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    Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail

    4.7 (23 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Lisa W.

    Throughout every season, Pinnacle Gulch offers stunning scenery. The trail is only 1 mile to the beach- if you return on the northern path it's about 2.5 miles round trip. I try and plan to come here on a low tide as the sea urchins & sea stars are visible. For some reason today we saw none, yet encountered thousands upon thousands of mussel shells washed ashore. I'm assuming global warming has something to do with it. But we did see whales! Plenty of them spouting not too far from shore. Another gorgeous day at Pinnacle Gulch

    Pinnacle Gulch Beach.
    Cari H.

    A pretty beach that is best enjoyed at low tide. It can be accessed by the trail down or from Doran Beach at low tide. Go past rock outcropping, pass through the cave (you'll have to bend down) and you pop out on the south side to encounter a string a pretty little beaches. Keep it clean and pristine, folks!

    When the trail ends. Beautiful spot
    Daisy G.

    Never been here before but decided to stop and take a stroll. Was about a 45 walk to and from. The trail is easy going down but coming back up there's alot of high steps lol me my hubby and kids really liked it. Also there is close parking to it

    Driftwood-June 2016-such a peaceful beach
    Jennifer N.

    Hidden gem of a beach in Bodega Bay that requires a short hike down to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the Pacific. There is a small lot (free parking) across from a trailhead that takes you down to the beach. It's about a 10 minute walk through coastal scrub that eventually opens up to spectacular views of the coast. It's not a well known or heavily travelled beach, which makes for a perfectly relaxing and low key coastal adventure. Once down at the beach you were met with scenic cliffs, rocky coastline and crystal blue waves crashing. Pinnacle Gulch Beach is also hands down the best shell collecting spot I've visited on the Sonoma Coast. It's a nice scenic walk from one end to the other and if you are feeling adventurous, and there is low tide, you can actually crawl through a small cave that takes you over to Doran Beach. It was a very windy day on my particular visit to Pinnacle Gulch Beach, but still a breathtakingly beautiful slice of the Sonoma Coast. Such a quiet, relaxing spot to take in coastal views and sit in solitude in the lovely Bodega Bay area.

    Vicki L.

    Nice 1.9 mile round trip hike. Downhill to the beach. Dog friendly. Easy parking at the top.

    Chelsie O.

    Love how you can bring your dogs! A very nice hike with a great view during the spring-summer season! Only saw one person during the very short hike and only a few families/couples on the beach! Can't wait to go again because this is one of the few beaches around the bay area that allow dogs!

    Views from trail.
    Parker S.

    Nice spot if you're looking for a short hike to beach. It's a relatively easy, 2 mile loop hike. Free parking area with bathrooms. Dog friendly (on leash). The beaches are beautiful, not too crowded on a Friday afternoon. Side note, there are quite a few stairs in one location on hike. I recommend this trail and beaches and plan on visiting again, soon!

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    9 years ago

    Nice hike and beautiful beach! Loved that it wasn't overcrowded and dirty. So glad we found this hidden gem!

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    Ask the Community - Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail

    Review Highlights - Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail

    This particular stretch of coast is south of Doran Beach and is sort of isolated (depending on tide).

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    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees - A view straight up.

    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees

    4.9(13 reviews)
    6.0 mi

    I had never heard of this grove of redwoods even when I was growing up in the area. It is located…read morea couple miles west of the town of Occidental. We were afraid we would lose cell service but luckily it worked the entire way so we were guided by Waze. The road is quite narrow and windy so best to take it slow in case you run across other cars or bicyclists. There are residences along this road too so another reason to take a slow pace. The parking lot is small but we fortunately got a spot as we waited for the other members of our party to arrive. It had been raining all weekend so perhaps there were not as many visitors as normal. We noticed several friendly dogs on leash as we walked along the well-kept trails. The redwoods are truly majestic and there are many picture perfect spots along the path. We took some beautiful photos of the redwoods with fern in the foreground. It's a nice and easy trail and a peaceful spot to have a picnic. I think they must have controlled burns here because in certain areas, there were redwoods that had blackened trunks. Some of these trees are over 1,000 years old. Take Coleman Valley Road to Fitzpatrick Lane. There is a small parking lot and I've read not to park on the side of the road if the parking lot is full as they do give out tickets.

    We came across this beautiful find through a friend's recommendation. This past weekend we happen…read moreto be staying in Occidental. So we picked up lunch , at Howard's Inn, and took the short 10 minute drive to this lovely Grove. The road to Grove the scenic and beautiful but ...the parking is minimal -- so make sure you get there early and bring a picnic lunch, beautiful views and moments for lovely photos. A perk we always look into are dog friendly adventures ...and the Grove was a welcomed destination for the entire family. ‍‍‍ If you're looking for a dog friendly day, the Grove is definitely a must stop. We will be back.

