follow the path to continue to Wildcat Campground, descend to the beach and then walk about a mile south; the one-way distance from Palomarin Trailhead to the base of the falls is 6.6 miles. I went the unofficial one mile trail to the left at the junction. Both trails lead along the beach, check out the tides before to figure out the exact time for low tide as you don't want to get trapped in high tide. The beach at Alamere Falls seems to be seriously unsafe to access at high tide. Be safe and don't get trapped by the ocean! I will recommend to wear hat, sunscreen, bring water and snacks. If you hike in the dark, bring flashlights. Please garbage in, garbage out! Let's try our best to keep nature stay magical! This is my absolute favorite hiking trail. It's not easy but totally worth my drive trip and my effort. I bet you will feel the same when you get the see the magic of Alamere Falls. Enjoy!

This is one of my favorite waterfall hikes in the bay! It's 10 miles round trip so it's not for the faint of heart so make sure to bring water, food, hat, sunblock, layers, music if you'd like! Best to come early because the parking lot can get packed midday especially during the weekends. It's a hike with a variety of natural landscapes- water, trees, cliffs, leveled dirt path, hills. There's a point where there's an area where you're surrounded by plants with potential poison oak so I would recommend bringing pants and light long-sleeved sweater just in case. There are two options of getting to the waterfall- one is being a badass and climbing down the cliff very carefully. Another is taking the longer roundabout path. I've always taken the cliff route. It's such a pretty hike and strenuous if you are not used to hiking so make sure to stretch before and after. Usually friends and I bring some wine and bahn mis to snack on when we get to the bottom to enjoy the falls. Also whenever I go, there's always something crazy happening- one time there was a dude doing handstands at the top of the waterfall- wtf! We couldn't look after a while. You need to check out this gorgeous hike especially if you're new to the bay and enjoy the great outdoors. There are several of us that keep returning for more!

Fu*kin-A! That was a nice beach waterfall! We got lucky with the weather too!! We came on a Saturday morning and avoided the crowd. One of California's treasured waterfalls and it's a must see! I am glad to be a Californian to be able to visit this place. After taking the Palamarin Trailhead, it took 3.75 miles to the entrance of the Alamere Waterfall unofficial shortcut. It took another mile to the beach waterfalls. It is not recommended for children, elderly, short people, or that are physically challenged! I repeat this! Good thing we came really early as there was not much people yet. Also, there is a lot of very narrow paths to the falls with lots of overgrown trees, plants and bushes. I recommend to wear pants versus shorts so you won't touch the poison oak. I am glad I wore a light jacket to wear along this path to avoid the overgrown branches above, too. Also, there is some rock climbing on this path and walking sticks won't help. There is a rock wall part right before reaching the beach but it's now starting to crumble. I can tell this path will disappear soon enough as so much of the rock was starting to crumble from touching it. The rangers do not recommend this path so make sure to read on tips etc. The waterfalls were very beautiful and serene! It's a nice place to hang out for a picnic or take in the ocean views. We were so glad to avoid the crowd that came after we left! We had the waterfalls to ourselves! I can't imagine having to wait for a hundred people for your turn to go down to the beach. This path would be considered hard then moderate. It's so worth it to see while this path is still here. I don't think I can make a sixteen mile hike if this shortcut was not here. Picture worthy! Great workout! [32nd R]

We didn't do much research and didn't realize that the hike to the falls was so long. Since we didn't have enough time to do the full hike, we hiked about 40min in, and still had great ocean views. I had read comments about parking being difficult to find, but there were ample spots available on a weekday when we visited. Kids were able to handle the section of the hike that we covered. Not sure if it gets more difficult after.

*major update to note as of May 24, 2022 ropes have been cut by rangers that lead from the upper falls down to the beach. This will add at least 4 extra miles to your trip to see the falls on the beach. One of the best hikes in the bay area in my opinion. Although over the years this place seems to get more crowded (even on weekdays) and more trash can be seen on the trail. Folks pack out what you pack in (including TP). This is a real hike, so hike in flip flops or shoes with no support and you may regret it. The first few miles of the trail there is a lot of direct sun exposure so bring your hat and sun protection, along with lots of water. There have been a lot of people having to get rescued especially in the last few months. That all said this is still one of of most beautiful places in the bay.

