Sonoma Coast State Park Brochure
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Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and Sonoma Coast education of the people of California by helping Sixteen miles of to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and awe-inspiring shoreline State Park cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. offer myriad opportunities to create unforgettable memories — stroll the beach, fish, sunbathe, or unpack a family picnic. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (707) 875-3483. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected]. 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 Sonoma Coast State Park 3095 Highway 1 Bodega Bay, CA 94923 (707) 875-3483 or (707) 865-2391 © 2004 California State Parks (Rev. 2017) I magine broad, sandy beaches, secluded is now Marin County. These groups built western wallflower, verbena, and dozens of coves, rugged headlands, natural arches, seasonal villages of redwood bark houses other species of native wildflowers. a craggy coastline with fertile tide pools, along rivers and streams and near today’s In 1951 a program was begun to stabilize and offshore reefs — this is Sonoma Coast Bodega Bay. Both groups were accomplished the drifting sand and keep it from filling State Park, one of California’s most scenic basket makers. The Russian and Aleutian fur Bodega Bay. The dunes between the bay and attractions. A series of beaches separated trappers who arrived in the area in the early Salmon Creek were planted with specialized by rocky bluffs, Sonoma Coast has 16 miles 1800s may have been the Pomo and Miwok grasses, including European beach grass, of some of the most breathtaking scenery in people’s first contact with non-native people. a species used to protect dikes in the the world. The Pomo and the Miwok were among Netherlands. This species is now considered The weather here is often a chilly several Native Californian groups who invasive, so California State Parks staff and combination of wind and fog. During actively resisted the drastic changes brought volunteers are removing the beach grass the summer months, the morning fog by the fur trappers, Spanish missionaries, where possible. usually burns off to create pleasant, sunny and hordes of gold seekers. However, afternoons. Even during the summer, within a generation or two, direct conflict WILDLIFE however, visitors are wise to prepare for the and exposure to European diseases nearly Many types of animals make their homes possibility of wet, cold, and windy North decimated the Pomo and Miwok. Today in this lush coastal environment. A lucky coast weather. their descendants still occupy parts of their visitor might catch a glimpse of raccoons, ancestral lands, keeping alive the old ways rabbits, black-tailed deer, skunks, squirrels, NATIVE AMERICANS and passing them on to the next generation. or — on rare occasions — elusive gray foxes The dominant indigenous groups in this area or badgers. The Sonoma Coast is also rich in were the Pomo and Coast Miwok, whose PLANT COMMUNITIES bird life, with some 300 identified species. presence dates back about 3,000 years. The bluffs, slopes, and dunes that frame the The many shore birds and other waterfowl Pomo territory once encompassed much many beaches support a hardy ground cover in the area include willets, godwits, gulls, of today’s Mendocino, Lake, and Sonoma of native shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers. In cormorants, pelicans, coots, and many counties. Farther south, the Coast Miwok the spring, these areas display yellow and species of ducks. Among thriving land occupied part of Sonoma County and what blue lupine, sea pink, Indian paintbrush, birds are quails, ravens, wrens, hawks, owls, and swallows. Whales — From December through April, rockfish, perch, salmon, steelhead, and Environmental Camping — Pomo volunteers assist visitors at Bodega Head smelt, as well as mussels and cockles. A valid Canyon and Willow Creek environmental in viewing the annual gray whale migration California sport fishing license is required. campgrounds are subject to seasonal from Alaska to Baja California and back up State law protects all species; consult the closures. Call (707) 875-3483 for availability the coast. latest regulations at www.wildlife.ca.gov for of these first-come, first-served sites. Seals — The information on licensing, species, season, Willow Creek Campground is ½ mile east Sonoma size, and bag limit. Bodega Head and the of Highway 1 on Willow Creek Road. Pomo Coast, mouth of the Russian River are Marine Canyon Campground is two miles farther especially Protected Areas (MPAs). See https://www. along Willow Creek Road. the mouth of wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs Riding and Hiking — Equestrians and hikers the Russian for details. can access the park’s five-mile