Sonoma County has some of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the world. A hike on one of the many trails near the coast is a perfect way to take in the natural beauty and discover the unique landscapes of this region.
Eager to find the crème de la crème of trails on or near the coast, we consulted our friends at AllTrails, an outdoor recreational app with crowdsourced reviews. Here are the 10 best hikes on the Sonoma Coast, according to the site.
1. Bodega Head Trail
For an easy hike with striking views of the ocean, try this 1.7-mile loop trail near Bodega Bay. The route only takes about 40 minutes to complete. If you time your visit right, you might just witness a natural wonder. “During their spring and fall migrations, grey whales can be spotted from here,” according to AllTrails. The peak months for whale watching are January through May. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. An out-and-back portion of the trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
2. Kortum Trail: Shell Beach to Blind Beach
This 4-mile out-and-back trail is located on the coast near Jenner, beginning at the Shell Beach parking lot. It is a moderately challenging route that can be walked in just under two hours. A delight for birders, hikers and runners alike. “You will climb a small peak which provides a great view of Goat Rock,” according to AllTrails. “There are beautiful ocean and beach views along the way.” Dogs not allowed on this trail. Swimming is not advised at the beach as rip currents are strong and dangerous.
3. Red Hill via Pomo Canyon Trail
Located near Jenner, this 5-mile loop trail takes about two and a half hours to walk. The moderately challenging trail tends to be a popular hiking spot. “The best times to visit this trail are January through November,” according to AllTrails. Reviews on the site highlight the trail’s stunning coastal views, redwood forests and green hills. Dogs not allowed on this trail.
4. Pomo Canyon Campground from Shell Beach
With an elevation gain of over 1,580 feet, this moderately challenging 6.2-mile loop trail provides a solid workout along uphill meadows and steep stretches through redwood forests. “This exposed landscape of grasslands and chaparral provides plenty of sweeping vistas overlooking the mouth of the Russian River watershed out to Jenner, coastlines down to Bodega Head, and some great overlooks into Willow Creek,” according to AllTrails. Dogs not allowed on this trail.
5. Islands in the Sky Vista Loop
Located near Duncans Mills, this 3.9-mile loop trail is a moderately challenging hike that takes a little over two hours to complete. Stunning mountaintop scenery is the reward for several steep climbs in both directions. “The top opens up to a beautiful meadow where you could see the fog in the valley below,” according to AllTrails. It’s popular with hikers and runners. Dogs not allowed on this trail.
6. Kortum Trail from Shell Beach to Wrights Beach
Soak up the sun while marveling at glistening coastal views on this easy, 3.8-mile out-and-back trail. Stretching from the Shell Beach parking lot to Wrights Beach Campground and back, the hike takes between an hour and a half to two hours to complete. Plus, a few picnic tables at the trailhead and one along the way makes for a picturesque lunch on the coast. Dogs not allowed on this trail.
7. Hunters Camp to Creekside Connector Loop
Among the more woodsy hikes on the list, this 5.6-mile loop trail meanders through shady redwoods and creek beds. The moderately challenging hike takes just under three hours to complete. “One beautiful highlight of this trail is the waterfall along the Creekside Trail,” states AllTrails. Use caution during the rainy season, as the terrain can get muddy and slick. Hikers should also be aware of poison oak and mosquitos in the region. Dogs not allowed on this trail.
8. Blind Beach to Wright’s Beach via Kortum Trail
Located near Jenner, this 3.9-mile point-to-point trail is a moderately challenging hike that takes about an hour and a half to finish. The trail is open year-round, according to AllTrails, and is a popular spot for hiking, birding and wildflower peeping. Dogs not allowed on this trail.
9. Pomo Canyon Trail to Shell Beach
Beginning with a steep incline, this moderate, 6-mile out-and-back trail levels out after about a mile and gives way to a beautiful, fern-covered redwood grove. AllTrails recommends to “keep an eye out for wildflowers in spring and early summer,” as the sunny trail is lush with plant diversity. Not only is this hike great for birding and forest-bathing, it’s also one of the few coastal trails that allows dogs. The hike can take just over three hours to complete. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
10. Pomo Canyon Trail to Red Hill
Accessed via Willow Creek Road to Red Hill in Sonoma Coast State Park, this 3.5-mile loop trail winds through redwood and cedar forests for just over two hours. Dramatic vistas of the coastline, mountains and Russian River await at the summit. The popular hiking, birding and sight-seeing spot allows dogs.
Maci Martell contributed to this article.