Galya Tapolsky

Galya Tapolsky

Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead

07/03/17

One morning I woke up eagerly for adventure. My boyfriend who has done Alamere Falls hike before told me about it and I had my mind set on it. I called couple other friends to come with who were also excited for adventure. We drove along the coast through Stinson Beach and Bolinas to where the trails begins. After we parked we read the warning signs where the trail map was shown and stated that people do get hurt during the hike. In my opinion the hike is not bad at all. It doesn't have steep hills to conquer, the road was pretty flat. As you walk on the trail you are surrounded by beautiful trees and plans and to top that your view is ocean! It is very easy to miss the left turn into a different trail that takes you directly to waterfall. Calculating, if you walked more than 5 miles you went too far. About 5 miles ratio is where I would look for left turn into Alamere Falls trail. It isn't obvious turn and it looks like you are diving into the bushes crunching down. Don't be alarmed. It's the right place. From there you have less than a mile to the Falls. Hiking down to waterfall is a challenge but slowly you can do it. I would be very careful because it's super slippery but what helps is hiking down by seating down. Take one step at the time and don't hurry. You have all time in the world to make there safely. My boyfriend and I worked closely together as a team by pulling and pushing each other up or down. The adventure is hard at that moment but you got to trust your body and mind and believe that you can do it. Bring tons of water. That's number 1 thing. I found being thirsty all the time especially going back. You forget that you have are half way done when you reach the Falls and you got to walk 6 miles back to your car. Bring snacks and sunscreen and hat! Most of all down forget to have fun because adventures are supposed to be hard and fun.

5.0