Alamere Falls

A waterfall drops straight onto an open ocean beach. Water cascades over an approximately 40-foot (12-meter) cliff onto the south end of Wildcat Beach, deep inside the Phillip Burton Wilderness. The combined waterfall-and-beach scene is the payoff, and it comes only after a long walk through changing coastal vegetation and bluff-top views.

A dark, layered coastal cliff streaked with green vegetation, the falls pouring down its face, and sand and surf at its base. The approach itself is much of the reward, with shifting brush, ponds, and ocean panoramas along the way.

There is no park-sanctioned "Alamere Falls Trail." The route the park recommends goes via Wildcat Campground, then about 1.1 miles (1.7 km) south along Wildcat Beach to the falls. Common minimum one-way distances:

Plan on a full day out and back, whichever trailhead you choose.

• Bear Valley Trailhead: 7.3 miles one way via Wildcat Campground. Large gravel lot, flush toilets, potable water.
• Palomarin Trailhead: 6.5 miles one way via Wildcat Campground. Small lot of about 75 spaces, four vault toilets, no potable water.
• Five Brooks Trailhead: 7.1 miles one way via Wildcat Campground. Dirt and gravel lot, vault toilets, no potable water, and a longer overall route.

The walk down Wildcat Beach should be attempted only during a low tide. At higher tides the beach may be completely inundated, and even at low tide waves can reach the bluffs. If waves are reaching the base of the bluffs, do not attempt the walk. Build your whole day around a low-tide window.

The social-media shortcut is an unmaintained route with crumbling, eroding cliffs, poison oak, ticks, and frequent injuries. Skip it. At the falls, stay on official trails, keep away from cliff edges and eroding ground, and do not climb the cliffs. There is no cell service out here and no shelter from weather in the wilderness.

• Carry all your water. There is no potable water at Palomarin or Five Brooks, and none at the falls.
• Bring at least a couple of liter-sized bottles per person.
• No food services at or beyond the trailheads, so pack meals and snacks.
• No restrooms near Alamere Falls or Bass Lake. Use facilities at the trailhead.
• Wear layers, bring the Ten Essentials, and expect varied, sometimes slippery terrain. Sturdy footwear and traction help.

Pets are prohibited on almost all trails leading to Alamere Falls, except working service dogs. Bicycles are prohibited in the wilderness.

This is a long, demanding hike with no facilities at the destination, and the final beach stretch depends entirely on tide and surf. If the tide or waves are wrong, the responsible move is to turn around without seeing the falls up close. Add limited parking at the smaller trailheads, no cell service.