Walk On Beach Sea Ranch Access Trail

The Walk On Beach Access Trail is a quick hike that packs a lot of beauty into a short space. It's part of the Sea Ranch network of public trails. You can use it to access a quarter mile beach that's prime for spotting tide pools. Hiking in shouldn't be difficult, but hiking out poses a bit more of a challenge. Climbing the stairs that take you from the top of the bluff to the beach itself is harder than it looks! 

You're going to start your trip by parking in the public access lots off Highway 101. These lots are free, but can fill up quickly! If you want a morning hike, rise early and snag your spot! Then you're going to follow the path from the parking lot to the top of the cliffs. California's rugged coastline makes for sharp drop offs to the beaches. After a walk down a trail lined with California Cypress trees and other seasonal blooms, you'll reach a staircase. From there, you have a choice. You can follow the stairs (technically, they make up the last hundred feet or so of the Walk On Beach Access Trail) down to the water, or you can keep walking. This point is the trailhead for the Bluff Top Trail, which skirts the edges of the cliffs and gives you an amazing view. 

If you stay on Walk On Beach Access Trail and access the beach, you're in for a treat. This quarter mile long beach is short enough that you can walk the whole thing if you'd like to. There are plenty of opportunities for sight seeing. Check out the tide pools, let your dog play in the surf, or maybe take advantage of the fishing location! A word of warning: though dogs are required to be on leash, some people flout the rules in this remote location. Keep your eyes open for any dogs on the loose that could bother your pup! 

The Walk On Beach Access Trail is a short, fun hike for anyone who wants to explore the northern California coast.