Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is Sonoma This awe-inspiring to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by shoreline offers a wealth helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary Coast biological diversity, protecting its most of opportunities for valued natural and cultural resources, and State Park wholesome fun. Whether creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. you like to stroll along the beach, fish, sunbathe or settle down for a

family picnic, you will California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who be able to create many need assistance should contact the park at (707) 875-3483. This publication is available unforgettable moments. in alternate formats by contacting:

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

www.parks.ca.gov

Discover the many states of California.TM

Sonoma Coast State Park 3095 Highway 1 Bodega Bay, CA 94923 (707) 875-3483 or (707) 865-2391

© 2004 California State Parks (Rev. 2009) Printed on Recycled Paper I magine broad, sandy beaches, secluded 1800s may have been the Pomo and Miwok grass, a species used to protect dikes in the coves, rugged headlands, natural arches, a people’s first contact with non-natives. Netherlands. This species is now considered craggy coastline with fertile tide pools and The Pomo and the Miwok were among invasive, so California State Parks staff and offshore reefs—this is Sonoma Coast State several native groups who actively resisted volunteers are removing the beach grass Park, one of California’s most scenic attractions. the servitude forced on them, first by the wherever possible. A series of beaches separated by rocky bluffs, Russian trappers, and later by Spanish Sonoma Coast has 16 miles of some of the missionaries and hordes of gold seekers. most breathtaking scenery in the world. Native resistance was largely unorganized, The weather here is often a chilly usually taking the form of sabotage, random combination of wind and fog. During the attacks or flight into the surrounding summer months, the morning fog usually burns countryside. However, within a generation off to create pleasant, sunny afternoons. Even or two, direct conflict and exposure to during the summer, however, visitors are wise European diseases nearly decimated them. to dress for the possibility of wet, cold and Today Pomo and Miwok descendants still windy north coast weather. occupy parts of these ancestral lands, keeping alive the old ways and passing them Native Americans on to the next generation. The dominant native groups in this area Harbor seals were the Pomo and Coast Miwok, whose PLANT COMMUNITIES presence dates back about 3,000 years. Pomo The bluffs, slopes and dunes that frame the WILDLIFE territory once encompassed much of today’s many beaches support a hardy ground cover Many types of animals make their homes in Mendocino, Lake and Sonoma counties. of native shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. this lush coastal environment. A lucky visitor Farther south, the In the spring these areas might catch a glimpse of raccoons, rabbits, Coast Miwok occupied are particularly beautiful, black-tailed deer, skunks, squirrels, or, on part of Sonoma with displays of yellow rare occasions, elusive gray foxes or badgers. County and what is and blue lupine, sea pink, The Sonoma Coast is also rich in bird life, now Marin County. Indian paintbrush, western with some 300 identified species. The many These groups built wallflower, verbena and shore birds and other waterfowl in the area seasonal villages dozens of other species of include willets, godwits, gulls, cormorants, of redwood bark native wildflowers. pelicans, coots and many species of ducks. houses along rivers In 1951 a program was Among the land birds thriving here are quail, and streams and near begun to stabilize the ravens, wrens, hawks, owls and swallows. today’s Bodega Bay. drifting sand and keep Whales—From December through April, Both groups were it from filling Bodega volunteers assist visitors at Bodega Head in accomplished basket Bay. The dunes between viewing the annual gray whale migration from makers. The Russian the bay and Salmon Alaska to Baja California and back. and Aleutian fur Creek were planted with Seals—The Sonoma Coast, especially the trappers who arrived specialized grasses, mouth of the Russian River, is home to in the area in the early including European beach hundreds of harbor seals. From March Bodega Head through June, seal pups are born unable to Camping—Wright’s Beach Campground Jenner Visitor Center—Learn about the swim and defenseless against predators when has 30 developed sites near the beach. No natural and cultural history of the Jenner left alone. Solitary pups have neither been shower facilities are available. At Bodega area while enjoying a spectacular view of abandoned nor are they ill—their mothers Dunes Campground, 98 developed sites the Russian River. This volunteer-staffed are feeding offshore. People who approach have restrooms, a campfire center, hot facility is open only on weekends through the pregnant females and newborn pups too pay showers and an RV sanitation station. the summer months. closely are considered a serious threat. The Advance reservations can be made through SURF SAFETY seemingly tame seals frighten easily, and— www.parks.ca.gov or call (800) 444-7275. The beaches along the Sonoma Coast are like all wild animals—can inflict serious bites. Environmental Camping—Pomo Canyon and not recommended for swimming or wading. Do not touch any of the pups, and keep your Willow Creek environmental campgrounds The very things that make this area such a distance from any beached seal. are available first come, first served only. spectacular place to look at and enjoy can Tide pool creatures—Please do not disturb The Willow Creek Campground is about a be lethal to those