Most folks think of California’s famous waterfalls like Yosemite Falls, but not many have actually heard about Alamere Falls. It’s a rare waterfall that drops right into the Pacific Ocean. Alamere Falls is one of just six tidefalls in the United States, so it’s honestly a pretty special spot—40 feet of water tumbling from a cliff straight onto the sand. You’ll find it hidden away in Point Reyes National Seashore. And yeah, you’ve got to hike about 13 miles round-trip to get there, but trust me, every step is worth it.
Hiking out to Alamere Falls isn’t your typical stroll to a waterfall. The trail twists through eucalyptus groves, skirts a few crystal-clear lakes, and hugs coastal bluffs before finally revealing the falls. You need to show up prepared—this trek asks for stamina and some grit. But seeing a waterfall pour directly into the surf? That’s something most hikers never get to witness.
Let me break down what I learned while planning this adventure—how to pick your trailhead, what to expect on the last scramble down Wildcat Beach, and plenty of practical tips. If you’re chasing the rare tidefall experience or just want a killer day on the coast, my guide will help you get ready for one of California’s most unforgettable hikes.
Why Alamere Falls Is a Must-Hike Destination
Alamere Falls really stands apart from other California waterfalls. It’s not just the tidefall thing—it’s the blend of ocean drama and wild, untouched landscape that makes it so memorable.
What Makes Alamere Falls a Rare Tidefall
So, what’s a tidefall? It’s a waterfall that drops straight into the ocean. Alamere Falls is one of only six tidefalls in the entire country.
That puts it in pretty rare company. Water spills about 30 feet off the cliff and lands right on the beach.
Standing at the base, I felt the waves behind me and watched the falls in front. It’s kind of surreal.
Most waterfalls empty into rivers or lakes, but Alamere Falls meets the Pacific head-on.
Fresh and salt water mix right there at your feet. The sound and sight of water pouring into crashing surf—honestly, it’s hard to forget.
Alamere Falls in the Context of Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect backdrop for such a unique waterfall. The park keeps things wild and rugged.
Spanning more than 71,000 acres, this place feels massive and untouched.
Getting to Alamere Falls means hiking through a patchwork of habitats:
- Coastal scrub full of native plants
- Douglas fir forests that cool you down
- Open grasslands with sweeping ocean views
- Freshwater lakes like Bass and Pelican Lake
Because the area is protected, you won’t see any development around the falls. That helps keep the experience raw and remote.
I always feel like the journey through Point Reyes is half the magic. The changing scenery keeps things interesting.
The Unique Experience of Tidefalls in California
You don’t get many chances to see a tidefall in California. That’s why Alamere Falls is on so many hikers’ bucket lists.
Tides really matter here. High tide can block you from getting close to the falls. At low tide, you can walk right up to where the water meets the sand.
I always check tide charts before heading out. It’s the best way to make sure you catch the full show.
California’s climate and coastline are just right for this rare phenomenon. Rainfall feeds the falls, and the ocean backdrop does the rest.
Other waterfalls might be taller or have more water, but none match the feeling of fresh water plunging into the Pacific.
Essential Planning for the Alamere Falls Hike
The Alamere Falls hike isn’t something you just wing. It’s 13 miles round trip, and you’ve got to think about tides, weather, and park rules. I always check the forecast, pack carefully, and remind myself this trail is challenging—but so worth it.
Trail Distances, Elevation, and Difficulty
You’ll cover about 13.2 miles if you start from the Palomarin Trailhead. The hike climbs around 1,784 feet, and the terrain changes a lot.
I’d call it a moderate hike, but it feels long. Most folks finish in 5 to 7 hours, depending on breaks and pace.
Trail Breakdown:
- Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake: 2.7 miles
- Bass Lake to Pelican Lake: 0.7 miles
- Pelican Lake to Wildcat Lake: 1.8 miles
- Wildcat Lake to Alamere Falls: 1.8 miles
You’ll cross bluffs, forests, and finally drop down to the beach. The last bit to Wildcat Beach is steep and a little tricky.
Coming back always feels tougher, especially when you’re tired. The uphill sections test your legs on the return.
Best Time of Year and Tide Considerations
Spring is my favorite season for this hike. Wildflowers pop up everywhere from March to May.
Fall is quieter, with cooler temps and fewer hikers. September through November usually feels just right to me.
Tide Timing Is Everything:
- Check tide charts before you go
- Aim to reach the falls at low tide
- High tide can trap you on the beach
- Give yourself at least 2-3 hours at the falls
Summer brings crowds and drier trails. Winter can mean mud and rain, so pack accordingly.