    Photos
    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees - The picnic area of the grove consists of a single bench, and a narrow 'prep table'.

    The picnic area of the grove consists of a single bench, and a narrow 'prep table'.

    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees - There are a few memorial benches throughout with poems or quotes.

    There are a few memorial benches throughout with poems or quotes.

    LandPaths Grove of Old Trees - Don't forget to look up and feel small. These trees were here before your Momma and Grandmother

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    Don't forget to look up and feel small. These trees were here before your Momma and Grandmother

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - This is a piece of cake as long as your fear gene is non-existent.

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring

    1.9(23 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    This hot spring has a few names, Steep Ravine Hot Springs, Marin Tidal Hot Springs and Rocky Point…read moreHot Springs. Plan ahead by looking for the lowest tides, the more negative the better. We stayed overnight at the Steep Ravine Cabins which is a short but rocky hike to the hot springs from the beach. It can get a little sketchy with rising tides. Alternatively, if you drive right past the cabins, if you see cars parked on the left, it's straight down from there. The cars parked are also a sign that people are soaking. The reason this hot springs is so popular is its location. You can soak nestled in some rocks above the Pacific Ocean. Also it's rarity, you can only use it when the tide is negative. You can't argue with the natural beauty. Many people will take a cold plunge with the ocean water below. The spring fits about a dozen people and the closer you go to the enclosed portion the hotter the water. The reason it doesn't rate higher is the over crowding and the crowd itself. Naked hippies go along with soaking, it's a given, that's not the downside. Generally in your hot spring adventures you meet some really nice folks who are not fake who are all there for the same reason. This crowd here is hostile and overbearing about this spot. There were a few locals that were cool who helped maintain the flow of water which is much appreciated, but they were the exception. If you happen to like to soak in a bathing suit, you may get a public shaming. There was a lot of bad mouthing about anyone from outside of Marin being there. It was very crowded at 5 in the morning and you couldn't help but feel like you were on top of the person next to you because you have 30 people trying to soak in a natural tub meant for 12. For that reason I get why they are protective and don't want to encourage people to find the place but please share. No matter how many negative ratings you put on yelp to discourage novelist hot springers, you will be found.

    Miss this place despite how much I detest it. First of all you will stink like rotten eggs if you…read morehave the courage and fortitude to make it down to the springs. Second of all, the crowds are binomial. Meaning either you've come at the wrong time or you'll be overwhelmed by the silent ohms and having to siphon or the springs will be covered by the ocean. Take pictures and someone will smash your phone. Bring glass and you'll be everyone's favorite! The trek down is short, but can be deadly and gruesome. One misstep and you'll be hitting your health insurance deductible. This place is not for the faint hearted.

    Photos
    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - Make sure you have life insurance!

    Make sure you have life insurance!

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - Literally standing on top of the marker...

    Literally standing on top of the marker...

    Steep Ravine Hot Spring - King salmon

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    King salmon

    Westside Regional Park - Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival (boat parade)

    Westside Regional Park

    3.2(20 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Although more known for its campgrounds, this park is also a decent setting for occasional special…read moreevents. I came here this past weekend to attend the annual Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival for the second time. Enjoyed the boat parade, helicopter display, interacting with starfish and other sea creatures, and live music by multiple bands on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The nearby camping area looked less than desirable. But as an event space, it's not bad at all, offering lovely views looking out onto the water, especially near the boating facility, while fitting a multitude of food and merchandise vendor tents on site.

    So the wife booked this place. For a campground that's full, there were a lot of open spots. Weird…read more I guess online reservations are taking the spots even though they're not showing up. We had slots 27 and 29. One row from the water. We were just a short walk to the bathroom. Bathrooms were fine. I did not use the showers because I forgot the quarters. We had water hook up for slot 29. Remember not all spots have water. Also this place is not full hook ups. So be prepared. They do have a dumping station but that cost $7 bucks. Not bad plus they have a water hose for cleaning at the dump station. As for the stay, I really enjoyed our spot. The water when it receded, was safe enough for my kids to play and look for sea life. Easy to find a red rock crab or monkey face eel. Also plenty of baby crabs under the rocks. The views were amazing. The girls went out on hikes while I was out crabbing. Fun times for sure. They do have a generator rule. You can run them from 8am to 8pm. I might have ran mine past the time because it was windy and cold and I was not about to make my kids suffer. I did have a quiet generator which helped keep me out of trouble. Would I come back? You betcha. Everyone I talked to were nice.

    Photos
    Westside Regional Park - Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival (helicopter demo/display)

    Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival (helicopter demo/display)

    Westside Regional Park - Team S killing the crabs

    Team S killing the crabs

    Westside Regional Park - Keeper

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    Keeper

    Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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