This "tidefall" is worth the hike! But an early one (and or a weekday) as it's a long-ish but relatively easy walk (in that it's coastal and avoids significant elevation changes) meaning it attracts the masses. Arriving early ensures solid parking and avoid the crowds. Yes...crowds, full on Disney land Yosemite like crowds. Starting the trek super early also guarantees better photos and an overall enhanced hiking experience, at least imo, as I'm not one for sharing the serenity of nature with the constant interruptions of loud inexperienced strangers. I suggest staying on trail to avoid stinging nettles, ticks, poison oak, and I'd avoid ingesting the hemlock if I were you. Otherwise, point Reyes is an oasis! It's Eden! It's gorgeous! There's several points of entry and tons of trails, so if you aren't familiar with the park do some googling and I highly recommend checking out the bear valley visitor center for info on the flaura, fauna, and park history; It's top notch. If you have enough fuel in the tank summit Mount Wittenberg too! If you're lucky enough to score a backpacking site- make the trek to alamere as a day hike if possible (particularly easy from wildcat camp- I love a good morning beach walk to boil water straight from the fall for a hot cup of coffee just as the sun peaks over the hills). Picasso! No matter what your fitness level or which trails you choose, remember to wear solid shoes, bring plenty of water, and take lots of photos! The beauty and wonder of Point Reyes awaits! Please practice leave no trace principles.

Time & Date: Sunday, Nov 14th 2021 @ 10am - 3pm Weather: warm, sunny, blue skies, low tide Length: 13 mile round trip hike (about 10.5 w/ shortcut) Blessed to live in California & have so many scenic hiking trails along the coast! Marin is such a prime spot for coastal views with Mt Tam & Point Reyes. Finally checked off Alamere Falls off my bucket list! The drive there is pretty curvy because you're literally driving on the edge of mountains, and the ground can get very bumpy as well. So make sure you and your car are built/comfortable to drive in that environment! The hike difficultly level wasn't too bad, there are a few points where it gets really steep but it's by no means strenuous the whole way. There is a shortcut to get to Alamere falls, but a ranger advised us to avoid it at all costs because it's wildcat territory & there have been way too many search and rescue missions along the shortcut. So stay on the main path/coastal trail to avoid any dangerous wildcat interactions! When you hike down to the beach from the coastal trail, there is a bit of a walk until you reach the waterfall at the end. If you don't want to walk all the way back the same way you came, there's a cliff you can rock climb up to save yourself at least 30-60 minutes. When I climbed it there was a rope, but my friend said that it's not always there. Be careful because it can get slippery with all the little rocks! Also make sure you check the tide to make sure it's a low tide to get to the waterfall safely! The hike took around 5 hours and that's with a few 10 minute breaks sprinkled in. Definitely a very scenic and rewarding hike!

Alamere Falls (overview) from Palomarin Trailhead ***14 miles round trip  but we did 10 miles (shortcut). ***This is my 2nd time both times with shortcuts. 1st time was 4 yrs ago in July, it hot and dry but more water flowed down the falls. This time, overall it is greener (it's pretty) but less water on the falls. Driving into the trailhead parking lot is a dirt road with many potholes. ***2 bridges and overview on Bass Lake, Point Reyes Seashore. ***Shortcut is not maintained by the National Park service, so it is a dangerous climb down the cliff to the beach to Alamere Falls. I did climb down 1st time but not this time. There were many loose small rocks and I was afraid to slip. Trail is narrow and covered with trees and plants. ***Many poison oaks and pretty wild flowers ***Bathrooms on trailhead (it pit toilet)

Amazing hike and pretty waterfalls. I would recommend using the shortcut method. Look for the arrow on the ground. Be careful when you get to the main waterfall. There's no more rope so I would recommend wearing some long sleeves when you get to that point so that you don't hurt your hands when gripping onto the rocks and crouch low. It is much easier. Also, get to the hiking trail early because it will be hard to find parking. Bathrooms are at the main parking lot. Trails are pretty flat until you get to the waterfall section. It was worth the hike and remember to bring food/ small snacks. There is a beach area near the main waterfall where you can eat if you want to. I would go back for sure.

This used to be a good hike but it's now been ruined by social media. Too. Many. People. Mostly young, English speaking and likely to think that "Tec-Nu" is "some kind of app?" with an abundance of confidence that their bare legs or lululemon leggings will protect them from poison oak. Every single one of them is planning to take the "unofficial" trail that causes erosion along the side of the waterfall. Get there at 9am and the parking lot will still be too full. Lots of smoking in the parking lot and on the trail - as well as off leash dogs (you want your chihuahua carried off by coyotes - I guess that's your business!). Shockingly, I also saw people dragging small children and babies in carriages as though this was Muir Woods. It's not "a 10 mile hike" if you stay on the trail - which you should. And pack out every bit of your garbage (including orange peels and sunflower/pistachio shells - they do not break down).

