Our Mission The mission of the Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the Sonoma health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve State the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and his awe-inspiring shoreline cultural resources, and creating opportunities T for high-quality outdoor recreation. offers a wealth of opportunities ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER for wholesome fun. Whether Governor MIKE CHRISMAN you like to stroll along the beach, Secretary for Resources fish, sunbathe, or settle down RUTH COLEMAN Director, California State Parks for a family picnic, you will 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 , 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- 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 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 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 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 as seven months or as little as 48 hours in Shell Beach parking lot and travels north. them. These delicate animals usually die advance using your Visa, Discover or The Pomo Canyon Trail, also out of the after being removed from their . MasterCard, or by mail. Reservations can also Shell Beach parking lot, winds over the State law protects many species—check be made online at www.reserveamerica.com. hill 3 1/2 miles to the Pomo Canyon with park rangers and lifeguards, or consult For general state park information, call Campground. the latest sport fishing regulations for (916) 653-6995. Jenner Visitor Center—Learn about the information on licensing, species, season, Environmental Camping—Pomo Canyon and natural and cultural history of the Jenner size and bag limit. Willow Creek environmental campgrounds do area while enjoying a spectacular view of not require reservations. Both parking areas the Russian River. This volunteer-staffed ACTIVITIES are located about 50 to 300 yards from the facility is only open on weekends through Fishing—The ocean, bay and river frontage campsites. To reach them take Highway 1 the summer months. of the Sonoma coast are an angler’s para- about 8 miles north of Bodega Bay, turn right on dise. Sport fishing species include rockfish, SURF SAFETY Willow Creek Road, and follow the signs. If you perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt, as well The beaches along the Sonoma Coast are are traveling on Highway 116, turn left onto as red abalone, mussels and cockles. A not recommended for swimming or wading. Highway 1, cross the bridge over the Russian valid California sport fishing license is The very things that make this area such a River, and turn left onto Willow Creek Road. required. spectacular place to look at and enjoy can The Willow Creek Campground is about one- Picnicking—At Bodega Head, Bodega be lethal to those caught unaware along half mile east of Highway 1 on Willow Creek Dunes, Rock Point, Duncans Landing, the shoreline. Road. Turn left on the dirt road to the camp- Wright’s Beach and , picnic Large surf, cold water temperatures, ground parking area. The Pomo Canyon tables and wide stretches of sandy beach backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding Campground is 2 miles farther along Willow entice visitors to stop and watch the surf shorebreak and dangerous rip currents can Creek Road. Enter the open gate to the park- pound against the rugged coastline. Most ing area. Please self-register at the “iron day-use areas have restroom facilities ranger” (at the trailheads to the sites) as soon nearby. as you select a campsite. Place the payment Camping—Wright’s Beach Campground has envelope stub on your dashboard in a visible 30 developed sites near the beach. No shower facilities are available. At Bodega spot to avoid a citation. The length of stay in Dunes Campground, 98 developed sites environmental sites is a maximum of 7 consecu- have restrooms, a campfire center, hot pay tive days, no more than 30 days per year. Eight showers and a RV sanitation station. Ad- people are allowed per site. vance reservations are advised. From June Riding and Hiking—Equestrians and hikers through September, camping stays are can access the park’s 5-mile trail system limited to 10 consecutive days and a total of through the Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat Road. 30 days annually. To reserve campsites at Horses are allowed onto Salmon Creek Beach Sonoma Coast State Beach, call (800) 444- by way of the trail, but are not allowed north 7275. You may make reservations as much of the boardwalk. Dogs are not permitted on any trails. The Kortum Trail begins at the

Goat Rock turn what seem like safe Even if you are unable to do PLEASE REMEMBER activities, such as playing near this, the current usually dissi- • The shale formations of bluffs and rocks the surf line, wading, or climb- pates just beyond the surf line. are unstable and unsafe for climbing. ing on rock outcroppings, At this point, you may swim Stay on trails and heed warning signs and deadly. around the current and back to fences. There is limited lifeguard shore. Remember to swim at an • Fires are not permitted in the dunes service along the Sonoma angle away from the area to keep because of the high fire danger. Coast. Check with on-duty park from getting caught up in the rip • Dogs are not allowed at Goat Rock staff about the ocean condi- current again. Beach. tions. Please be aware that In an emergency dial 911. Try • There is no drinking water at the environ- conditions may change quickly to remain calm. Have someone mental campsites. Bring an adequate along this coastline. Duncan’s Cove spot the person in trouble or supply for your stay. Vehicles may not “Sleeper Wave” or “Rogue keep your eyes on the person. be driven into the environmental camp Wave”—These are names given to a wave Give a clear explanation of your location and sites. Camping in a recreational vehicle in the parking area is not permitted. that is larger than the average wave height. stay on the line with the dispatcher until you • Pets are not allowed in the environmen- They can be unpredictable waves which are told otherwise. Only professionally trained tal campgrounds. Wildlife will avoid may occur even on days when most of the rescuers should attempt water rescues. places where domestic animals are kept. surf looks small and unspectacular. The ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • Swimming or wading in the ocean is not cause of too many drownings over the years, • Of 3 designated accessible sites at Bodega recommended. these large waves catch people close to the • Fires are allowed only in the fire rings Dunes Campground, only site #80 has shoreline by surprise, washing them into the provided, or you may use a camp stove. furnishings on a firm, stable surface. Four cold, turbulent water. Most victims were Wood gathering is not permitted. Bring restrooms with showers are generally acces- climbing on rocks and cliffs, playing near or your own wood or purchase it at Bodega sible, and shower benches are usable. in the surf, or shore fishing. Dunes or Wright’s Beach campgrounds. • There are 4 accessible picnic sites at the Rip Currents—These are powerful, chan- • Keep your site clean. When you leave, it picnic area near the Vista Trail, with a gener- neled currents of water flowing away from should look as though no one had ever ally accessible pit toilet in the parking area. shore. They typically extend from the been there. • The 1-mile Vista Trail overlooking the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past • Park Headquarters is located one mile coastal bluffs is paved and accessible. north of Bodega Dunes campground at the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can • A 675-foot boardwalk out to Bodega Highway 1. occur at any beach with breaking waves. Dunes is generally accessible, but some If you are caught in the seaward rush of a assistance may be required due to its , do not panic or attempt to swim length and blown sand. directly to the shore against the strong • Beach wheelchairs are available. Call current. Swim parallel to the shore until you (707) 875-3483 for information. are out of the rip current, then swim to shore angling away from the rip current.

th of

(707) 847-3286/865-2391

Inverness on Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

(415) 669-1140

north of Jenner on Highway 1

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

• State Park, 4 miles nor • Tomales

O. Box 2 • Duncans Mills, CA 95430

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