Alamere Falls is a coastal waterfall in Point Reyes National Seashore that drops from a roughly 40-foot cliff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach. Reaching it safely requires a long hike and careful tide planning. There is no park-sanctioned “Alamere Falls Trail”, and the commonly described shortcut to the top of the falls is not a maintained trail.
| Feature | Alamere Falls | Limantour Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Access | About 13.2 miles round trip from Palomarin Trailhead on the recommended route | Road access to beach parking, followed by a short walk to the sand |
| Route | Palomarin Trailhead → Coast Trail → Wildcat Campground → Wildcat Beach → falls | Limantour Road → Limantour Beach parking area → beach path |
| Tide Planning | Required for the final beach approach | Normal beach and surf awareness still applies |
| Typical Time Commitment | Allow at least 6.5 hours from Palomarin | Flexible visit length |
| Activities | Long-distance hiking, waterfall viewing, photography, wildlife observation | Beach walking, wildlife observation, photography, beachcombing |
The Recommended Route to Alamere Falls
From Palomarin Trailhead, follow the Coast Trail for about 5.5 miles to Wildcat Campground. From the campground, a well-worn route leads down to Wildcat Beach. The falls are then about 1.1 miles south along the beach, bringing the recommended Palomarin route to about 13.2 miles round trip.
Route sequence: Palomarin Trailhead → Coast Trail → Wildcat Campground → Wildcat Beach → walk south to Alamere Falls during a suitably low tide → return the same way.
The route is much longer than an 8-mile round trip and should be treated as a full-day outing. The National Park Service advises allowing at least 6.5 hours for the Palomarin route, with the hike commonly taking about 6–8 hours depending on pace and conditions. Tide timing, rest stops, trail conditions, and time spent at the falls can extend the day, so an early start leaves more room for a safe return.
Why the “Alamere Falls Trail” Shortcut Is Not Recommended
Maps, older guidebooks, and online posts sometimes describe a shorter path as the “Alamere Falls Trail.” It is not an official or maintained Point Reyes trail. The route crosses unstable terrain near eroding cliffs and also passes through dense poison oak and tick habitat.
The descent toward the falls is especially problematic. Loose ground and crumbly cliff surfaces can make scrambling difficult, and visitors can become injured while attempting to reach the beach from above. The National Park Service reports injuries on this unofficial route on an almost weekly basis, with some incidents requiring search-and-rescue assistance.
Using the shortcut can also damage plants and wildlife habitat. Staying on the Coast Trail to Wildcat Campground and approaching the falls from Wildcat Beach avoids the unofficial cliff route and follows the park’s recommended access.
Tide Timing on Wildcat Beach
The final approach from Wildcat Campground to Alamere Falls depends on the ocean. High tides can cover much of Wildcat Beach, and waves may reach the base of the bluffs even during some lower-tide periods.
- Check tide predictions and surf conditions before leaving the trailhead.
- Plan the beach section around a sufficiently low tide.
- If waves are reaching the base of the bluffs, do not continue toward the falls.
- If the tide is rising and passage is narrowing, turn back rather than risking being cut off.
There is no single tide height that guarantees safe passage. The amount of sand on Wildcat Beach changes by season and with ocean conditions. What matters is having open beach between the waves and the bluff for the entire approach and return.
Parking at Palomarin Trailhead
The Palomarin Trailhead parking area is a dirt-and-gravel lot with about 75 spaces. It can fill very early on weekends throughout the year and on many summer weekdays. When all spaces are occupied, the park may restrict further vehicle entry to the Palomarin area for several hours.
The trailhead is at the northwest end of Mesa Road, about 5 miles northwest of Bolinas. The final 1.2 miles of Mesa Road are unpaved and can be severely potholed and washboarded. The parking lot is generally open from 6:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., and there is no parking fee.
Arriving early is useful for two reasons: it improves the chance of finding legal parking and leaves more daylight for the hike back. Observe all posted parking restrictions rather than leaving a vehicle along prohibited roadside areas.
Cell Service and Return Planning
Cell service should not be treated as dependable on this outing. The National Park Service specifically warns that the unofficial shortcut has no cell phone service, and reception in remote parts of Point Reyes can be limited. Save route information and tide times before starting, and do not depend on a phone connection for navigation or changing conditions.
For the Palomarin route, plan around the full return distance rather than only the time needed to reach the falls. The recommended minimum of 6.5 hours can grow if the beach is temporarily impassable, the group moves slowly, or trail conditions require extra care. Turning around early is preferable to reaching the beach too close to an incoming tide or returning after dark.
Alamere Falls and Limantour Beach
Alamere Falls and Limantour Beach are separate Point Reyes destinations with very different access. Limantour Beach has road-accessible parking and a short approach to the shoreline, while Alamere Falls requires a long hike from a trailhead such as Palomarin and a tide-dependent walk along Wildcat Beach.
Visitors staying near or spending time at Limantour Beach should not treat Alamere Falls as a short side trip. It is better planned as its own hiking day, with enough time for the about 13.2-mile Palomarin round trip, parking, low-tide access, and the return journey.
Alamere Falls FAQ
Is there an official Alamere Falls Trail?
No. Point Reyes National Seashore does not maintain or sanction an “Alamere Falls Trail.” The recommended approach uses established trails to Wildcat Campground, followed by a low-tide walk south along Wildcat Beach.
How long is the hike to Alamere Falls from Palomarin?
The recommended route from Palomarin Trailhead is about 13.2 miles round trip. Allow at least 6.5 hours, and leave extra time for tide conditions, rest stops, and the return hike.
Do you need low tide to reach Alamere Falls?
The beach approach must be made when conditions allow safe passage. The recommended route includes about 1.1 miles of walking south along Wildcat Beach from Wildcat Campground. If waves are reaching the base of the bluffs, do not attempt the beach passage.
Why should hikers avoid the Alamere Falls shortcut?
The shortcut is unmaintained and passes through eroding terrain, poison oak, tick habitat, and steep cliff areas. Injuries occur regularly, and rescue operations are sometimes needed.
Does Palomarin Trailhead parking fill up?
Yes. The lot has about 75 spaces and can fill very early on busy weekends and summer weekdays. When no spaces remain, additional vehicle entry to the Palomarin area may be temporarily restricted. Arriving early improves the chance of finding legal parking and leaves more daylight for the hike.
Are pets allowed on the hike to Alamere Falls?
No. Pets are prohibited on the trails leading to Alamere Falls, including the route from Palomarin Trailhead to Wildcat Beach.