One of only two tidefalls in California, you can only access it via a hike. I chose the route to initially hike to the Wildcat camping ground, then to walk along the beach to the falls. I did take the shortcut back though. The falls are spectacular! Approaching it from the north on the beach gave me some sense of how special this is; the scene of the mist from the roaring ocean waves combined with that from the falls was surreal. If you want to cross the stream to south of the falls, be prepared to get your feet wet. With the tide receding, I couldn't explore too much south of the falls. The shortcut back starts with a short climb on crumbling rocks. There was a rope that sometimes seemed unnecessary, but I can see how it could be helpful on the way down. It wouldn't surprise me if it was shut down at some point. Once above that rope climb, you're on top of the falls and the small falls that feed it are scenic well. This would be the perfect place to cool off in the summer.

An incredibly strenuous hike. Or maybe I'm just out of shape due to the pandemic. The first time I got to soak up Alamere Falls was during college. I don't remember it being as much of a struggle as it was for my body last time I finished it. But when I conquered it a second time a couple months ago, I was sore in places I've never been sore before. I can't really say how many miles we hiked because we took a slight detour and realized that we were going the wrong way probably 2 miles in. Getting to the falls, according to the park website, is safer if you take certain trails and it's recommended that you do not scale the side of the cliff in order to get to the bottom of the falls. It's true. Much of the cliff has eroded since my visit 7 years ago. It also can be difficult if you don't have people to help you. That being said, it's hard to tell you about the safer routes because both times I have not taken them. You're taken through woodsy areas, you pass a lake on the way, and of course a very scenic view of the ocean. It's by far one of the more interesting hikes to go on in the Bay Area - a lot to see, a lot to take pictures of. I recommend at least two layers of clothing. Stay covered up because of potential poison oak and tics. I also think you should arrive at the Palomarin trail head in the early morning. We got there around 8am on a Sunday. It's nice because not a lot of people yet. You're guaranteed parking in front of the trailhead. And it's not too hot. But the people can't be avoided. On our way back to the car, we passed what felt like hundreds of people. Make sure to bring snacks and maybe two bottles of water per person. Take a break just above the falls. It's the perfect place before having to head back.

Yay! I was super thrilled to knock this one out this past weekend with my crush! Hehe... I told my crush one night that I really would love to visit Alamere Falls one day because I want to hike somewhere to see a waterfall. He mentioned that he heard of this place before from his barber, and he was down to hike it if he found someone to go with. So he asked me if I would like to go on Saturday, and of course, I said "YES!" No doubt about it, boo. ;) So it tooks us about almost 2hrs to get there. We ended up parking parallel on the road and walked to the start of the trail which if I remember correctly is called "Palomarin Trail"? or something like that. Round trip-- we walked 9.25 miles from the car to the waterfall area and back. The trail was a mixed up flat plus ups & downs with both shaded and non-shaded areas. I really loved it! Compared to my hike on Mission Peak and Mount Diablo-- this was a breeze! Hehe... I can see my crush was not used to hiking as much, but he did well. :) When we arrived to the area where you have to really carefully walked/rock climb to the first area of the waterfalls...he was hesitant to go down. So I just go for it, and he followed slowly. My motto is "Go big or go home" so I ain't stopping even if it's going to be hard. We explored the area of the small waterfall which was scenic and nice. We saw that people were down on the beach where the very steep waterfall flows into the ocean which is the main attraction of this place. I seriously wanted to go down there, and I was about 1/4 of the way climbing down... but... my crush would not go. He said that he would wait for me up there if I really wanted to go, but I wasn't about to go down alone. That's not as much fun if he was there. So I climbed back up. Hopefully, next time, we can go down to the bottom or find an alternative path to go down there where it's not as treacherous. Either way, I enjoyed our time there as it was wonderfully refreshing to just be out and about in nature and breathe in the fresh air. :) Along the way, we saw the ocean, a lake, lots of greenery. Just plain beautiful! I wish this place was closer to us, but it's definitely worth the drive. :)

It's a good hike with great ocean views during some portions of it. However, I'm used to hikes having a great pay off and this one was very tame. Just a small waterfall that goes down into the beach. There's a shortcut that's VERY easy to miss during like mile 3.5 and it's a little hole in a bush tunnel on the left. Overall, I love hikes but this wasn't anything special to me. Would probably skip this one if anyone invited me to it again lol.

Such a beautiful easy hike! But the drive from Fremont is long and treacherous LOL. Once you park-use restrooms there and take your waterS Follow the rock arrow it will lead the way...to the falls. Be careful coming down and and even more so coming back up the rock. So many photo opps along the way. I highly recommend going during the week. The weekend is nuts and packed!!