caught unaware along the the life in the tide pools. Even the simple half-mile east of Highway 1 on Willow Creek shoreline. act of turning over a rock and exposing the Road. The Pomo Canyon Campground is 2 Large surf, cold water temperatures, invertebrates to the sun or air can destroy miles farther along Willow Creek Road. backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding them. These delicate animals usually die Riding and Hiking—Equestrians and hikers shorebreak and dangerous rip currents can after being removed from their habitat. State can access the park’s five-mile trail system turn what seem like safe activities, such law protects many species; check with park through the Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat as playing near the surf line, wading or rangers and lifeguards, or consult the latest Road. Horses are allowed onto Salmon climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly. sport fishing regulations for information on Creek Beach if they stay on the trail, but Lifeguard service is limited along the licensing, species, season, size and bag limit. are not allowed north of the picnic area. Sonoma Coast. Check with on-duty park ACTIVITIES The Kortum Trail begins at Wright’s Beach staff about the ocean conditions. Please be Fishing—The ocean, bay and river frontage and travels north to Blind Beach. The Pomo aware that conditions can change quickly of the Sonoma County coast are an angler’s Canyon Trail, out of the Shell Beach parking along this coastline. paradise. Sport fishing species include lot, winds over the hill 3 1/2 miles to the rockfish, perch, salmon, steelhead and smelt, Pomo Canyon Campground. as well as red abalone, mussels and cockles. A valid California sport fishing license is required. Picnicking—At Bodega Head, Bodega Dunes, Rock Point, Duncans Landing, Wright’s Beach and Goat Rock Beach, picnic tables and wide stretches of sandy beach entice visitors to stop and watch the surf pound against the rugged coastline. Most day-use areas have restroom facilities nearby. Goat Rock Ocean Waves—Waves ACCESSIBLE features can be unpredictable. • Four campsites and restrooms/ PLEASE REMEMBER Large waves can sweep showers at Bodega Dunes are • The shale formations of bluffs and the shoreline even accessible. Willow Creek has rocks are unstable and unsafe for on days when most of two accessible campsites and climbing. Stay on trails and heed the surf looks tame. restrooms. Pomo Canyon has a fences and warning signs. These large waves designated accessible campsite • Ground fires are permitted only in have been the cause on hard-packed dirt with parking department-maintained fire rings. of many drownings 200 feet away. Beach fires are prohibited. over the years and can • Wind-blown sand is common • Wood gathering is not permitted. catch those close to the at Wright’s Beach and Bodega Firewood may be purchased at either shoreline by surprise, Dunes. Bodega Dunes or Wright’s Beach washing them into the • Wright’s Beach has accessible Portuguese Beach campgrounds. cold, turbulent water. picnic areas and restrooms. • Dogs must always be on a leash. In Most victims were climbing on rocks and cliffs, • The picnic area near Vista Trail has four order to protect sensitive wildlife, dogs playing near or in the surf, or shore fishing. accessible picnic sites and a generally are not allowed on any trails, Goat Rip Currents—These powerful, channeled accessible pit toilet in the parking area. Rock Beach or Salmon Creek beaches. water currents flow away from shore. They • The Vista Trail is a .7-mile accessible asphalt • No drinking water is available at the typically extend from the shoreline, through trail overlooking coastal bluffs. environmental campsites. Bring an the surf zone, and past the line of breaking • Beach wheel chairs are available. Please contact adequate supply for your stay. waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach the park in advance to make arrangements for • Vehicles may not be driven into the with breaking waves. use at (707) 875-3483. environmental camp sites. Camping If you are caught in the seaward rush of • For the latest accessibility updates, visit in a recreational vehicle in the parking a rip current, do not panic or attempt to http://access.parks.ca.gov or call (916) 445-8949. area is not permitted. swim directly to the shore against the strong • Pets are not allowed in the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you environmental campgrounds. Wildlife NEARBY STATE PARKS are out of the rip current, then swim to shore will avoid places where domestic • Armstrong Redwoods SNR at an angle away from the rip current. animals are kept. 7 miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong The rip current usually dissipates just • Swimming or wading in the ocean is Woods Road, (707) 869-2015 beyond the surf line. At this point, you may not recommended. • Austin Creek SRA swim around the current and back to shore. • Keep your site clean. When you leave, 7 miles north of Guerneville on Armstrong In an emergency, dial 911. Remain calm. it should look as though no one had Woods Road (via the same entrance as Have someone spot the person in trouble ever been there. Armstrong Redwoods SNR, (707) 869-2015 or keep your eyes on the person. Give • Park Headquarters is located one mile • Fort Ross State Historic Park your location and stay on the line with the north of Bodega Dunes campground on 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1, dispatcher. Do not attempt a water rescue Highway 1. yourself; wait for trained professionals. (707) 847-3286/865-2391 This park receives support in part from a nonprofit organization. For more information contact: Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods P. O. Box 2 • Duncans Mills, CA 95430 (707) 869-9177 www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org