Redwoods, Blue Coast

Hike Shell Beach to Pomo Canyon Redwoods on Sonoma Coast

10.14.2020
Hike Pomo Canyon for Redwoods on the Sonoma Coast

Red: redwoods. White: wave ripples on sandy beaches. Blue: the Pacific. Combine all of the Sonoma Coast's best features on a this 6-mile (round-trip) hike from Shell Beach to Pomo Canyon.

Start at Shell Beach (arrive early for best chances of getting an easy parking space). Cross Highway 1 (carefully!) to the Pomo Canyon trailhead (aka Dr. David C. Joseph Memorial Trail) and ascend the coastal hills, topping out at a gorgeous northern vista of the Russian River emptying into the Pacific.

Descend into Pomo Canyon for its major highlight: a pristine, tranquil old-growth redwood forest where patches of sunlight sneak through the tall canopy and fall like fairy dust to the ground. (October 2020 Update: Multiple environmental campsites are here, along with picnic tables, but camping is currently not allowed at Pomo Canyon; check the Sonoma Coast SP website for updates.)

Hike among the redwoods at Pomo Canyon on the Sonoma Coast

Return the way you came and head down the set of wooden stairs to Shell Beach. Low tide brings tide-pool sightings of hermit crabs, sea stars, and giant green anemone clinging to rocks. Red, white, blue, and you!

Check out these Sonoma County Trip Ideas

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Secrets of Sonoma County" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their adventure hiking at Pomo Canyon. And they share a story about their back-in-the-day camping trip, which involved a late-night visit from a mountain lion!

Shell Beach on the Sonoma Coast

Start the hike at the Shell Beach parking lot, which is 7 miles north of Bodega Bay on Hwy 1. The Kortum Trail runs north and south; for the route mentioned, go north toward Goat Rock and Blind Beach. Shell Beach is dog-friendly. Watch for high tides! No dogs in Pomo Canyon.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  2. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

    View
  2. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View