Point Reyes Backpacking Trip to Alamere Falls

We'll be backpacking in beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore on MLK weekend!

Our campsite (Wildcat) is a short walk from the beach, and only 1 mile from spectacular Alamere Falls (see banner pic above). Alamere Falls is one of only two major waterfalls in California to drop directly into the ocean (during high tide). Point Reyes should be gloriously verdant in mid-January, and the waterfalls should be running full.

Our weekend also coincides with some minus low tides in the afternoons, so we have the opportunity to check out some coves and caves that are only accessible in these rare extra lowest conditions. These will be some of the lowest tides of the year.

We'll either start from the Bear Valley Visitor Center (6.3 miles one-way, 12.6 miles roundtrip), or from the Palomarin trailhead (5.5 miles one way, 11 miles round trip).
It's not a super difficult hike either way, so this trip is suitable for novice backpackers. People who have never backpacked before are most welcome to join us if they are in shape and are not prone to whining. Feel free to contact the organizer if you have any backpacking questions.

Please note that the weather in January in Point Reyes has a good chance to be cold, wet, and windy. I have been to Point Reyes in January with summer-like conditions, but inclement weather is more probable. In either case, the headlands will be full of vibrantly green grass, and the waterfalls will be full of...water.

Participants must bring their own backpacking gear which includes:

• backpacking backpack (not a school backpack)
• tent
• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad
• food
• headlamp
• clothes for possibly cold, wet, and very windy conditions
• gusto
• we'll be sharing backpacking stoves, fuel, and pots/pans, so please indicate if you can bring them
• your favorite MLK quote

UPDATES:
Palomarin trailhead is closed due to elephant seal birthing season, so we'll head out from Bear Valley visitor center.
Government shutdown means no rangers and limited services, but campsites are still accessible:
https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/camping.htm
We'll need to pack out our trash, and bring water filters and toilet paper.

REGISTRATION PROCESS:
You can begin the registration process by signing up here, but that doesn't guarantee a spot yet! I'll send a link to a Google Sheet where you can sign up on the official roster. We have 25 spots available at our campsite.
We'll be self-organizing our carpools and gear sharing on the Google Sheet too.
Guests are welcome!
 

But wait! There's more!!!
If people are extra ambitious, and if conditions and amenable, we could try a bonus adventure hike elsewhere in Point Reyes on Monday afternoon/evening to take advantage of that last mega minus low tide. In my opinion, it's the best adventure hike in the Bay Area.
What could it entail? Secret caves? Hidden coastlines? Danger? A pony? If you want to find out you'll need to read the book yourself. (Secret Places and Magic Moments in Point Reyes by Phil Arnot).

If you have any questions about life, our place in the universe, or this backpacking trip, please feel free to contact me.

Dave Chang
Ag Vol, Mali (2004-2006)
bananamano at yahoo(I know, I know) dotcom