Hike the Dunes to the Beach

Hike Bodega Bay Sand Dunes to Salmon Creek Beach

Bodega Head is popular for its impressive cliff-hugging hiking trails, but few people follow the path north to a less-trodden hiking trail winding along the bluff and down to spectacular South Salmon Creek Beach.

To make this 4-mile (round-trip) journey from the Bodega Head parking lot, follow the trail north up along a dramatic bluffside until you reach a sign pointing the way to Salmon Creek Beach. You'll pass through the UC Davis Bodega Marine Reserve and across sand dunes covered in tall coastal grasses.

It’s likely you’ll have the trail all to yourself. After passing through the Marine Reserve, follow trail posts though sand dunes to the beach (a sign points to Salmon Creek Beach). Follow the trail until you reach a large resting area with picnic tables.

At this point, you’ll see a gently rising sand dune. You can’t see beyond it, so climb over it and descend to South Salmon Creek Beach (pretty much any nearby route you take at this point will deliver you to the beach). South Salmon Creek Beach is normally quiet this time of year, inhabited only by giant driftwood. Walk the dune-backed beach (just remember where you entered), or spread a blanket and relax for a while. Returning the way you came is equally rewarding, as the hike offers views of Tomales Bay.

BONUS: When you reach the trail sign to Horseshoe Cove (about a quater-mile from the parking lot), take the quick detour out to the rocky mounds overlooking the sea and the Marine Laboratory. Late day is the best time to be here to avoid major crowds and to witness the sun sinking into the horizon, brightening the ocean waves and coloring the clouds pink.

From Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, make a left on East Shore Rd. Go half a mile and turn right on West Shore Rd. Go another 3.5 miles to Bodega Head’s west parking lot. Take the signed trail north of the parking lot going up the bluffs. Return the way you came. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View