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 falls are reached via the Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead, or as a short side trip from Wildcat Campground.
Trail Details
| Trailhead | Palomarin Trailhead (South Beach parking lot) |
|---|---|
| Distance from Trailhead | 3.0 miles one way (6.0 miles round trip) |
| Elevation Gain | ~520 ft |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| From Wildcat Campground | 0.6 miles round trip (easy side trail) |
| Best Time | Low tide (check tide charts) + clear weather |
Based on recent trail reports, the final descent to the beach is often steeper and more exposed than it looks from above.
How to Get There
Option 1: Day Hike from Palomarin (Most Common)
- Park at the Palomarin Trailhead (South Beach parking lot). Arrive early — the lot often fills by 9 AM on weekends, according to frequent visitors.
- Follow the Coast Trail north for 3.0 miles. The trail is mostly exposed with occasional ocean views.
- At the Alamere Falls Trail junction (signed), descend the steep, narrow trail to the beach.
- Walk north along the beach to reach the base of the falls.
Option 2: Camp at Wildcat Campground (Best Overnight Base)
Staying at Wildcat Campground is the easiest way to see Alamere Falls — about a 0.3-mile walk each way via Wildcat Beach, versus a 6-mile round-trip day hike from Palomarin. Wildcat is a 3-mile hike-in ridge camp; reservations required on Recreation.gov.
- From your campsite, take the signed trail down toward Wildcat Beach.
- Turn north and walk along the beach for ~0.3 miles until you reach the falls.
- Return the same way before dark.
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
- The final descent to the beach is steep and can be slippery when wet. Recent reports mention it becomes especially slick after coastal fog.
- 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.