Overview
Alamere Falls is one of the most unique features in Point Reyes — a rare "tidefall" where a freshwater stream drops 40 feet directly onto Wildcat Beach. It's one of only a handful of waterfalls in California that flows straight into the ocean.
Recent hikers frequently note that the falls are most dramatic after rain or during higher flows in winter and spring. The NPS-recommended route is the Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead to Wildcat Campground, then a low-tide walk south along Wildcat Beach.
Skip the "Alamere Falls Trail" shortcut. Many websites and guidebooks describe it, but it is not a maintained trail. The National Park Service reports visitors are hurt on it almost weekly — eroding cliffs, poison oak, and no cell service — and strongly advises against using it.
Trail Details
| Trailhead | Palomarin Trailhead (end of Mesa Road, near Bolinas) |
|---|---|
| Distance from Trailhead | 6.5 miles one way (about 13 miles round trip) via Wildcat Campground |
| Other Trailheads | Bear Valley (7.3 mi one way), Five Brooks (7.1 mi one way) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous as a day hike |
| From Wildcat Campground | 1.1 miles one way along the beach, low tide only |
| Best Time | Low tide, no surf advisories, clear weather |
Distances from the NPS Alamere Falls page. There is no potable water at Palomarin; Wildcat Campground has a faucet.
How to Get There
Option 1: Day Hike from Palomarin
- Park at the Palomarin Trailhead. The lot fills very early on weekends and summer weekdays, and the park closes the area to new arrivals when it is full — arrive early or come mid-week.
- Follow the Coast Trail past Bass Lake and Pelican Lake for 5.5 miles to Wildcat Campground.
- Take the trail along the south side of the campground down to Wildcat Beach.
- Walk south along the beach for 1.1 miles to the base of the falls — only if the tide is low and waves are not reaching the bluffs.
Option 2: Camp at Wildcat Campground (Best Overnight Base)
Staying at Wildcat Campground turns a 13-mile day into two easier days and lets you time the beach walk for low tide. Wildcat is a 5.5-mile hike-in camp from Palomarin; reservations required on Recreation.gov.
- From your campsite, follow the trail along the south side of the campground to Wildcat Beach.
- Turn south and walk along the beach for about 1.1 miles to the falls.
- Watch the tide and return the same way well before it comes back in.
Wildcat Campground guide — hike distance, wind, and how to reserve →
Tide Safety
Alamere Falls is a tidefall — the beach below it becomes inaccessible during high tide. Always check the tide chart before visiting. Hikers who have been caught by the tide report that the beach narrows quickly once the tide starts coming in.
- Best: Visit during a low or minus tide (ideally below +1.0 ft)
- Avoid: High tide or incoming tide if you're planning to stand at the base
- The falls themselves are usually visible even at higher tides, but the beach access gets cut off.
Check tides at: Tide Forecast – Bolinas
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Wildflowers, fewer crowds | Best overall season |
| Summer | Foggy mornings, busy | Go early to beat crowds |
| Fall | Clear weather, golden light | Excellent for photography; many visitors say the light is softer than summer |
| Winter | Storms, high waves | Only for experienced hikers; the falls can be more powerful but access is riskier |
Safety & Tips
- Stay on maintained trails and away from cliff edges — the bluffs crumble, and rocks knocked loose from above can hit people on the beach.
- If waves are reaching the base of the bluffs on Wildcat Beach, do not attempt the walk to the falls.
- Do not climb on or stand directly under the falls — rocks can fall.
- Cell service is spotty. Download offline maps.
- Bring more water than you think you need — the trail is exposed.
- If camping at Wildcat, visit the falls in the late afternoon when light is best. Many campers report this timing offers the best photos and fewer day hikers.