Short hike from the south, a little further from the Bear Valley ranger station, but easy and not steep. If you don't hike much or move slower bring water and maybe lunch, you will want to spend some time at the falls. The first time we went from the south there was a "off trail" shortcut that hella people were taking. It may cut some time off, but whole point is to enjoy the outdoors and STAY ON THE TRAIL!!!

Lots of conflicted emotions with this hike. It's my 3rd time doing it and every time (2 pre-COVID) it's crowded with a lot of hikers who you can tell don't know trail etiquette. Now with COVID precautions it's even more noticeable. Bring a mask to protect yourself because 80% of people aren't wearing them and in parts the trail does go down to single track but most of the trail is fairly open. Huge signs saying Bolinas is closed to visitors; Mesa Road, Alamere Falls, and Olema Hwy are all closed - this is a road construction sign but there is no road construction. Parking looks allowable along Mesa Road about 2.5 miles out from the trailhead near a parking lot, unfortunately as we came back from the hike yesterday the Ranger was angry at all the people and told us no one should be parking where we did and it's closed. However, trail is open with CDC guidelines poster and bathrooms are open and maintained so that feels confusing for the message being sent to the public. Our car didn't get a ticket or towed but the ranger told us it doesn't matter how many people are doing it - still not allowable apparently. I dunno... Trail is well maintained as usual; some overgrown spots but that's to be expected with the months it was closed out. The green arrow is there about 4.1 miles in from the trailhead to take the cheater trail to scramble down versus through wildcat. If you go because you want to see the falls just remember not everyone wants to hear your music, wear a mask, be cool, and keep some distance. Don't be a litterbug - if you packed it in you can certainly pack it out - I've never understood people who come to a place like this and litter - wtf?! We all want to have a good time so let's do our part to keep the trails open by complying, just my soap box preach for the moment.

Moderate level trail (that can be bumped down to easy if you take it slow) that has a fantastic reward at the end. Alamere falls is beautiful this time of year when the runoff feeds the stream and waterfalls at Wildcat Beach. To get here, enter "Palomarin Trailhead" into your GPS. The parking lot is SMALL so plan to arrive no later than 10am for a legitimate spot. Later in the morning, people will park their cars along the road or farther back. Take the last ~3 mi. of the road SLOW since it's all gravel and unpaved with lots of potholes. Your car suspension will suffer if you don't! Better yet, take an SUV if you can. Follow the Coast Trail for about 3.5 mi. and you should eventually reach an arrow arranged with stones and sticks on the ground pointing towards a break in the brush to your left. Go into the break and hike down until you reach a beautiful view, which is also right on top of the falls. If you brought lunch, this is a good place to sit and take a break. Climbing down to the beach is hard and potentially dangerous here, but do-able. Facing the beach, head to the right and find a series of crags you have to climb down. Be careful - don't go if you see someone trying to climb up. There's only room for one person here. Don't be afraid to use your hands and sit down to make your way down the cliff face. When you reach the bottom, you'll be greatly rewarded with a set of waterfalls and the big Alamere Falls at the end! The water flows right into the beach. Depending on the tides, you can walk out to the tide pools and see starfish, sea urchins, and other filter feeders out on the rocks. Climb up the way you came and hike back out to the parking lot the same way you came. Enjoy!!

Start early for a good parking spot Bathroom located in front of the trail and end where campsite is Keep lot of water and food. Have lunch by the water fall is amazing. With shortcut to the falls is around 3 miles Short cut is dangerous, do not rely on stones for support because it does break easily. I took of my shoes for better grip, I did freak out seeing how the rocks can just come off any second. Be careful where you sit and eat because when the wind is heavy it blows the small pieces of rocks ( the same rocks that we may rely on when coming down the shirt cut) There is a reason why the website say they don't recommend the shortcut. If you don't have to then do not take the short cut. There is a long walk on the beach so be prepared..I should say an hour maybe one way Last thing the short cut is totally doable but it's just the sliding down to the beach that is totally crazy. Happy hiking.

I last came to Alamere after my high school graduation so I decided to go full circle and come after my college graduation. This hike is probably around 9-10 miles both ways and has some rocky parts and also at the end you'll need to do some climbing to get to the falls. Not for beginners! I sprained my ankle couple times from being a runner so I had to be really careful with uneven surfaces and going down to the falls. Overall for seasoned hikers, it's really doable and I think next time I can probably be done in 3 hours (I run some parts). Beautiful views, super crisp air, and a consistent 360 degree panoramic view of trees, flowers, plants, and water. Literally so gorgeous!! TIPS I recommend bringing a snack or some food to eat once you get to the falls so that you can rejuvenate yourself! It goes without saying to bring water. I recommend wearing leggings for girls because of the overgrown shrubs (I wore shorts this time). This will forever be my favorite hike!