I always peek at the National Park Service website for the latest trail updates before I head out.
National Park Service Guidelines and Leave No Trace
The park service has clamped down on “shortcut” trails to Alamere Falls. Those unofficial paths cause erosion and injuries.
I stick to the marked trails every time. Off-trail hiking chews up the landscape and puts people at risk.
Key Guidelines:
- Use only official trails
- Carry out all your trash
- Keep away from cliff edges
- Don’t feed or approach wildlife
- Camp only in designated spots
Rangers have to rescue hikers who ignore these rules more often than you’d think. I’ve seen the aftermath of social media “shortcuts”—it’s not pretty.
Leave No Trace is the name of the game out here. Whatever I bring in, I pack out.
What to Bring for a Safe and Rewarding Trek
Packing smart makes a huge difference on this hike. The miles add up and conditions can change fast.
Essentials:
- 3-4 liters of water per person
- High-energy snacks and something for lunch
- Solid hiking boots with grip
- A sun hat and sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS
Nice-to-Haves:
- Trekking poles for the steeper sections
- Camera for those waterfall shots
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife
- Extra layers for shifting weather
In summer, I don’t forget insect repellent. Poison oak pops up everywhere, so I wear long pants and sleeves.
Cell service drops out along most of the route. I never trust my phone alone for navigation or emergencies.
Even on day hikes, I toss a headlamp in my pack. Sometimes the trail takes longer than planned, especially if you linger at the falls.
Choosing Your Trailhead: Main Routes to Alamere Falls
You’ve got three main trailheads for Alamere Falls. Palomarin is the classic choice, but Bear Valley and Five Brooks are solid if you want a different vibe or fewer people.
Starting at Palomarin Trailhead
Palomarin Trailhead is my go-to for Alamere Falls. It’s the shortest route—about 8.5 miles round trip.
The lot sits at the end of Mesa Road in Bolinas. I try to arrive early, especially on weekends, because parking fills up fast.
From Palomarin, the Coast Trail heads south for about 4.2 miles to the falls. Most of the way, you’re close to the ocean.
Palomarin Details:
- Distance: 8.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 800 feet
- Trail: Mostly dirt, some rocky bits
- Facilities: Restrooms at the trailhead
You’ll cross creeks and pass Bass Lake before the final push to the waterfall. I think this route is the easiest to follow.
Bear Valley Trailhead Overview
Bear Valley Trailhead is a longer option, but the trail is wide and well-marked. You’ll tack on about 3 extra miles.
I start at the Bear Valley Visitor Center—plenty of parking, maps, and bathrooms.
From there, you take Bear Valley Trail west for 3.2 miles, then hook south on the Coast Trail for another 1.5 miles to the falls.
Bear Valley Route:
- Total distance: 11.5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
- Trail: Wide, easy to follow
You’ll spend the first half inland through meadows and forests. The scenery changes a lot before you reach the coast.
Five Brooks Trailhead and Alternate Access
Five Brooks Trailhead is the longest approach—about 13 miles round trip. I pick this when I want to make a day of it.
There’s lots of parking and access to several trails, so you can mix things up with a loop if you’re feeling adventurous.
From Five Brooks, you follow Stewart Trail west to the Coast Trail. This route has more ups and downs than the others.
Five Brooks Perks:
- Fewer crowds than Palomarin
- Lots of route options
- Best for experienced hikers
The extra distance means you need to start early and bring more water. I only recommend this for folks who are comfortable with long hikes.
Hiking the Coast Trail: Key Highlights and Lakes
The Coast Trail is honestly gorgeous. You’ll pass four lakes and get some of the best ocean views around. Every stop feels like a new photo op or a perfect snack break.
Scenic Lake Views: Bass, Pelican, and Crystal Lake
Bass Lake pops up first, about 2 miles from Palomarin. It’s calm and glassy most days—great for a breather and a quick photo.
Pelican Lake sits a bit higher and gives you sweeping coastal views. I usually spot more birds here, hanging out near the water.
Crystal Lake has the clearest water of the bunch. On sunny days, I can see straight to the bottom. It’s tucked in a little valley, sheltered from the wind, and there are flat rocks for sitting down with a snack.
Navigating the Trail to Wildcat Campground
The trail to Wildcat Campground is mostly well-marked, but it does get narrow and brushy. Poison oak creeps close, so long pants are a smart move.
