Discover California’s Alamere Falls — The Majestic Waterfall Spilling Right Into the Ocean

Alamere Falls is a 40-foot tidefall waterfall located near the town of Bolinas in Marin County and is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. This California hidden gem dramatically falls into the ocean at the south end of Wildcat Beach. The only way to get there is by hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The protected coastline is home to beautiful beaches, and stunning cliffs, and is a spectacular viewpoint for migrating whales. There are over 1,500 species of animals and plants that call this area home.

It’s important to check the tide charts before making the journey to Alamere Falls to ensure access to the beach. The three main trails to the falls include Palomarin Trailhead, Bear Valley Trailhead, and Five Brooks Trailhead. To get to the trailheads, drive to Olema Bolinas Road and follow the signs. Additionally, Wildcat Campground is available to those who wish to camp overnight.

How to Get to the Falls

Palomarin Trailhead is about five miles north of Bolinas at the northwestern end of Mesa Road. It is a thirty-five-minute car ride from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. The hiking distance to the falls is 13.2 miles roundtrip, taking 6.5 hours.

Bear Valley Trailhead is south of the Bear Valley Visitor Center by car, the hiking distance to the falls is 14.8 miles roundtrip, taking 7.5 hours.

Five Brooks Trailhead is ten minutes away from the Bear Valley Visitor Center by car, the hiking distance to the falls is 15.6 miles roundtrip, taking 7.5 hours. It is 7.8 miles by bicycle.

Wildcat Campground

Located on a bluff overlooking the ocean in an open meadow, Wildcat Campground is a short walk to the beach. Access to the camp is via hiking, biking, or horseback. In other words, there is no access by boat or car. To get there, take the Bear Valley Trailhead, Palomarin Trailhead, or Stewart Trail. It is a 6.3-mile hike from Bear Valley Trailhead or a 5.5-mile hike from the Palomarin Trailhead. Additionally, the only bike trail is a 6.7-mile strenuous route along the Stewart Trail from the Five Brooks Trailhead.

Wildcat Beach

This 2.9-mile-long beach is accessible from Palomarin, Bear Valley, or Five Brooks trailheads. These trails end up at Wildcat Camp. From the campground, it’s a 1.1-mile hike south on the beach. However, this hike is not possible during high tides. Even at low tides, waves crash at the base of the cliffs, making this an unsafe condition. A trail from this point leads to the beach. Allow 4 to 6.5 hours to hike there and back, plus time to enjoy the beach.

Things to be Aware Of

• The cliffs are prone to erosion, so be cautious and check for areas that have given way. For instance, stay away from the edge.
• No reservations are required.
• Check horse riding on the park website for information.
• Poison oak grows here and there are ticks.
• There are no bathrooms or phone service.
• Most trails prohibit bikes.
• Dogs and other pets are prohibited, excluding service dogs.
• Stay off unmaintained trails and always take park-maintained paths.
• Take care not to trample plants or disturb animals.

Essential Items

• Bring a compass or a map since phone service is sketchy or non-existent
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against UV rays
• A flashlight, headlamp, or lantern with extra batteries
• Waterproof matches
• A basic repair kit including scissors, a knife, duct tape, and a multitool
• Stay hydrated and bring water

Point Reyes National Seashore Animals

There is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy, which changes with the seasons. Many animals give birth here, so show them respect by not approaching their nests or newborns. For example, the common murres raise their young on the rocks below the Point Reyes Lighthouse, which was built in 1870 and stands 600 feet above sea level. Also, Peregrine falcons can be seen defending their nests. There are 490 known species of North American birds, so birdwatching is a popular activity. Audubon Ranch near Stinson Beach is where you can see egrets and herons nest high in the trees.

One popular mammal in the area is the harbor seal. They give birth on the sand dunes and sand bars in the spring at the beaches of Tomales Bay, Limantour Beach, Bolinas Lagoon, and Drakes Estero. Another popular visitor is the elephant seal, who gives birth at Chimney Rock and Point Reyes Lighthouse. They can also be viewed when they are molting on south-facing beaches.

Tule Elk’s mating season, known as rutting, begins in early August at Drakes Beach, Limantour Beach, and Drakes Estero. These majestic creatures, only found in California, roam the Tule Elk Reserve on Tomales Point from August through October.

December through January is when the southern whale migration occurs, returning north in March through May. During the months of April and May, mothers and their pups swim closer to the shore. Additionally, migrating humpback whales arrive in summer and fall to feed in the Gulf of the Farallones. They can be seen from local beaches, Chimney Rock, and Point Reyes Lighthouse. In fact, there are 25 species of whales and porpoises in the area.

The ocean offers a bounty of shellfish, such as oysters from Drakes Estero and Tomales Bay, mussels, clams, and abalone. Although shy, the elusive red octopus and squid also live in these waters.

Inland, you might see a bobcat or coyote, and there are many small dairy farms and ranches.

In Conclusion

This hidden waterfall is just one of the many wonders of the Point Reyes National Seashore, a protected area filled with an abundance of wildlife and beauty. Tall cliffs and large waves dot along this part of the coast. Visitors need to respect nature and the weather, which can be dangerous, but the risk is worth the reward. It’s a photographer’s paradise, or for any artist for that matter — painters, poets, and musicians are all inspired by the beauty of the Point Reyes National Seashore and Alamere Falls as it drops into the sea.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/yhelfman