Our Mission The mission of the Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the Sonoma people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, State T his awe-inspiring shoreline protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities offers a wealth of opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. for wholesome fun. Whether ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER you like to stroll along the beach, Governor MIKE CHRISMAN fish, sunbathe, or settle down Secretary for Resources for a family picnic, you will RUTH COLEMAN Director, California State Parks be able to create many unforgettable moments.

California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at the phone number below. To receive this publication in an alternate format, write to the Communications Office at the following address. CALIFORNIA For information call: STATE PARKS (800) 777-0369 P. O. Box 942896 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. Sacramento, CA 711, TTY relay service 94296-0001 www.parks.ca.gov

Sonoma Coast State Beach Bodega Bay, CA 94923 (707) 875-3483 or (707) 865-2391

© 2004 California State Parks Printed on Recycled Paper I magine broad, sandy , secluded acorns and various seeds. Both groups were WILDLIFE coves, rugged headlands, natural arches, a accomplished basket makers. The Russian and Many types of animals make their homes in craggy coastline with fertile tide pools and Aleutian fur trappers who arrived in the area in this lush coastal environment. A lucky offshore reefs—this is Sonoma Coast State the early 1800s may have been the and visitor might catch a glimpse of raccoons, Beach, one of California’s most scenic attrac- Miwok people’s first contact with non-natives. rabbits, black-tailed deer, skunks, squirrels, tions. A series of beaches separated by rocky The Pomo and the Miwok were among or, on rare occasions, elusive gray foxes or bluffs, Sonoma Coast has 16 miles of some of several native groups who actively resisted the badgers. The Sonoma Coast is also rich in the most breathtaking scenery in the world. servitude forced on them, first by the Russian bird life, with some 300 identified species. From to Vista Point near the trappers, and later by Spanish missionaries The many birds and other waterfowl in coastal town of Jenner, this awe-inspiring and hordes of gold seekers. Their resistance the area include willets, godwits, gulls, shoreline offers a wealth of opportunities for was largely unorganized, usually taking the cormorants, pelicans, coots and many wholesome fun. Whether you like to stroll form of sabotage, random attacks or flight into species of ducks. Among the land birds along the beach, fish, sunbathe, or settle down the surrounding countryside. However, within thriving here are quail, ravens, wrens, hawks, for a family picnic, you will be able to create a generation or two, direct conflict and expo- owls and swallows. many unforgettable moments along this stretch sure to European diseases nearly decimated Whales—From December through April, of Highway 1. them. Today Pomo and Miwok descendents volunteers assist visitors at Bodega Head in The weather here is often a chilly combina- still occupy parts of these ancestral lands, viewing the annual gray whale migration tion of wind and fog. During the summer keeping alive the old ways and passing them from Alaska to Baja California and back. months, the morning fog usually burns off to on to the next generation. Seals—The Sonoma Coast, especially the create pleasant, sunny afternoons. Even PLANT COMMUNITIES mouth of the Russian River, is home to during the summer, however, visitors are wise hundreds of harbor seals. From March The bluffs, slopes and dunes that frame the to dress for the possibility of wet, cold and through June, seal pups are born, unable to many beaches support a hardy ground cover of windy north coast weather. swim and defenseless against predators native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. In the when left alone. Solitary pups have neither NATIVE AMERICANS spring these areas are particularly beautiful, been abandoned nor are they ill—their The dominant native groups in this area were with displays of yellow and blue lupine, sea mothers are feeding offshore. People who the Pomo and , whose presence pink, Indian paintbrush, western wallflower, sea approach the pregnant females and new- dates back about 3,000 years. Pomo territory fig, verbena and dozens of other species of born pups too closely are considered a once encompassed much of today’s native wildflowers. serious threat. The seemingly tame seals Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma counties. In 1951 a program was begun to stabilize the frighten easily, and—like all wild animals— Farther south, the Coast Miwok occupied part drifting and keep it from filling Bodega can inflict serious bites. Do not touch any of of Sonoma County and what is now Marin Bay. The dunes between the bay and Salmon the pups, and keep your distance from any County. These groups built seasonal villages Creek were planted with specialized grasses, beached seal. of redwood bark houses along rivers and including European beach grass, a species Tide pool creatures—Please do not disturb streams and near what is now Bodega Bay. For used to protect dikes in the Netherlands. the life in the tide pools. Even the simple food the native people hunted large and small act of turning over a rock and exposing the game, caught fish and shellfish, and gathered invertebrates to the sun or air can destroy advance using your Visa, Discover or Salmon Creek Beach by way of the trail, but them. These delicate animals usually die MasterCard, or by mail. Reservations can also are not allowed north of the boardwalk. after being removed from their . be made online at www.reserveamerica.com. Dogs are not permitted on any trails. The State law protects many species—check For general state park information, call Kortum Trail begins at the Shell Beach with park rangers and lifeguards, or consult (916) 653-6995. parking lot and travels north. The Pomo the latest sport fishing regulations for Environmental Camping—Pomo Canyon and Canyon Trail, also out of the Shell Beach information on licensing, species, season, Willow Creek environmental campgrounds do parking lot, winds over the hill 3 1/2 miles size and bag limit. not require reservations. Both parking areas to the Pomo Canyon Campground. are located about 50 to 300 yards from the Jenner Visitor Center—Learn about the ACTIVITIES campsites. To reach them take Highway 1 natural and cultural history of the Jenner Fishing—The ocean, bay