trail system Picnicking — At Bodega Head, Bodega River, is Harbor seals through the Bodega Dunes, via Bay Flat home to Dunes, Rock Point, Duncan’s Landing, Road. Horses are allowed onto Salmon hundreds of harbor seals. From March Wright’s Beach, and Goat Rock Beach, Creek Beach, but they are not allowed through June, seal pups are born unable to picnic tables and wide stretches of sandy north of the Bodega Dunes day-use area. swim and are defenseless against predators beach entice visitors to stop and watch The Kortum Trail begins at Wright’s Beach when left alone. Solitary pups have neither the surf pound against the rugged coastline. and travels north to Blind Beach. The Pomo been abandoned nor are they ill — their Most day-use areas have restroom Canyon Trail from the Shell Beach parking mothers are feeding offshore. People facilities nearby. lot winds over the hill 3½ miles to the Pomo who approach the pregnant females and Camping — Wright’s Beach Campground Canyon Campground. newborn pups are viewed as a serious has more than 25 developed sites near the Upper Willow Creek access is limited threat. The seemingly tame seals frighten beach. No shower facilities are available. to current permit holders; no new permits easily, and — like all wild animals — can inflict At Bodega Dunes Campground, about 100 are being issued. severe bites. Please do not touch seals or developed sites have restrooms, a campfire Jenner Visitor Center — Learn about the pups; stay at least 300 feet from harbor center, hot pay showers, and an RV sanitation natural and cultural history of the Jenner seal colonies. station. For reservations, call (800) 444-7275 area while enjoying a spectacular view of the Tide pool creatures — Please do not disturb or visit www.parks.ca.gov. the life in the tide pools. Even the simple act of turning over a rock and exposing the invertebrates to the sun or air can destroy them. These delicate animals usually die after being removed from their habitat. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Fishing — The ocean, bay, and river frontage of the Sonoma County coast are an angler’s paradise. Sport fishing species include Goat Rock Russian River. This volunteer-staffed facility If you are caught in the seaward rush of a PLEASE REMEMBER is open only on weekends through the rip current, do not panic or attempt to swim • All natural and cultural features are summer months. directly to the shore against the strong protected by law and may not be current. Swim parallel to the shore until disturbed nor removed. SURF SAFETY you are out of the rip current; then, swim to • The shale formations of bluffs and rocks are The beaches along the Sonoma Coast are shore at an angle away from the rip current. unstable and unsafe for climbing. Stay on not recommended for swimming or wading. The rip current usually dissipates just trails and heed fences and warning signs. The very features that make this area such beyond the surf line. At this point, you may • For wildlife protection, dogs must always a spectacular place to look at and enjoy can swim around the current and back to shore. be leashed. Except for service animals, be lethal to those caught unaware along In an emergency, dial 911. Remain dogs are not allowed on any trails or the shoreline. calm. Have someone keep an eye on the beaches or in environmental campgrounds. Large surf, cold water temperatures, swimmer in trouble. Give your location and Wildlife will avoid places where domestic backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding stay on the line with the dispatcher. Do not animals are kept. shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can attempt a water rescue yourself; wait for • Ground fires are permitted only in turn what seem like safe activities — such trained professionals. as playing near the surf line, wading, or California State Parks fire rings. Beach fires climbing on rock outcroppings — deadly. ACCESSIBLE FEATURES are prohibited. Lifeguard service is limited along the • Four campsites at Bodega Dunes • Wood gathering is not permitted. Firewood Sonoma Coast. Check with park staff about are accessible. Willow Creek has two may be purchased at Bodega Dunes or the ocean conditions. Please be aware accessible campsites. Pomo Canyon Wright’s Beach. that conditions change quickly along has one accessible campsite on hard- • Drinking water is available only at Bodega the coast. packed dirt with parking 200 feet away. Dunes and Wright’s Beach campgrounds. Ocean Waves — Waves can be • Restrooms at the campgrounds and • Vehicles may not be driven into the unpredictable. Large waves have caused beach areas are accessible. environmental campsites. Camping in a drownings over the years; waves can catch • Bodega Dunes has accessible coin- recreational vehicle in the parking area is those close to the shoreline by surprise, operated showers.