One of my favorite hikes in Sonoma County is the Pomo Canyon Trail, which is part of Sonoma Coast State Park. It is an out and back trail that connects Pomo Canyon and Shell Beach. Pomo Canyon is just above the Willow Creek Canyon and near the Russian. You can start off at either Pomo Canyon or Shell Beach. I have always started at Pomo Canyon, but I found that most people start at Shell Beach. I love to start the hike in the Redwoods because it is so magical and beautiful. It is my favorite redwood forest. Always so lush, green and full of life. The overall hike is long and sometimes strenuous, so if I decided not to go all the way to Shell Beach, at least I will have experienced my favorite part!
To get to Pomo Canyon from Highway 1 and Highway 116 (just south of Jenner) cross the south side of the Russian River bridge on Highway 1. Immediately turn left (inland) on Willow Creek Road at mile marker 19.79. Drive 2.6 miles on the narrow road to the Pomo Canyon Campground turnoff. Park near the gated road (but not in front of it). You then have to walk along the road for a while until you get to the Pomo Canyon environmental campground (which is closed right now), then you follow the trail up into the redwoods.
On this day, it rained our entire hike which made it even more magical. Most of the time, it was a soft rain that felt good as we were hiking up hill for the first 2 miles. As the day went on, the trails got muddier and muddier. If you are going here in the winter, I would highly recommend wearing hiking boots.
We did not go all the way to Shell Beach on this day because the rain was getting harder, and the rest of the Westbound stretch was out in the open. Also we would not be able to see the spectacular views of the coastline, which is the best part about the non-forested part of the hike. We'll just have to go back on a clear day in the Spring to see all the flowers in bloom! The walk through the forest was just so stunning and beautiful. Such deep colors made deeper by the rain and full of redwoods, ferns, clover, oaks, bays, etc. Here are some photos:
The whole time on this hike, I was filled with wondrous awe. To walk through a redwood forest is to experience a specific type of energy. Unlike any other forest I have experienced. When I recall all the places I've been to in my local area over the last couple of months, I become more and more in love with where I live. I've read many articles recently about how bad things are in California, and how people are leaving in droves because the cost of living is so high and there are so many homeless people. "Why would anyone want to live there?", is a question asked in these articles. In addition to my loving community of friends, what I have shown in my blog is a big reason many of us love it here. An abundance of natural beauty, the coastline and public open spaces for people to enjoy and "be" in them. It brings so much to my life -- I cannot imagine moving away, therefore I am willing to deal with the higher cost of living and invest in solving the issues around affordable housing and homelessness. California is a great place to be, and I hope we can solve these issues. I am also aware of and so grateful for the privilege that I have to be able to live here.
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