Alamere Falls is a natural wonder for any fit and adventurous Point Reyes National Seashore visitor. The roughly 9-mile out-and-back hike follows the Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead to the overlook of Alamere Falls, where the waterfall cascades directly onto the beach below. I completed this challenging 9-mile hike with my 6-month-old baby in a front carrier pack and my two-year-old toddler in a backpack carried by my husband. My parents, who are in their 60s but avid hikers who trek the Appalachian Trail, were also able to make the trek. We are all in great physical shape. The hike starts gradually through open grasslands with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. After 2 miles, the trail descends rather steeply via switchbacks into a lush canyon filled with ferns and trees. This shady, overgrown section is a nice contrast to the sunny coastal headlands earlier in the hike. The roar of Alamere Falls can be heard long before it finally comes into view. When you reach the falls, it is a spectacular sight of water tumbling 30 feet onto Wildcat Beach. The waterfall is on private property, so hiking to the beach is prohibited, but views from the overlook cliff are stunning. Watching the water hit the sand and flow into the ocean is mesmerizing. Bring a camera! While quite strenuous, the terrain is manageable for families accustomed to long hikes. The scenic forests, coastal vistas, and impressive waterfall at the end make Alamere Falls one of the most memorable and picturesque hikes in Point Reyes. Be prepared for a challenging all-day hike - bring plenty of snacks and water. I highly recommend adding Alamere Falls to your Point Reyes hiking itinerary if you're up for a long, vigorous trek. It showcases the park's natural beauty in one unforgettable hike for physically fit families. An epic adventure!

I loveloveLOVEd this place!!!! Since we were at least an hour away from the location, we started off pretty early. We found parking very easily and practically had the trail to ourselves. The weather was cooperative that day so a tank top underneath a long sleeve and compression leggings sufficed. We researched the area beforehand thoroughly, and looked for the signs that led us to the right direction. The first part of the hike exposed us to such breathtaking sceneries of the ocean. As we trudged on, the trail became more covered and wooded. Some areas were very narrow, so much so that the plants, leaves, branches were basically directly in our path. I was concerned about brushing against poison oak or stinging nettle, but thank goodness I had no run in's with such. The amount of skill level to execute this hike for an average, healthy individual is minimal to moderate. It's pretty much straightaway, except for the section where you actually get to the falls. There's somewhat of a climb down some rocks which requires no special expertise; just be cautious as you navigate your way down. We spent some time on the beach after admiring the falls. It was so calming and serene, ever so solitude and stunning, even after the crowd began to multiply. The soothing soundscape of nature really does the mind and body good. By midday, the foot traffic was heavy as we began our ascend up the rocks back to the trail. It was nice to see everyone practicing common courtesy in order to keep the influx steady. I remember seeing some people in the distance through the woods, howling and having a good time as they swung off a rope and plunging into the water. I have no idea how they got there. We also came across a fox and a slithering snake. My one and only dissatisfaction with this adventure was the nauseating drive up Highway 1. The curves and twists of the winding roadway made me vomit so bad that I didn't think I'd be able to even trek at all. Nevertheless, I still propose this hike is a must do. You will truly acknowledge the simple beauty of nature. * TIPS * I highly, HIGHLY suggest arriving and starting your hike early. When we left Alamere Falls past one o'clock, the traffic getting into the area was insane! Not only was the highway congested, but the trails as well. Bring along a hydration pack and light snacks to refuel at the beach. Don't expect any cellular service, although bringing along your cellphone is necessary for picture taking of yourself, the views, even maps to use as reference. There are restrooms near the parking lot.

This is a beautiful hike! We took the 13-mile route that leads you through all the different kinds of terrain & takes you to the beach with the falls. It's worth it! Also just in case you're wondering like I was, there is a spot on the trail with a porta potty :)

Finally crossed this hike off my bucket list and I'm already dreaming about doing it again! We started at Palomarin Trail head (where there are restrooms) and every step of the way is breathtakingly beautiful. We saw deer, snakes, birds and lizards. That was so fun even though my daughter was startled by how close the deer was. It's definitely a tough hike for the beginner, even if you take the "shortcut" to save ~2 miles. Don't forget to pay attention to where the arrow made out of rocks points. We almost missed it but the people who came out told us to go that way. It's kinda scary when you first go in because you have to crouch a little but it's still beautiful. When we got to the end of the shortcut trail there was some climbing down to do on rocks and I slipped at the end and fell on my back. Luckily, I was fine. But it's something to pay attention to. After climbing down the rocks, the waterfall is stunning. The uppermost waterfall is the first of four. We didn't feel like climbing all the way down to the beach but that's ok because we hung out at the top by the waterfall eating our snacks and rehydrating. So glad I got to do this. Sure, I'm super tired the day after but I think I'll be fine if I keep hiking and getting my endurance up. Highly recommend!

