Day Tripper’s Guide to Salt Point State Park: Things To Do

Salt Point State Park is not so far from some of California’s great metropolises. Once you arrive, however, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world. Above and below sea level, Salt Point offers visitors a mind-boggling array of activities. There are trails for hikers and those on horseback, and an underwater reserve awaits divers ready to take the plunge off this extraordinary stretch of Sonoma Coast. Here are some popular activities at the park:

Hiking and Mountain Biking

The park boasts over 20 miles of walking trails that meander through its inland areas. The Salt Point Trail is great for stunning ocean views, while the Pygmy Forest Loop offers a unique ecological experience. Mountain biking is allowed on fire roads and paved paths. Remember that the weather at Salt Point can change rapidly, so it’s advisable to check the local forecast before embarking on a long hike.

Grey Whale Watching

Gray whales can often be seen from the shore as they travel to Baja to breed and calve. Winter, spring, and autumn are peaceful times to visit Salt Point. While summer is spectacular, it tends to attract more visitors to the park. However, those who visit Salt Point between December and April have the greatest chance of spotting whales.

Picnics at Salt Point SP

Plenty of picturesque spots are perfect for picnic lunches; the most popular may be Fisk Mill Cove. There is easy-access paved parking, picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water, and bathrooms on site. Beautiful Bishop Pines provide shade in the summer and a measure of shelter from the strong winds that sometimes blow through Salt Point.

Salt Point SP Campgrounds

Salt Point State Park features Gerstle Cove and Woodside Campground Lower & Upper Loops. Gerstle has 30 campsites and is located on the ocean side of the highway. A larger Woodside campground features 79 campsites. Winter months may see guests at the park enjoying their meals around the warmth of a campfire.

Marine Environment: Underwater Wonders

Equally impressive is the underwater wonder world that awaits divers. Even if you are not a certified scuba pro, you can always give free diving or snorkeling time. The vast Bull Kelp forests are just below the surface of the Sonoma Coast waters. They are home to an incredibly diverse array of life. For landlubbers, there are plenty of tide pools to explore.

Is Salt Point State Park Dog Friendly?

Friendly, four-legged companions are welcome in the campgrounds (on a leash), but it’s best not to let them loose on the trails or the beach. Salt Point Park is, after all, an area dedicated to preserving this pristine environment and conserving several local species threatened by human activities.

Salt Point State Park History:

Sea lions, seals, and various fish can be observed, especially during low tide in tide pools. Black-tailed deer, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, and numerous birds inhabit the park.

Getting To Salt Point State Park

Whether you’re a Sonoma native on a weekend getaway or a visitor from abroad, Salt Point Park deserves a few hours (or days) of your time. Salt Point State Park is 90 miles north of San Francisco along Highway 1 in Sonoma County. The nearest gas stations are about 18 miles away in Gualala to the north and Jenner to the south. Basic groceries can be found at the Fort Ross store, about 5 miles south of the park. Park website.

Summary

Salt Point State Park features a dramatic and varied landscape. Rocky promontories rise along more than six miles of rugged shoreline, while sheltered coves offer quiet retreats from the roar of the surf. The park is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and historical significance, making it a wonderful day trip destination on the Northern California coast.

Points of Interest Along The Route

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross State Historic Park is a historical site in Sonoma County, California, approximately 11 miles northwest of Jenner along Highway 1. The park features several reconstructed buildings, stockade walls, barracks, and blockhouses. One of the few remaining original structures is the Rotchev House, built around 1836. Park Website.

Sonoma Coast State Park

Sonoma Coast SP offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches dotted with rocky outcrops and tide pools. It features a variety of landscapes, including dramatic sea cliffs, gentle beaches, and forested areas. Some trails, such as the well-known Shell Beach waterfall, lead to beautiful waterfalls. Park website.

Bodega Bay California

Bodega Bay is famous for its scenic beauty and fishing industry, and it is a popular weekend getaway from the San Francisco Bay Area. Bodega Bay is Known for its fresh seafood and outdoor activities; the town features pristine beaches and stunning coastal scenery, providing a peaceful escape. Located less than a 70-mile drive north of San Francisco along Highway 101, Bodega Bay feels like a world apart from the city.