Beach Waterfall Hike at Alamere Falls

Great hike. All Trails rates it as difficult and I would concur. 14 miles at and back with an 1,800 elevation gain and a combination of rack, dirt, mud and sand trails can make this challenging. However, the views and serenity that comes from this place is amazing. I have seen people talk about taking the shortcut which will shave off about 4 miles from the hike. Please don’t. Stay on the main trail to protect the bluffs. There is a rope at the falls that is needed to climb up and down the bluff. The bluffs are crumbling and make it dangerous. I was at the fall for about 30 min and could hear rock falls the entire time. Save this for future generations

Alamere Falls is a challenging hike, but one that's worth the effort. The elevation gain is minimal, but the trek itself is long (14 miles) with the 1 mile walk along the beach extra exhausting from the sand. The "short cut" people talk about is not maintained and erodes the bluff, so I would avoid it. The parking lot was full when I finished the hike, so make sure you plan accordingly.

I've visited this place twice now a total of 11.3miles hike. The area is generally damp, and even at midday, parts of it are exposed due to limited tree cover, especially on the hill's edge. However, the journey towards Wildcat campground is rejuvenating with its refreshing air and serene surroundings. You can either take an out-and-back hike as Alltrails suggests, or opt for a shortcut at Alamere Falls like I did. There is a strap assists in climbing or descending a 30-foot cliff. The path is slim and strewn with unstable rocks, requiring the use of hands for stability in some sections. Walking along the coastal trail brings such a sense of peace, it makes you momentarily forget life's challenges and hardships.

I was very on the fence about this hike since I’ve been road tripping/camping for nearly 2 months and it’s long and I’m not in the best shape. So many people said it was worth the work and I AGREE. Wow, what a view. And the hike itself is scenic, too! About 1/3-1/2 is shady and there was a nice breeze so it wasn’t bad even when I started at 90° in the mid afternoon. I started the hike around 4:30pm and I think that was the perfect time- got to see golden hour on the beach with the waterfall, but also made it back to the parking lot just as it got dark. It took me about 4 hours with the short cut, but I hiked there leisurely with lots of picture breaks and enjoyed the beach/rinsed in the waterfall for some time. I saw about 6-8 people/couples/groups coming back as I was going, and there were only 2 other people on the beach. Parking wasn’t an issue- it has a large lot and trash, recycling, and a bathroom. There were flowers blooming throughout and the sun rays shining through the trees and Spanish moss was just so romantic (even alone!) The approximate location of the shortcut is marked on my picture of the map- someone made an arrow of rocks on the ground to help you locate it as well. The shortcut turns the 13 mile hike into about a 9 mile hike. The shortcut is steep just at the last park to get to the waterfall but I took it there and back and was okay! I definitely hiking boots- it’s very dusty and the steep part is sandy so good grips help. Additionally, I recommend pants as the shortcut has some overgrowth including some poison oak. I went in a tank top and my arms seem to be fine, but I also think I may just not be allergic to poison oak. Overall one of my favorite hikes to date- but my butt/thighs are definitely a bit sore!

Worth the hike I misjudged my trail there is a stick arrow pointing to the path that takes you to where I am on top of the falls. You have to climb down a bit so I recommend good shoes but I used the wildcat trail. Would've doubled back but that hike is no easy climb.