Loved this hike. Pack in sandwiches to enjoy while there. Go earlier in the year rather than later as the falls can dry up. Watch out for poison oak. The trail was fine most of the way. The path to the falls was pretty tight. We bagged our clothes separately to be washed at home. Then showered with felsnatha just incase. The hike was well worth the trouble and it was so beautiful.

I've done this hike a few times. Every time has been very enjoyable. AllTrails app says it's a 13.6 mile hike. But at about the 4.5 mile when the campgrounds begin, there is a short cut that we have found shaves about 3 miles off the hike. And makes the falls somewhat acceptable even during higher tides. If you take the short cut, you will have to do some scrambling down the cliff side. This hike is rather flat the majority of the way. And the trail goes through some very nice forest. The trail is heavily travelled especially on the weekends. And if you arrive late (like after 9am) parking can be a pain, if not impossible. Something to keep in mind is that the waterfall flows onto a shallow beach. And it's view point from the beach is heavily effected by the tide. If you want the best opportunity to view the fall, I suggest going in the winter or spring during a low or minus tide. This will allow for the best view of the falls. As the winter the fall will have a better water flow than in the summer. And the low tide will allow for the best viewing of the fall. If you don't know about tides, just google SF tide chart. Low tide happens twice daily. The closet to a zero or negative tide is the best. If you time your trip to be at the waterfall during a low or minus tide, you will have a much more enjoyable time. I highly recommend this hike!

The Sunday Hike to the Alamere Falls was such a beautiful and peaceful experience. I personally thought it was a moderately strenuous hike with amazing coastal and lake views the whole way to the falls. Plan to arrive early as the small parking lot gets full pretty early and you'll end up parking on the gravel road. Bathrooms are only available at the parking lot. Enjoy and be safe!

Beautiful and honestly one of the best trails ever low foot traffic and nice scenery definitely recommend to those that live near Santa Rosa

This hike was such a beautiful way to escape the city, no phones, just bonding with your significant other, or a great group outing​ activity...even a great way of​ self​-time​. From left to right, there is just beautiful views and a great way to embrace the beauty of nature that we do not take advantage enough of. I believe my partner and I were walking a normal pace, not too fast nor too slow, and with that being said, going to and from the Fall's it took us 1hr and maybe 35 mins? However, once you reach the falls, there's a cliff to climb and it is LITERALLY like rock climbing. It's​ so scary but exciting and adventurous at the same time. **BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU ARE CLIMBING UP AND DOWN THE CLIFF, THE ROCKS ARE FLAKY AND CHIP OFF EASILY**.......in case you wonder, there are no stairs.

Super chill and relaxing hike- took the Palomarin Trail! There's a "shortcut" which has a lot of greens and stuff poking out, so make sure to wear long sleeves and long pants. My friend says that Alamere Falls is the only coastal waterfall on the West Coast that you can actually go down and see. (The other one is at Big Sur, but you can't really go down to it). The middle falls is nice, but make sure to go all the way to the bottom of the falls! It's a super nice area to chill. My friend brought a blanket, and we sat there and ate our sandwiches. The hike is really not bad, even though there are some online reviews saying that there's a super difficult rocky part at the end. Just watch your steps, and you'll be fine!

I've never experienced a hike quite like this ... ever. It's 9 miles round trip. You better wear real hiking shoes something that can handle gravel and slippery shale type rocks. Bring a small backpack with snacks and water. You end up on the beach so you may want to swim or get in the waterfalls. There are three small waterfalls at the end of the hike. So on this hike you pass tree tunnels, many many rocks on the path (if your clumsy don't do this hike), you pass two lakes (one has many lily pads the other is so big and still it looks like glass), there's poison oak on this hike even more so towards the end of the hike, you have to go through a wall of stone .. the one on the left is tight. I could barely squeeze my buttundunks pass it but on the right was wider. It starts getting slippery here. To get down to the beach and to the larger falls .. "Alamere Falls " you have to carefully climb down through slippery rocks. It took us 6 hours in total cuz we old. And on the way back every muscle in my body hurt that I could barely walk. Truthfully I would do it again because it's a beautiful hike. Next time I'll get better pics.

Beautiful beach with a tricky cliff to climb down. Hiking through the forest with a touch of sunlight that hits the trees so perfectly...quite breathtaking. Of course there will be poops here and there but once you hit the beach, it's worth the trip. Follow the arrow!

