Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is his awe-inspiring to provide for the health, inspiration and T Sonoma Coast education of the people of California by helping shoreline offers a wealth to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and of opportunities for State Park cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. wholesome fun. Whether you like to stroll along the beach, fish, sunbathe, or settle down for a California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who family picnic, you will need assistance should contact the park at (707) 875-3483. This publication can be be able to create many made available in alternate formats. Contact [email protected] or call (916) 654-2249. unforgettable moments.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service
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Sonoma Coast State Park 3095 Highway 1 Bodega Bay, CA 94923 (707) 875-3483 or (707) 865-2391
© 2004 California State Parks (Rev. 2012) I magine broad, sandy beaches, secluded The Pomo and the Miwok were among several used to protect dikes in the Netherlands. coves, rugged headlands, natural arches, a Native Californian groups who actively resisted This species is now considered invasive, so craggy coastline with fertile tide pools and the drastic changes brought by the fur trappers, California State Parks staff and volunteers offshore reefs—this is Sonoma Coast State Spanish missionaries are removing the beach Park, one of California’s most scenic attractions. and hordes of gold grass where possible. A series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs, seekers. However, WILDLIFE Sonoma Coast has 16 miles of some of the within a generation Many types of animals most breathtaking scenery in the world. or two, direct conflict make their homes The weather here is often a chilly and exposure to in this lush coastal combination of wind and fog. During the European diseases environment. A lucky summer months, the morning fog usually burns nearly decimated visitor might catch a off to create pleasant, sunny afternoons. Even the Pomo and glimpse of raccoons, during the summer, however, visitors are wise Miwok. Today their rabbits, black-tailed to dress for the possibility of wet, cold and descendants still Harbor seals deer, skunks, squirrels, windy north coast weather. occupy parts of their or, on rare occasions, ancestral lands, keeping alive the old ways and NATIVE AMERICANS elusive gray foxes or badgers. The Sonoma passing them on to the next generation. The dominant indigenous groups in this area Coast is also rich in bird life, with some 300 were the Pomo and Coast Miwok, whose PLANT COMMUNITIES identified species. The many shore birds presence dates back about 3,000 years. Pomo The bluffs, slopes and dunes that frame the and other waterfowl in the area include territory once encompassed much of today’s many beaches support a hardy ground cover willets, godwits, gulls, cormorants, pelicans, Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma counties. of native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. In coots and many species of ducks. Among Farther south, the Coast Miwok occupied part the spring, these areas display yellow and blue thriving land birds are quail, ravens, wrens, of Sonoma County and what is now Marin lupine, sea pink, Indian paintbrush, western hawks, owls and swallows. County. These groups built seasonal villages wallflower, verbena and dozens of other species Whales—From December through April, of redwood bark houses along rivers and of native wildflowers. volunteers assist visitors at Bodega Head in streams and near today’s Bodega Bay. Both In 1951 a program was begun to stabilize the viewing the annual gray whale migration from groups were accomplished basket makers. The drifting sand and keep it from filling Bodega Alaska to Baja California and back. Russian and Aleutian fur trappers who arrived Bay. The dunes between the bay and Salmon in the area in the early 1800s may have been Creek were planted with specialized grasses, the Pomo and Miwok people’s first contact with including European beach grass, a species non-native people. Seals—The Sonoma Coast, especially Wright’s Beach and Goat Rock Beach, picnic Creek Beach if they stay on the trail, but the mouth of the Russian River, is home tables and wide stretches of sandy beach they are not allowed north of the picnic to hundreds of harbor seals. From March entice visitors to stop and watch the surf area. The Kortum Trail begins at Wright’s through June, seal pups are born unable to pound against the rugged coastline. Most Beach and travels north to Blind Beach. swim and are defenseless against predators day-use areas have restroom facilities nearby. The Pomo Canyon Trail from the Shell when left alone. Solitary pups have neither Camping—Wright’s Beach Campground Beach parking lot winds over the hill 3½ been abandoned nor are they ill—their has more than 25 developed sites near the miles to the Pomo Canyon Campground. mothers are feeding offshore. People beach. No shower facilities are available. Upper Willow Creek access is limited who approach the pregnant females and At Bodega Dunes Campground, about 100 to permit holders only. Please visit newborn pups are viewed as a serious developed sites have restrooms, a campfire www.landpaths.org to obtain a permit. threat. The seemingly tame seals frighten center, hot pay showers and an RV sanitation Jenner Visitor Center—Learn about the easily, and—like all wild animals—can inflict station. For reservations, call (800) 444-7275 natural and cultural history of the Jenner severe bites. Please do not touch seals or or visit www.parks.ca.gov. area while enjoying a spectacular view of pups; stay at least 300 feet from harbor seal Environmental Camping—Pomo Canyon and the Russian River. This volunteer-staffed colonies. Willow Creek environmental campgrounds facility is open only on weekends through Tide pool creatures—Please do not disturb are subject to seasonal closures. Call (707) the summer months. the life in the tide pools. Even the simple 875-3483 for availability of these first-come, act of turning over a rock and exposing the first-served sites. Willow Creek Campground SURF SAFETY invertebrates to the sun or air can destroy is ½ mile east of Highway 1 on Willow Creek The beaches along the Sonoma Coast are them. These delicate animals usually die Road. Pomo Canyon Campground is two not recommended for swimming or wading. after being removed from their habitat. miles farther along Willow Creek Road. The very things that make this area such a Riding and Hiking—Equestrians and hikers spectacular place to look at and enjoy can RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES can access the park’s five-mile trail system be lethal to those caught unaware along Fishing—The ocean, bay and river frontage through the Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat the shoreline. of the Sonoma County coast are an angler’s Road. Horses are allowed onto Salmon paradise. Sport fishing species include rockfish, perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt, as well as mussels and cockles. A valid California sport fishing license is required. State law protects all species; consult the latest regulations at www.dfg.ca.gov for information on licensing, species, season, size and bag limit. Bodega Head and the mouth of the Russian River are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Visit www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa for more information. Picnicking—At Bodega Head, Bodega Dunes, Rock Point, Duncans Landing, Goat Rock If you are caught in the seaward rush of a PLEASE REMEMBER rip current, do not panic or attempt to swim • The shale formations of bluffs and directly to the shore against the strong rocks are unstable and unsafe for current. Swim parallel to the shore until climbing. Stay on trails and heed you are out of the rip current, then swim to fences and warning signs. shore at an angle away from the rip current. • In order to protect sensitive wildlife, The rip current usually dissipates just dogs must always be leashed. Except beyond the surf line. At this point, you may for service animals, dogs are not swim around the current and back to shore. allowed on any trails or beaches. In an emergency, dial 911. Remain • Except for service animals, pets calm. Have someone keep an eye on the are not allowed in environmental swimmer in trouble. Give your location and campgrounds. Wildlife will avoid places stay on the line with the dispatcher. Do not Portuguese Beach where domestic animals are kept. attempt a water rescue yourself; wait for • Ground fires are permitted only in trained professionals. Large surf, cold water temperatures, California State Parks fire rings. Beach backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding ACCESSIBLE FEATURES fires are prohibited. shorebreak and dangerous rip currents can • Four campsites at Bodega Dunes • Wood gathering is not permitted. turn what seem like safe activities—such as are accessible. Willow Creek has two Firewood may be purchased at playing near the surf line, wading or climbing accessible campsites. Pomo Canyon Bodega Dunes or Wright’s Beach. on rock outcroppings—deadly. has one accessible campsite on hard- • Drinking water is available only at Lifeguard service is limited along the packed dirt with parking 200 feet away. Bodega Dunes and Wright’s Beach Sonoma Coast. Check with park staff about • Restrooms at the campgrounds and campgrounds. Bring an adequate the ocean conditions. Please be aware that beach areas are accessible. supply for your stay. conditions change quickly along the coast. • Bodega Dunes has accessible coin- • Vehicles may not be driven into the Ocean Waves—Waves can be unpredictable. operated showers. environmental campsites. Camping in a Large waves have been the cause of many • Wind-blown sand may impede access recreational vehicle in the parking area drownings over the years and can catch those along the beach and dunes. is not permitted. close to the shoreline by surprise, washing • Beach wheelchairs are available. To • Swimming or wading in the ocean is wading them into the cold, turbulent water. Most reserve in advance, call (707) 875-3483. not recommended. victims were climbing on rocks and cliffs, • Wright’s Beach, Bodega Dunes day-use • Keep your site clean. clean. Great When you leave, it should playing in or near the surf, or shore fishing. area, and the picnic area near Vista Trail egret look as though no one Rip Currents—These powerful, channeled have accessible picnic sites. had ever been there. water currents flow away from shore. They • The Vista Trail is a .7-mile accessible • Park Headquarters is Headquarters is typically extend from the shoreline, through asphalt trail overlooking coastal bluffs. located one mile north of the surf zone, and past the line of breaking • For accessibility updates, call Bodega Dunes campground waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach (916) 445-8949 or visit on Highway 1. with breaking waves. http://access.parks.ca.gov.