Hike the North Trail to the Pygmy Forest

Jenner, California

Save

View all 5 photos

All 5 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

4 miles

Elevation Gain

800 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Fog-swept Douglas Fir, Redwoods, orchids and madrone trees led to a unique pygmy forest due to the acidic nature of the underlying soil.

Salt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The North trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including the unique Pygmy Forest, named for the stunted trees and plantlife due to the acidic nature of the soil.

The main North Trail trailhead begins on Highway 1 just south of the Stump Beach parking area but can also be accessed via the main Park Entrance (see map for exact location).

The trail winds slowly uphill for 2 miles, reaching the Pygmy Forest at around mile 1.8, before intersecting with the Central Trail which can be taken back to the Park Entrance. You can also continue on to the highland Prairie to take the South Trail back to the park entrance.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness

Chillin

Photography

Running

Hiking

Adult Beverages

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Hike the North Trail to the Pygmy Forest Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Salt Point Trail

There are numerous points at which you can enter the trail from Highway 1, but on the north it begins as the Salt Point / Stump Beach Parking area and proceeds 1.2 miles to the Visitor Center (and south entrance) at the Gerstle Cove State Marine area, one of the first underwater state parks in California. From there you can follow the road farther south till it turns back into a trail out to Ge...

Abalone Diving at Salt Point State Park

Jenner is a great spot to head out in calm water with your abalone gear. The dives will be in depths of 10 to 15 ft. of water, with visibility usually in the 5-20 ft. range. Spend a little time doing your homework before entering the water and you'll be able to find easier entry areas.When you head out into the water, be sure your partner is with you and that you have all your gear (ab iron, me...

Camp and Dive at Salt Point State Park

Camping at Salt Point Sate Park is a dream. You have your choice of camping by the sea at Gerstle Cove campground, or tucked up into the forest at the Woodside campground…and you can’t go wrong with either choice.The rugged and beautiful coastline here is a popular destination for abalone diving and spearfishing, and features a protected underwater reserve where you can dive (no collecting). Tr...

Hike the Central Trail

Salt Point State Park, about 90 miles north of San Francisco, features rugged, windswept coastline and dramatic forests of cypress, pine and redwoods. The Central Trail is a great way to experience much of the inland portion of the park including a unique highland Prairie where elk graze and are hunted by mountain lions. The Central Trailhead is located in the main park entrance near the Gerstl...

Bolete Mushroom Hunting

Salt Point State Park is a state park in Sonoma County, California, United States. The park covers 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) on the coast of Northern California, with 20 miles (32 km) of hiking trails and over 6 miles (9.7 km) of a rough rocky coast line including Salt Point which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean.Park at Woodside Campground. The parking is $7. Then you take any trail going up the...

Camp at Stillwater Cove

It's a short walk down to the beach and there is a nice trail that follows along the creek. Campground features include potable water, restrooms with coin -operated showers, flush toilets, and electrical outlets. There is also a dump station. Please note: there are no RV hook-ups. Check out more details at Sonoma County Regional Parks.