Alamere Falls will take your breath away! Waterfall hikes; one of my weaknesses. And, Alamere Falls just made me weak in the knees! Not only is there one fall... but four! Four beautiful waterfalls that are surrounded by the gorgeous water that is Palomarin Beach. Getting there might be a challenge for some, depending on the route that you take. The full hike without any shortcuts spans about 5 miles one way (10 miles round trip). The main trail, known as the Palomarin Trail, will guide you to the bottom of Palomarin Beach where the largest fall can be seen. This trail is relatively easy and is a gradual incline about halfway through until it starts to transition downhill toward the beach. Although I have categorized it as "relatively easy", the length of this hike to and from may be challenging for some. Our group took a shortcut to the Falls, and only ended up hiking a total of 8 miles. However, the route that we took was full of poison oak and required climbing up and down steep rock formations to get to our destination. The shortcut that we took is unmarked other than a man-made arrow formed by rocks pointing to the entry (which of may not be there still). It's about 3.5 miles in from the Palomarin Trailheas and you'll make a left into a small trail covered in low tree branches. If you choose to take the shortcut, it is highly recommended that you wear long sleeves; especially if you know that you are allergic to poison oak. Also, you should wear actual hiking shoes or boots because the rock terrain is slippery, steep, and can be extremely dangerous for someone wearing shoes with no traction or ankle support. This small trail is only about a half mile and will require you to bend down low to get through the small tunnel of tree branches. Once you begin to see the ocean and notice the split between the rocks, you'll know that you're close. The first waterfall will be located to your right, and is centered near a small creek. It's tough to get close to this waterfall, but we were still able to take some nice pictures standing next to it. Next, you'll have to scale down more rocks to get to the next two waterfalls which are centered right on top of each other. These waterfalls are the smallest. Finally, the most popular waterfall will require some serious rock climbing to get down if taking the shortcut. The climb down is extremely narrow and quite scary, but short. The last waterfall is the most popular. This waterfall can be reached by hiking the entire 5 miles down to the beach if you don't want to take the shortcut to view the other waterfalls. The views are absolutely gorgeous! The beach is clear and the beautiful sounds of the waves are peaceful. The View of Palomarin Beach and this waterfall is worth the hike, shortcut or not. Bring snacks, a lunch, and plenty of water with you as you will need it. About half of the trail is shaded but extremely cool. The views of the beach while ascending up the Palomarin trail are stunning! This is a definite must if you are looking for a beautiful waterfall hike in the Bay Area!

This is one hike you can revisit so many time during the year! The fall was gorgerous !

Welcome to the most popular hike in the entire bay area. How popular? On a nice weekend, be prepared to park a mile or more away from the trailhead parking lot, which of course adds to the hike distance. If you get there late enough, you may run out of roadside parking altogether. So my top advice is: In good weather, go very early, and/or go on a weekday. But once you make it to the Palomarin Trailhead successfully, the rest is beautiful; and the falls at the endpoint are glorious and unique. The only downside is the crowded conditions you'll likely encounter. Not much chance of solitude here unless you go on a Tuesday in February. The hike itself is a there-and-back route that takes you in and out of small valleys, along seaside cliffs, and even next to some beautiful, clear, freshwater lakes. There are some short ascents and descents along the route, but nothing outrageous. As for junctions, there are two on the way out to the falls; one left hand turn at about the 2-mile mark, and another one just before the 4-mile mark. This last turn is through a "tunnel" in the shrubbery and is unmarked and easy to miss; so look for a pile of stones shaped like an arrow (or just carefully watch the flow of people). The toughest part by far is the scramble down to the beach from the area near the top of the falls. The trail is steep, sandy, slippery in spots and can be choked with folks trying to go both directions at once. The rule of thumb here is good footwear, staying low, friendliness and patience. Once you make it to the bottom, you'll be rewarded with one of the coolest, unique settings to be found in northern California. Total hike distance: 8.5 miles; more if you have to park further from the trailhead. Other tips and tricks: -- Decent scrambling skills required for those who want to go all the way to the beach. Did I mention good shoes? Wear them! -- Long pants recommended, even in summer. Lots of poison oak here spring thru fall; stay on the trail and watch what you brush against. -- There is a lovely, add'l "bonus area" along the route (but I won't reveal to the masses; Yelp friends who are going here can message me for details) -- It's Marin county, so bring layers for the changing conditions and micro-climates

