Palomarin Trailhead - Search Nearby - Added by Jake Young
Hike to a beautiful and rare waterfall (tidefall), plummeting 40ft until it reaches the ocean. Enjoy stunning views of the pacific combined with varying terrain through forests, tall brush, and exposed dirt trails. If you hike to falls during the summer, take a swim in Bass Lake on the way back to the trailhead.
The hike to Alamere falls is ~8.4 mile out-and-back. Start at the Palomarin Trailhead located in the parking lot near the restrooms. After about 2 minutes on the trail, you'll see a map on your right that lays out the trail to the falls as well as a few campground (Sky, Wildcat, etc.). Don't be afraid to take a picture of the map if you're worried about getting lost (it never hurts to have a reference). From there, the trail connects with Coast Trail and is pretty straight forward as you head to the falls. For the first couple of miles, the trail is fairly exposed and can get warm on sunny days. The second half of the hike prior to reaching the coast is covered and wooded.
When you reach the coast, the trail becomes very narrow and steep. You'll often notice a little traffic jam as people figure out how to navigate their way down. There are two steep parts, the first takes you just above the main part of the falls, where there are a few smaller waterfalls. Once you've had a chance to check it out, head further down the trail to get to the beach; this is where the main waterfall is located. On this last descent, give the people ahead of you a little space. There's lots of loose gravel and people coming from the opposite direction, which makes the trail a bit crowded. When you get to the beach, you'll realize why you trekked 4+ miles and waited behind a line of people for good reason - it's freaking awesome! Take in the scenery, snap a few photos, and refuel, then it's back on the trail the way you came. If you want to cool off on the way back, stop at Bass Lake and go for a swim!
For a safer, less challenging route (minus the additional distance), you can hike the coastal trail to Wildcat Camp, then head south along the beach to reach Alamere Falls.
If you're looking to grab a bite after this long trek, head to Mill Valley, specifically Avatars for some Punjabi burritos.
This hike is NOT dog friendly.
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Nearby Adventures
Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead
20.5 Miles Round Trip - 2705 ft gain
Backpack the Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead
17.13 Miles Round Trip - 3837 ft gain
Backpack to Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp
11.4 Miles Round Trip - 1945 ft gain
Hike and Swim at Bass Lake
5 Miles Round Trip
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Reviews
Overall rating:
Long Hike, but amazing outcome
This hike took about 2 1/2 hours to get to the waterfall and then about 3 to get back, however it was completely worth it. It is rare to see a waterfall flowing into the ocean.
Good But Garbage Everywhere
Disgusting amounts of napkins from people obviously peeing along the way. It's really gross and it's infuriating to think of how many people are disrespecting this place. The waterfall in nice if you can get there early before the hordes. We went early and on our way out we passed hundreds of gangs of city folk trying to get there. Most of them unprepared, no backpacks, with small children, no wonder they have nowhere to put there garbage
Great Nature Walk. Start Early!
This is more of a nature walk than a hike. Ever so slight grades most of the way. The turn off for the falls is difficult to see, so using a pedometer or gps for location helps, as the turn off is not marked. Occasionally, hikers build an arrow out of rocks. Very cool! Consider starting early side (7am), as the falls get busy, especially if you want good photography without a lot of people. The who hike with an hour at the falls is roughly a four hour affair.
You'll love who you are when you are in Marin!
Marin County is just a little out there. As in one famous bridge away from San Francisco. And right next door to the vineyards and Napa and Sonoma. Closer than you could ever imagine to everything that's unique in this clever corner of California. Take a vacation from the typical vacation.
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