Alamere Falls is a rare tidefall — a 40-foot waterfall that drops directly onto the beach — reached via a 13.2- to 15.6-mile round trip depending on which trailhead you use, with the falls accessible only at low tide. It's one of the most visited backcountry destinations in the Bay Area, and the trailhead parking fills early on weekends.
Overview
Alamere Falls drops off the coastal bluff onto Wildcat Beach in the Phillip Burton Wilderness — a genuine rarity, and the main reason this trail gets heavy traffic despite its length. The falls run best in late winter and spring after significant rainfall.
What to Expect
From the Palomarin Trailhead, the route covers about 8.5 miles round trip through coastal scrub with ocean bluff views, passing several ponds before dropping to Wildcat Beach. The Five Brooks Trailhead route adds distance but varies the terrain. No maintained trail leads to the base of the falls — reaching the beach requires navigating off-trail terrain that has caused injuries; consult current NPS guidance before attempting. The beach is impassable at high tide, which can trap visitors against the bluffs.
Tips & Logistics
Time your visit to arrive at the falls at low tide — check tide tables before going. The Palomarin Trailhead parking fills by mid-morning on summer weekends. Dogs are not allowed. No permit required for day hiking. Palomarin is 35 minutes from Bear Valley; Five Brooks is about 10 minutes.