Sonoma Coast: Goat Rock to Red Hill

DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DISTANCE: 11 Miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 1700 feet
PACE: Probably around 20 to 30 minute miles depending on conditions
WEATHER: Jenner, CA 10-Day Weather Forecast | Weather Underground

Let's beat the summer heat at the Sonoma Coast! We'll hike from the mouth of the Russian River up to the legendary coastal viewpoint at Red Hill and then back again.

Starting from the Goat Rock Beach parking lot, we aim south along the road until we pick up the Kortum Trail to Shell Beach. After a stop there, we then climb up to Red Hill for amazing views of the mouth of the Russian River and the spectacular Sonoma Coast. From there we head back the same way to our starting point.

Highlights on this route include: Goat Rock beach (and possibly the colony of Pacific harbor seals), Peaked Hill, Mammoth Rock, Shell Beach, and Red Hill's isolated redwood forest.

This will be a joint event with the Sea and Mountain hiking group and parking on the holiday weekend may be a challenge, so we're limiting attendees this time around.

ROUTE MAP:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-09e853e?u=i&sh=pmqm6r

DETAILS

• MEETING TIME: 8:30 AM. We will depart promptly at 8:40am.
• MEETING SPOT: Goat Rock Beach Parking Lot (NOTE - this is the FIRST parking area, the northern one, NOT the lower parking lot at the end of the road next to Goat Rock itself). We'll meet by the restrooms.
• RESTROOMS: At the start and conclusion of the hike, also at Shell Beach, which we will pass twice.
• GEAR: Bring plenty of water and snacks. Dress in layers - we may have AM fog but it may warm up later, and all of this route is exposed to the sun. Poles will be very useful, there are some steep climbs and descents.