Cooks Beach/Bonham Trail

Are you and your pup looking for a short hike that offers a great reward? Look no further than the Cooks Beach/Bonham Trail in Gualala, California. This puptastic hike has something for everyone and every pup!

Located just off Hwy 1 along the Mendocino Coast, you can pick up the trailhead at the parking lot on County Rd 526. The hike is a mere .25-miles long, but is packed with features. There are two paths which lead to the same spot, but offer different amenities, and steps to traverse, so plan accordingly.

One path wanders to the right to the bluff overlook of the Pacific Ocean, while the other heads through a short pine and redwood forest. Both then connect and lead to a small cove on Cooks Beach. This special area offers a warm and windless location to enjoy the sounds of the surf and the views of the ocean. Many people visit here with their pups to let them romp on an extended leash. You can often see whales migrating past, and hear the calls of sea lions from the Fish Rock Rookery nearby. During low tide, a small cave is exposed. You can see what the ocean deposited there overnight – a short pup-friendly treasure hunt! Take a picnic lunch to enjoy an extended visit with your fur-ever friend.

There are no restrooms here, but dog waste bags are provided. You will have to pack out what you pack in as trash receptacles are not available. The cove is fun to explore, but make sure you know when high tide is coming in to be safe. There is only the one way in and out.

The Cooks Beach/Bonham Trail is an exceptional place to take a short hike with your best friend along the sunny California coast.