We used to come to this area before social media was really a thing. Before it was about getting that instagram photo or tiktok video. It was nostalgic for us to be back but a little sad. The popularity of it is good and bad for the area. We’ll see what the future holds for this amazing place called Point Reyes National Seashore.

The most popular attraction in the area is Alamere Falls. It is only one of three fresh water waterfalls that flows directly into an ocean in the United States.

Hike to Alamere Falls in Point Reyes National Seashore

Miles: 14 ♦ Elevation Gain: 1,600′ ♦ Trail Type: Out and Back ♦ Trail: Moderate

Deep in the Phillip Burton Wilderness, it is not meant to be easy to get to. While the elevation gain isn’t that strenuous it is the length. You will hear of a short cut, but I implore you not to take it. This is meant to be a 14 mile hike. Save the area and don’t be a part of the destruction of it. People taking the short cut are trampling the area and the erosion from the rocks to get down to the waterfall is severe. There are NO DOGS on this trail and that means NO DOGS. Do your research and if you brought fido, come back another time. You are not the exception, so don’t be that guy or gal.

The parking lot is a decent size. It fills up quickly too. Overnight permit holders also park here so by the time we got done with the hike it was overflowing. There are pit toilets but not garbage service.

You cannot miss the start of the trail. Do not be deterred by the gate, it is just so no one drives up there.

The hike starts through eucalyptus trees. The scent is unavoidable, as well as the fallen pods.

Only after about a half a mile, you reach the top of the bluff and your first glimpse of the ocean.

The rest of the hike is through the bluffs.

Into the forest.

And past a few lakes.

Wild Cat Campground is just under 6 miles in and it is where you access the beach to walk to the waterfall. This is the best primitive tent camping you can find.

There are only 8 spots here. The best is the one Kevin is standing in. You have your own private trail to the top of the bluff for unending views of the coast.

Each site has a grill, bear container and picnic table.

Just over a mile to the south is Alamere Falls and about a mile to the right you will find cool rock formations and sea creatures.

At the sign above you take an immediate left towards the ocean and it will take you to your next left towards Alamere Falls.

The northern coast of California is probably the most beautiful coastline. While southern California has beautiful flat beaches, they are lined with homes and restaurants. Up here, you get beautiful bluffs with the perfect sandy beaches.

After just over a mile you have reached Alamere Falls. It’s simply amazing.

Backcountry Camping in Point Reyes National Seashore

You have options but we have only stayed at Wildcat camp. There are so few sites, but each time we have been there they have been full but you could never tell. It has been some of the most respectful camping we have been around.

There are restrictions that come with staying here as in you need a permit. If you need more information click here: Camping in Point Reyes National Seashore

There are bathrooms here and what they say is potable water, but I would bring a water purifier or carry enough for what you need. The summers can get hot during the day and cool at night so packing can be a bit tricky.

There are bear bins so make sure to use them. All sorts of wildlife are in the area and they don’t need to be fed by us humans. Bring your fishing poles if you want to fish and then can cook them for dinner. The perch we caught were amazing. So don’t forget a lemon!

This truly is one of our favorite places in California, but as I mentioned before we were sad to see how much it has changed. Specifically the tourists flocking to the area. While I believe all should be able to enjoy this, it is a privilege, not a right and we should be taking care of this area. Respecting this area. It will be the next place to require a permit just to hike and people will not be happy. They know the repercussions and still don’t think it applies to them. Let’s just be good humans.

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