Point Reyes National Seashore has countless hikes to offer and places to explore. Rugged cliffs, wild ocean waves, incredible wildlife, tide pools, and salty air — all of that and more is Point Reyes. One particularly unique feature is Alamere Falls, a waterfall that drops directly into the Pacific Ocean. Since the hike is long for a single day and there is an unofficial shortcut to the waterfall, many opt to take it. In this article, I’ll answer the key questions I asked myself before doing this hike, and chances are, you’re wondering the same things. While the shortcut is popular, my experience led me to a clear recommendation. I’ll walk you through all the whys, whats, and whens.

The Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore offers a beautiful hike along California’s central coast, featuring stunning Pacific Ocean views and wildlife sightings like tule elk and coyotes. The trail is set within a historic landscape where past land use meets today’s conservation efforts.

Winters in California are mild, and on the Central Coast, the temperatures do not differ much from those in summer. In fact, a dry and sunny winter day may even feel warmer than one of the many foggy and windy summer days. In January, after a long stretch of rain, we took the opportunity on one of those summery weekends and headed out to Point Reyes for a little backpacking adventure to the Coast Campground and Santa Maria Beach.