Here is my blog post on Alamere Falls, sans pics... This City girl seeks nature from time to time! Since we haven't done a hike since last summer AND we finally had a free weekend with nothing on the calendar, I told J we were hiking! HAHA! Well, I really said I needed a hike in my life. He obliged and we asked our friends Melanie & Alex to join us, as they had for last summers hike! We almost canceled the hike with Outside Lands and the freeway repair, we thought the freeway would be a mess. Just to get to the hike is a little over two hours. Add traffic and we'd be stuck in the car all day, instead of enjoying nature! After a few texts back and forth, we decided to go for it. We just had to leave at 7AM to make sure we didn't hit any traffic heading there or coming home. I'd done minimal research on the hike. I used AllTrails and a simple Google search. I also crowd sourced FB, since that is where I first saw this hike or on IG. Random friends have done it and of course I was enamored with the photos and scenery. What I learned about the hike before we hiked: There is a shortcut - look for an arrow made of rocks Total length is about 14 miles, but 8 if you use the shortcut Start at the Palomarin Trailhead and head toward the Wildcat Camp Come early, before 9AM for parking gets full fast! Lots of Poison Oak in the shortcut Alamere Falls is a rare "tidefall," a waterfall that flows directly into the Ocean. Here are some other websites I found useful, prior to the hike: National Park Service - Alamere Falls Wikipedia - Alamere Falls Yelp - Alamere Falls AllTrails - Palomarin Trailhead to Alamere Falls Trail Since we put it off the night before the hike we found ourselves at Safeway at 10:30PM to grab some food for the hike. Knowing it was at minimum 8 miles, we needed some type of food. We grabbed salami, cheese, and a baguette for the hike. Then we headed home to get some rest before Alex and Melanie came over at 7AM. I didn't pack too much, just our food from Safeway, apple sauce, candy (for the sugar and carbs), and fruit snacks (more sugar and carbs). Each of us were going to carry small backpacks, his with the food and random stuff, mine with the bladder of water. Uncharacteristically, I dressed for cooler weather. Normally, I assume I'll be sweating after five minutes on the trail. But since I knew it was in the bay and near the ocean, I opted for capris, a tank, then a top over that. Of course I had my comfy Balega socks and my trusted Saucony Kinvara hiking shoes! Those shoes have seen some pretty cool places and races! We were ready to roll when Alex and Melanie rang the door bell. We piled in my car, picked up our Starbucks mobile order and hit the road. Then had to stop to grab gas and fill my tire up with air, glad it never had an issue after that. After that we only had to make one pit stop at a Starbucks to use the bano. The drive was a little over two hours, but with no real traffic. The issue is after you get through the 37, you drive through Novato, where it's mostly residential. Then into twisty roads accompanied with bikers. Eventually, you hit a dirt path for awhile and it seems like you may be lost. Then BAM, you arrive and are greeted by a National Park Service employee who assists with parking at the trailhead. This hike is considered moderate for a reason. I wouldn't say it was hard, but I was sweating and using my arms to pump me up the uphill parts. I enjoyed the effort that was exerted during the hike. We worked in some spots, but thankfully most of the trail is covered. There are some parts that are not shaded and you could feel the warm sun baking your skin! But again, you are ocean side, so its never really too hot (like in Sacramento)! This hike snakes you in and out and around, then you see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. It was still a little hazy, but it was pretty. Then you hike along the ocean for awhile, until you start snaking back into the hills a little more. There are two signs along the way. It's important to make sure you are following the Wildcat Camp trail. Thankfully, as we got closer to the shortcut two fellas let us know it was coming up and to look for an arrow made of rocks. I wasn't sure what it was going to look like and I was certain we'd miss it. But you can't, it's huge on the trail. We were all worried about the Poison Oak, since many people mention it. The entrance to the shortcut looks a little scary, because you have to duck down to get into the brush. I pulled my sleeves all the way down, just in case. My legs were exposed and there wasn't anything I could do about that, so I didn't worry about it. It wasn't bad at all, which is not what the beginning would have you believe. Read the rest here:http://girlytomboymusings.blogspot.com/2017/08/city-girl-hikes-alamere-falls-bolinas-ca.html

Finally checking this hike off my list! My coworker and I took a random Thursday off to do this trail in peace without the big weekend crowds. We even got to start later at 10:15 am and there was plenty of parking. As a note, we both enjoy hiking so YMMV. We found the Palomarin Trail to be perfect. I'd consider it an easy hike albeit long. The elevation gains weren't too bad. It was a mix of shady and non-shady parts. Best to do this hike in actual hiking shoes instead of your Ultraboost or Nike sneakers, especially if you are taking the shortcut. We took the long way down and the shortcut back up (most people seem to do it the other way around). I highly recommend taking the long way at least one direction otherwise you'll be missing out on a lot of beautiful nature, peep the pic of the field of yellow flowers. The waterfall was beautiful. It's really neat how it just flows into the ocean. Don't forget to pack a lunch to enjoy at the beach!