Sunset Beach Trail

Sunset Beach Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore was on my list for a few months. It is favorited and positively reviewed by many Alltrails users, and when a friend of mine came to visit for the weekend, it was the first trail on my mind to hike together.

We got to the trailhead early enough to see only a few cars in the dirt parking lot. The beginning of the hike was relatively flat with the views of open field with few trees in sight. Soon enough we were in the middle of the forest with tall trees surrounding us, although this section did not last long as we reached the bridge over what used to be a full body of water at some point. 

As we crossed the bridge, we continued the hike along the shore, but on the other side. The water was pretty shallow to the point that some birds could stand on the bottom fishing.

With a few hills ahead the overall elevation gain was under 1,000 ft, a relatively easy hike. The trail ended abruptly on Alltrails, and there was no end in sight for it in real life, so we went with the navigation app and turned around. It was a peaceful walk (I don't even know that I would call it a hike), but not one that I would repeat again.

We got to the parking lot and headed to Marin French Cheese Company for a picnic. We bought 5 different cheeses, a fig preserve and delicious rosemary crackers. This was a great way to have lunch!

We also met a wonderful black duck who insistently begged for food (and against better judgement, got it).

After a stop for wine tasting at Adobe Winery (2 for 1 wine tasting with Sonoma Passport) and dinner at The Block, which is a "must visit" when in the area - very unique and unlikely to just stop by place - we headed back to Napa for a well-deserved dessert at home and an episode of "Grace and Frankie" by the fireplace. A perfect way to spend a day!

Greenpicker and Stewart Loop in Point Reyes

Organized by another hiking group, the Greenpicker and Stewart Loop hike was supposed to be a 12 miler. It did not end up that way as the group leader modified the route. I must admit I didn't argue with that decision.

The hike was rather fast-paced, and another woman and I were the last hikers at almost every stop. I really do believe in hiking your own hike. It was a rather peaceful trail in the depth of Point Reyes National Seashore forest. Tall trees, green grass (yes! in California and in the summer!) and muddy trails! Who would have thought that I would be wiping mud from the bottom of my hiking shoes? I even stepped in a puddle deep enough to have soaked my top part of the shoe that was not waterproof. 

As we got to another intersection (and there were quite a few of those!), there was a sign notifying hikers of yellow jackets on the trail. We decided to proceed, and two of hikers in our group got stung several times by the darn insects. I honestly could not believe it was not me as my luck is just bad when it comes to anything, really. Gratitude, gratitude...

I enjoyed this trail, but it was not my favorite one in Point Reyes. I think if we had gone closer to the beach, I would have found it more relaxing, but a combination of same landscape and the thrill of avoiding nasty insects just did not put this trail on top of my "must come back" list. Maybe I am just getting spoiled by the beauty of nature I have seen...

Pomo Canyon Campground from Shell Beach

It was another weekday, so I wanted to go somewhere that would typically be packed with people on a weekend. Pomo Canyon Campground from Shell Beach was an attractive option. About an hour and a half from where I live, the trailhead was right on the beach. I parked, crossed the the road and was on my way uphill.

Not a soul on the trail... Very peaceful and quiet with distant sound of occasional car passing by. The views of the ocean were incredible as elevation gain increased.

Quickly enough the trail continued inland, and the views of the meadow (that might have been lusciously green at some point, no more) unfolded ahead for the next few miles. 

Fully exposed to the sun, the trail continued to gain elevation, and it was getting pretty warm. The trail was overgrown in some parts, and the insects a bit annoying, but shelter from the redwoods was coming shortly. Soon I was surrounded by dense forest of tall trees. 

It was now comfortable to hike. I was yet again amazed how the Bay area landscape could change so quickly. After a bit of walking downhill, I reached the closed campground. It was a bit eerie to see what looked like abandoned picnic tables and chairs in the season of camping and backpacking. I was not sure why the campground was closed, but certainly welcomed this lack of people. As I turned back (it was an in-and-out trail), I noticed this tree that probably fell down and was cut to allow hikers to pass by. I put my hand to reference the size of the trunk, and that was not even the largest tree in the area!

As I hiked back, more people were just starting the trail, and even more were parked on the beach. Yet again, I was glad to have chosen to come early. This trail must be packed during the weekend!

Cataract Falls and Potrero Meadows Loop

Another getaway from society right before July 4th sounded just about right. Working holidays nowadays has become a norm for me, so I enjoy days off when everyone else works. It guarantees for a somewhat peaceful time off and time to think.

Cataract Falls and Potrero Meadows Loop was a popular hike near the Bay area featuring a waterfall. I was excited to see any water flowing, but a true waterfall sounded amazing. I was one of the first few people in the parking lot and started the hike by myself. Immediately, I was surrounded by trees, singing birds and cool air. Life is good!

The soft soil under my hiking shoes was covered in leaves in some areas and pine needles. After a bit of flat terrain, the trail started to lose elevation pretty quickly. Stairs and stairs going downhill. The sound of trickling water was pleasant. 

Quickly enough I reached the "waterfall". Unfortunately, this late in the season the water was not really "falling", but nevertheless there was water, just not a waterfall.

The pleasant hike continued with mild elevation gain and moderate loss. I knew that at some point I would have to gain it all back since the hike was indeed rated as "hard". I felt pretty good when I reached the lake. Maybe people just exaggerated...

The air was getting warmer and warmer, and by the time I reached the bridge separating two water basins, the trees became sparse and the trail wider. Soon it became a road. An exposed to sun road with all its benefits of heat. This is when elevation started to increase. A rare breeze would barely cool me off. I had to stop multiple times to take a break as sweat was pouring from my hair. It felt like I just took a shower. Where is that sweat band idea that I have been playing with before?

Sweat attracts insects, and when this happens, the hike turns into a misery! That is why several years ago I purchased a head net. Today was one of the days I needed to wear it. While I looked ridiculous to many people who were just descending, I knew they would be in my shoes a few hours later when they will be the ones heading uphill. 

The hike was really beautiful, but next time I would do it counterclockwise so that hiking uphill would be in the deep forest shaded by trees.