and river frontage about 8 miles north of Bodega Bay, turn right on area while enjoying a spectacular view of of the Sonoma coast are an angler’s para- Willow Creek Road, and follow the signs. If you the Russian River. This volunteer-staffed dise. Sport fishing species include rockfish, are traveling on Highway 116, turn left onto facility is only open on weekends through perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt, as well Highway 1, cross the bridge over the Russian the summer months. as red abalone, mussels and cockles. A River, and turn left onto Willow Creek Road. valid California sport fishing license is SURF SAFETY The Willow Creek Campground is about one- required. The beaches along the Sonoma Coast are half mile east of Highway 1 on Willow Creek Picnicking—At Bodega Head, Bodega not recommended for swimming or wading. Road. Turn left on the dirt road to the camp- Dunes, Rock Point, Duncans Landing, The very things that make this area such a ground parking area. The Pomo Canyon Wright’s Beach and Goat Rock Beach, picnic spectacular place to look at and enjoy can Campground is 2 miles farther along Willow tables and wide stretches of sandy beach be lethal to those caught unaware along Creek Road. Enter the open gate to the park- entice visitors to stop and watch the surf the shoreline. ing area. Please self-register at the “iron pound against the rugged coastline. Most Large surf, cold water temperatures, ranger” (at the trailheads to the sites) as soon day-use areas have restroom facilities backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding as you select a campsite. Place the payment nearby. shorebreak and dangerous rip currents envelope stub on your dash- Camping—Wright’s Beach Campground has canturn what seem like safe board in a visible spot to avoid a 30 developed sites near the beach. No activities, such as playing near shower facilities are available. At Bodega citation. The length of stay in the surf line, wading, or climb- Dunes Campground, 98 developed sites environmental sites is a maxi- ing on rock outcroppings, have restrooms, a campfire center, hot pay mum of 7 consecutive days, no deadly. showers and a RV sanitation station. Ad- more than 30 days per year. There is limited lifeguard vance reservations are advised. From June Eight people are allowed per service along the Sonoma through September, camping stays are site. Coast. Check with on-duty park limited to 10 consecutive days and a total of Riding and Hiking—Equestrians staff about the ocean condi- 30 days annually. To reserve campsites at and hikers can access the park’s tions. Please be aware that Sonoma Coast State Beach, call (800) 444- 5-mile trail system through the conditions may change quickly 7275. You may make reservations as much Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat along this coastline. as seven months or as little as 48 hours in Road. Horses are allowed onto Duncan’s Cove “Sleeper Wave” or “Rogue Wave”—These ACCESSIBLE FEATURES an adequate supply for your stay. are names given to a wave that is larger than • Of 3 designated accessible sites at Bodega Vehicles may not be driven into the the average wave height. They can be Dunes Campground, only site #80 has environmental camp sites. Camping in a unpredictable waves which may occur even furnishings on a firm, stable surface. Four recreational vehicle in the parking area is on days when most of the surf looks small and restrooms with showers are generally acces- not permitted. unspectacular. The cause of too many sible, and shower benches are usable. • Pets are not allowed in the environmen- drownings over the years, these large waves • There are 4 accessible picnic sites at the tal campgrounds. Wildlife will avoid catch people close to the shoreline by sur- picnic area near the Vista Trail, with a gener- places where domestic animals are kept. • Swimming or wading in the ocean is not prise, washing them into the cold, turbulent ally accessible pit toilet in the parking area. recommended. water. Most victims were climbing on rocks • The 1-mile Vista Trail overlooking the and cliffs, playing near or in the surf, or shore • Fires are allowed only in the fire rings coastal bluffs is paved and accessible. provided, or you may use a camp stove. fishing. • A 675-foot boardwalk out to Bodega Wood gathering is not permitted. Bring —These are powerful, channeled Rip Currents Dunes is generally accessible, but some your own wood or purchase it at Bodega currents of water flowing away from shore. assistance may be required due to its Dunes or Wright’s Beach campgrounds. They typically extend from the shoreline, length and blown sand. • Keep your site clean. When you leave, it through the surf zone, and past the line of • Beach wheelchairs are available. Call should look as though no one had ever breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any (707) 875-3483 for information. been there. beach with breaking waves. • Park Headquarters is located one mile If you are caught in the seaward rush of a rip PLEASE REMEMBER north of Bodega Dunes campground at current, do not panic or attempt to swim • The shale formations of bluffs and rocks Highway 1. directly to the shore against the strong are unstable and unsafe current. Swim parallel to the shore until you for climbing. Stay on are out of the , then swim to shore trails and heed angling away from the rip current. warning signs and Even if you are unable to do this, the fences. current usually dissipates just beyond the surf • Fires are not line. At this point, you may swim around the permitted in the current and back to shore. Remember to swim dunes because of at an angle away from the area to keep from the high fire getting caught up in the rip current again. danger. In an emergency dial 911. Try to remain • Dogs are not calm. Have someone spot the person in allowed at Goat trouble or keep your eyes on the person. Give a Rock Beach. clear explanation of your location and stay on • There is no the line with the dispatcher until you are told drinking water at otherwise. Only professionally trained the environmental rescuers should attempt water rescues. campsites. Bring Goat Rock

th of

O. Box 2 • Duncans Mills, CA 95430

(707) 847-3286/865-2391

Inverness on Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

(415) 669-1140

north of Jenner on Highway 1

This park supported in part by a nonprofit organization. For more information contact: Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods P. (707) 865-0180

NEARBY STATE PARKS NEARBY STATE • Fort Ross State Historic Park, 12 miles

• Tomales Bay State Park, 4 miles nor • Tomales