Wildcat Beach is a 2.9-mile-long wilderness beach in the southern seashore, reachable via multiple routes of 11 to 13.4 miles round trip from the Palomarin or Five Brooks trailheads. Three coastal lakes — Ocean, Bass, and Pelican — sit above the bluffs on the approach, and Wildcat Camp offers permitted overnight camping above the beach.
Overview
Wildcat Beach is the longest accessible wilderness beach in the seashore, backed by coastal bluffs with no road access. Getting there requires a real hike from either the southern Palomarin Trailhead (more direct, with ocean bluff views and the coastal lakes) or the Five Brooks Trailhead (longer, through forest and valley). Alamere Falls drops onto the southern end of the beach.
What to Expect
From Palomarin, the route traverses coastal scrub bluffs past Bass Lake and other small lakes before descending to the beach — about 8.5 miles round trip to the beach itself. From Five Brooks the route is longer through different terrain. Wildcat Camp is above the beach with vault toilets and water (seasonal). The beach is exposed to full Pacific swell.
Tips & Logistics
Palomarin Trailhead parking fills early on summer weekends. Five Brooks is about 10 minutes from Bear Valley; Palomarin is 35 minutes. Dogs are not allowed. Overnight camping at Wildcat Camp requires a reservation through the park. Check surf conditions if you plan time on the beach.