Salt Point Trail

Beginning at Salt Point and Gerstle Cove in Salt Point State Park, the Salt Point Trail runs 5 miles north all the way to the park’s northern boundary. The trail traverses the shoreline along coastal bluffs, meanders around scenic coves, and skirts the tide pools, all with the continual sound of surf crashing against the rocky Sonoma coastline in the background.

The main section of trail follows a well-worn path that runs between Gerstle Cove and Stump Beach Cove 1.25 miles to the north. This section allows hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Stump Beach Cove is a scenic destination with sea caves and a sandy beach, and it is a recommended spot for a picnic. After Stump Beach Cove the trail dissipates and requires some subjective route finding over some gulches and small coves to the north. The scenery remains equally stunning north of Stump Beach Cove, but the hiking is slightly more involved as you continue to Fisk Mill or Horseshoe Coves.

Parking is available in the day use Area at Gerstle Cove for a fee, or you can park along Highway 1 near Stump Beach Cove and trek south along the Salt Point Trail to Gerstle Cove. Make sure to take some time at Gerstle Cove to explore the tide pools, but keep a watchful eye for waves sneaking up and crashing along the shoreline. For those interested in spending a day or two in the area, there is a campground located at Gerstle Cove.