Day 21 - Alamere Falls, Point Reyes National Seashore

Today's hike: Coast Trail to Alamere Falls, Point Reyes National Seashore
Distance: 8.4 miles
Elevation gain: 550'
Thoughts:  Exceptionally scenic out-and-back hike which is rewarded with a waterfall right onto the beach

We're entering a streak of beautiful days here in the Bay Area, so on a (somewhat) warm and clear Sunday I decided it was high time to make the trek up to Point Reyes National Seashore to enjoy a hike before it gets fogged in for the summer.  This particular hike came on a recent recommendation from CS, who told me it's one of his personal favorites and a hike he does every year.  With that kind of endorsement, how could I resist?

It's been nearly a decade since I last ventured up to Point Reyes.  Located about 30 miles north of San Francisco it's a long, windy drive up the PCH to get there so it makes for a long day, but each time I've ventured up there my love for this gem is renewed.  The trail to Alamere Falls is located on the southern part of Point Reyes, and it hugs the coast for the first 1-1/2 to 2 miles before turning inland to pass by two lakes before emerging at the beach at Alamere Creek above the falls.

Here is a view of the coast along the hike:    

After we turned inland, we encountered this fun obstacle across the trail:

"I'll hold this massive tree up while you scramble underneath.  Hurry up - it's heavy!"

Pic of Alamere Creek just before it tumbles over the top of the falls:

Top of Alamere Falls:

Alamere Falls from the beach.  It took a death-defying (and unsanctioned) climb down the cliffs to get this view:

Ever had oysters from Drake's Bay?  They come from this area.  This is Drake's Bay looking northwest towards more of Point Reyes:

After enjoying lunch on the beach, we clamored our way back up the cliff and hiked back to the car.  On the drive home we were treated to incredible views of the Marin Coast along Highway 1, with SF and Sutro Tower in the background:

Point Reyes, I <3 you.  With your 100+ square miles to explore, we would be BFF's if you were just a little bit closer to me.    

Today marks the end of week number three, and this week I logged a total of 28.75 miles and 8,295 ft of elevation gain.  I still want to continue working on the elevation training with some steeper trails, but overall I'm feeling pretty darn good.