Trail markers show up every half mile or so. About 5 miles in, you’ll hit the campground—picnic tables and restrooms are a welcome sight. There’s water here, but I always bring my own.
The climb gets steeper near the campground. I slow down on these hills to save energy for the last stretch to the falls.
Wildcat Beach and the Pacific Coast
Wildcat Beach runs for miles below the campground. From above, the sand looks dark and the waves are relentless.
The trail drops you down to beach level near the campground. The ocean breeze feels amazing after the inland hike.
You can walk for ages along the sand, but swimming isn’t a great idea—the currents are rough and the water is freezing. I usually just stroll and look for shells.
Spotting the Farallon Islands and Ocean Vistas
On clear days, the Farallon Islands show up about 3 miles into the hike. I bring binoculars for a closer look—they’re about 27 miles offshore. Mornings give you the best shot before fog rolls in.
Ocean Lake sits closer to the coastal bluffs and Alamere Falls. Sometimes, high tides bring salt water right up to the edge. It’s a cool mix of fresh and salt water.
The last couple of miles serve up nonstop ocean views. I stop often to snap photos and just soak it all in. The combo of lakes, cliffs, and distant islands makes this hike something I keep coming back to.
Reaching Alamere Falls: The Final Stretch
Once I reached Wildcat Campground, I knew the last 1.1 miles to Alamere Falls would be a bit of a challenge. The stretch along Wildcat Beach isn’t your typical stroll—loose sand slows you down, and the tides? They can turn a simple walk into a real adventure.
The waterfall sits right on an eroding cliff, and you can really feel the power of nature out here. It’s beautiful, but you’ve got to respect both the landscape and your own safety.
Beach Approach and Waterfall Access
Leaving Wildcat Campground, I dropped down onto Wildcat Beach for the final approach. That 1.1-mile walk in the sand really tests your legs—honestly, I found it way tougher than hiking on a regular trail.
Timing matters. High tide can completely block parts of the beach and, honestly, it gets dangerous fast. Before heading out, I checked the tide charts and aimed to hit the falls when the tide was low or at least not too high.
As I made my way south along the sand, Alamere Falls finally came into view. The water plunges 40 feet straight onto the beach from the cliff overhead. It’s a dramatic sight.
A few things I learned:
- Stick close to the cliff base if the tide’s coming in
- Keep an eye out for loose rocks—seriously, they fall more often than you’d think
- Those last 200 yards? You’ll scramble over some rocks, so take your time
- The sand’s soft and saps your energy, so pace yourself
I found my favorite viewing spot about 50 feet back from the falls. That distance gave me the best view and kept me out of the danger zone for falling rocks.
Hazards: Erosion, Poison Oak, and Tides
The cliffs around Alamere Falls are always changing, and I could see chunks of sandstone breaking away. I spotted warning signs about the unstable cliff face, and I didn’t even think about climbing it.
Hazards I dealt with:
- Cliff erosion: The sandstone breaks apart easily
- Falling rocks: Debris tumbles down pretty often
- Poison oak: Thick patches crowd the area near the falls
- Sneaker waves: Out of nowhere, big waves rush up the beach
I wore long pants for this hike—couldn’t risk brushing up against poison oak. Those three-leaf clusters were everywhere, especially near the base of the waterfall.
Tides, though, were the thing I worried about most. I downloaded a tide app and checked it a few times along the way. High tide can pin you against the cliff, leaving no safe way out.
And here’s something I always do: never turn my back on the ocean. Sneaker waves can surprise you, and I didn’t want to end up soaked—or worse—because I got careless.
Photography and Responsible Enjoyment
Honestly, I discovered my favorite shots by exploring different angles along the beach—not just standing right under the falls. There’s something about the way the white water contrasts against that dark cliff; it just pops in photos.
Best photography spots:
- About 50-100 feet south of the falls, you can really take in the whole cliff.
- Getting close to the water’s edge adds those foamy waves into your foreground.
- If you look north from the beach, you catch the full sweep of the coastline.
I relied on my phone’s burst mode for action shots. The waterfall never really looks the same from one second to the next, so snapping a bunch of quick photos helped me land that perfect frame.
I made a point to follow Leave No Trace principles. I packed out every bit of trash and steered clear of the delicate cliffside plants. You can tell this spot gets a lot of visitors, so I stuck to the main paths.
I lingered at the falls for about 45 minutes. That gave me enough time to relax, snack, and soak up the view without feeling rushed. Alamere Falls is a rare tidefall, and honestly, it deserves a little extra care and attention.
