Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

Jenner, California

4.0/5

based on 4 reviews

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Details

Distance

3.28 miles

Elevation Gain

75 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Coastal meadows and wildflowers meet windswept cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

There are numerous points at which you can enter the trail from Highway 1, but on the south end it begins at Gertsle Cove and heads north as the Salt Point Trail heads toward Stump Beach. You can choose to head further north of Stump Beach along the Bluff Trail or south of Gerstle Cove State Marine area, one of the first underwater state parks in California.

If you're inclined, you can also explore south of the Visitor Center and Gerstle Cove Point though this isn't official part of Salt Point Trail.

PETS:

Dogs are permitted in the campground, but not on the trail.

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Beach

Easy Parking

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Forest

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Wildflowers

Wildlife

Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach Reviews

PRO

Diana Homsey

PRO

Wanderer

Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

03/10/25

After driving along the curvy Hwy 1 this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs-or camp for the night. Beautiful coastline trail, not too long and flat all the way around. Dogs are allowed in the campground, but not allowed on the trails. At the right time of year this is a great place to whale watch! Popular for fishing, there is a fish cleaning station and a restroom in the parking lot at the trailhead. Camping is up on the hill above with 30 tentsites, larger group camp sites in a separate area. We had amazing weather in March, clear and crisp with sunshine and no wind. Amazing!

5.0

Andy

Explorer

Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

11/23/20

HWY 1 has many amazing stops. This is a great one if you want rocky ocean views. There is also great camping nearby

5.0

Elena P

Explorer

Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

07/24/20

This is an easy hike to the ocean. Salt Point is an absolutely beautiful place up in Northern California.

5.0

Jo Gadd

Beginner

Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

07/05/19

We wanted to enjoy this hike, it seemed to fit the bill perfectly, but we were misled by the “dog friendly” tag on the description here. Actually dogs are not allowed at all & we were turned away by a ranger.

1.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach

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Salt Point Trail: Gerstle Cove to Stump Beach Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Abalone Diving at Salt Point State Park

Camp at Salt Point State Park

North Trail to the Pygmy Forest

Bolete Mushroom Hunting

Central Trail

Stillwater Cove

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