GOAT Coastal Hike + Sunset

Hike Kortum Trail on the Sonoma Coast and Sunset at Goat Rock

Hike Kortum Trail on the Sonoma Coast

The Sonoma Coast seems to have more beaches than San Francisco has hills; after Bodega Bay the choices go on for 13 glorious miles. For an easygoing beach-hopping hike with plenty of dramatic scenery, connect Shell Beach to Blind Beach along the beautiful blufftop Kortum Trail.

It’s 4 miles (round-trip) across boardwalks and a trail that meanders above sandy coves and sea stacks sculpted by crashing waves. Raptors like to cruise this coast too—from red-tailed hawks to great horned owls and white-tailed kites—along with brown pelicans.

After 1.3 miles you’ll see a huge heap of rocks slightly inland; it’s actually an ancient sea stack that adventurous climbers scramble up for bragging rights and banner views. For similarly ahhhmazing vistas, when the trail veers inland up and over a hill, detour up to the apex for a picnic break and some photos. Continue to Blind Beach to admire more coastline and the famous Arched Rock. 

GOAT SUNSET BONUS: Dozens of dreamy pocket beaches pop up all along the Sonoma Coast. But the most photogenic beach of them all? Goat Rock Beach, a sub-unit of Sonoma Coast State Beach in Jenner. Sunsets can be some of the West’s best.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Secrets of Sonoma County" the Weekend Sherpa team discuss their adventures on the Sonoma Coast including hiking the Kortum Trail and catching a sunset at Goat Rock Beach.

The wide, accessible, and soft sandy beach is located right where the Russian River flows into the Pacific. The shoreline is misted with salty sea, and driftwood adds drama. Spread a blanket and stay through the golden hour. As the sun sinks, brown pelicans by the hundreds flock and surf the sea-breeze sky, floating across the backdrop of the tangerine sun as the sky slowly layers into lines of pink—from fuchsia to raspberry to pastel rose. The backdrop to it all is Arched Rock, a hulking sea castle with a huge gape that’s an icon of the area. 

BONUS FOOD & WINE PATIO: Whether you want a latte, sandwich, or just some riverside lounging, Café Aquatica and Tasting by the Sea Wine Bar (10439 Highway 1, Jenner) are the places. Set right on the Russian River and overlooking Goat Rock Beach, the café is rustic originality with good coffee, burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and all kinds of other casual coastal comfort foods.

Check out these Sonoma County Trip Ideas

Tasting By the Sea Winebar patio

Tasting by the Sea, with specialty food and over 30 wines from four local winemakers (plus organic juice elixirs, cider, and beer) stays open until sundown, making it a beautiful spot to toast the sunset. For dinner (and a romantic cottage stay!) there’s nearby River’s End Restaurant & Inn. 

To hike Kortum Trail, park at Shell Beach and follow the sign for Kortum Trail. No dogs on Kortum Trail.

Goat Rock Beach is accessed off of Hwy. 1 just south of the Russian River in Jenner. Parts of Goat Rock Beach are dog-friendly (on-site signage indicates where dogs are allowed).

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View