Alamere Falls — Attraction in Fairfax

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the bay area! Now that being said, you need to put in work to get here! You got about a 4.2 one way or 8.4 round trip to and from Alamere falls. For the most part it is extremely solid path with few elevation gains. Now as you are driving here, you will lose service and that's okay but remember to take all the directions down so when you leave Alamere falls, you will have the directions down as there are lots of turns to get here. For the first mile or so, the sea accompanies you and it's refreshing to have the sea breeze follow you and aid you as you traverse through the trail. I'd recommend coming on a clear day because that's when the falls really shine underneath the sun. When it's under overcast, the weather gets a little too cold. Make sure to leave early if it will be warm weather because the heat will be beating on you as you walk. Bring plenty of water on this trip because it is a long one. You'll walk around the cliffs and then finally into a forest area, where the path starts to ger narrow. You'll eventually come to a open spot and as you hit the curve you will see the seashore right in front of you.

Do not continue but look to your left and you will see a sign and then you will see a little opening. Yup that's in, get in! Now this part will seem like a horror movie where you are cramped up and walking through the path but trust me you will not be murdered here. Walk slowly and be careful for the uneven terrain! pretty soon you'll come out into the open again and guess what? More decline elevation! Walk down and you'll eventually find yourself in front of a path way that is like a mini canyon for you to climb down and no there is no other way.

Head down and you'll see the first set of a mini waterfall. You made it but the work is not finished yet my friend. This next part is the hardest area of the path where it is a heavy decline. Use all 4 limbs and put any loose items in your backpack! Once you get down to this area, then you are at the beautiful Alamere falls!

Please do not leave trash or garbage laying around and take what you bring. Have fun and...

Alamere Falls (Falls Trail ~8mi out&back)

"Alamere Falls is a rare "tidefall", a waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. It is one of only two in the area, the other being McWay Falls. Alamere Falls tumble over fragile shale cliffs at Alamere Creek Beach." Wikipedia

The main trail is wide enough for a 4 wheeler and feels like a fire road at times more than a trail. It is rolling hills and took me about 1.5 hrs each way. From the parking lot it is 3.75 miles to the Falls Trailhead and then another 0.25 miles to the top of the upper falls. Some reviews claim going down the cliffs this way is dangerous and difficult, but for the slightly above average person I would say it really isn't. It's not well marked and the trailer is just a small opening through the brush. (To find the opening/trailhead just use your Google Maps and it will get you within a few feet.) There happend to be an arrow made from stones on the ground when I went but I cant guarantee it will be there when you go. Your other option is to take the longer route to the campground and follow the beach back to the falls (~14 miles out&back). If you choose that route you'll still have to climb up the cliff to get to the upperfalls- and they are beautiful and...

I like to go on off days :) Went here at like 2 pm on a Wednesday. I guess it might get over crowded at times but I am more of a off day hike back as the sun is setting kind of guy. The trail was beautiful. I saw deer and many animals along the way. At the falls just before sun set my girlfriend and I sat on the beach picnicking. A few other couples snuggling and watching sea lions watch us. Crashing waves and various coastal birds filled the air. The cliff down to the water is eroded and steep at times but I don't care. Although if you could not make it back up I am not sure what you would do I guess sleep on the beach or walk north or call 911 maybe. Really the cliff is a very small inconvenience as you could just stay up to and view the stunning scene if you want or have small kids with you. I am pretty picky about where I day hike after growing up on the PCT in the Columbia Gorge OR/WA. This is what I had hopped to experience in California. So peaceful and romantic. Be nice to the locals and...