| | | |
Sonoma Coast State Park Vista Trail - Site # 197 |
|
|
Background: | Several Sonoma Coast beaches are located on either side of the town of Jenner, but this one is special. The high marine terrace is perched on the edge of coastal bluffs that tower 600 feet above the tide. It can be exlored using a mile-long, paved, universally accessible hiking loop with outstanding ocean vistas that stretch from Point Reyes to Fort Ross. From the overlook there's an excellent chance of seeing California sea lions or harbor seals resting on the rocks below. Look toward the horizon and watch for spouting California gray whales. A variety of hawks glide on the cliff updrafts, including northern harriers, red-tail hawks, golden eagles, turkey vultures, and occasional peregrine falcons. Songbirds may be spotted on trailside vegetation. Western bluebirds, song sparrows, savannah sparrows, and American goldfinches reside here, they are joined by many summer migrants, including barn, tree, and cliff swallows. Avid birders have even spotted some unusual species for the area such as grasshopper sparrows during breeding season. Gray foxes and badgers appear occasionally. |
|
Viewing Tips: | Bring binoculars! Good-to-excellent views of birds of prey, gulls, sea birds, harbor seals, and sea lions all yer. Fair-to-good whale watching December through April. Some viewing from parking lot. Access to secluded beach 1 mile south (by road) at Russion Gulch. |
|
Visitor Information: | Sonoma County Tourism - (707) 565-5383 - http://www.sonomacounty.com/ |
|
How to Get There: | From Jenner, drive 7 miles north on Highway 1. Entrance is on west side of road. |
|
Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | California State Parks |
Agency Site URL: | |
Physical Address: | , CA |
Agency 2: | , CA |
Manager Phone: | |
| Site Phone: | (707) 865-2391 | | |
County: | |
Addition Website: |
|
|