Salt Point Activities

Sonoma County

Salt Point, Sonoma County, California
Salt Point, Sonoma County, California

Salt Point Activities

Sonoma County


Salt Point State Park Activities

Visitors to Salt Point State Park are rewarded with a spectacular 9-mile-long coast. Hiking and enjoying the amazing scenery are the most popular activities at the park.

Marine Plants and Animals

Visitors in late summer find the ocean near shore thick with bull kelp that has been growing at a phenomenal 10 inches per day. The kelp provides habitat for a variety a fish and other marine animals. Clinging to the rocks below the surface are red abalone. They take about 10 years to mature to a 7-nch diameter. During their winter migration, gray whales are commonly seen along the coast.

Caution: Before setting out, check with rangers that conditions are safe for your planned activities.


Inland Explorations

A number of trails lead inland through the park. Hikers pass from coastal grasslands and brush to dense forests of Bishop pine, madrone, and redwoods. The Pygmy Forest is a stand of trees stunted by the acidic soil and a hardpan layer just beneath the surface.

Animals hikers may encounter include squirrels, chipmunks, deer, coyotes, and raccoons. Less likely sightings might be of bobcats, badgers, and skunks.

Sea Kayaking at Salt Point

Several launch points are available for experienced sea kayakers around Salt Point State Park. Ocean Cove. Stillwater Cove, and Gerstle Cove and among the most commonly used. Swells of 8 to 10 feet are not uncommon and an occasional 20-footer can arrive. Morning tends to be the best time for kayaking with brisk winds picking up in the afternoon.

Free divers like the area around Fisk Cove, especially in a cove they call South Cove. just to the south of Fisk Cove. There a point of land and an offshore reef provide some protection from the incoming surf. In a shallow area there, divers encounter kelp beds, sea stars, and anemones. Beyond the reef are canyons and walls, a sandy bottom, and a variety of fish.

Fisk Mill Cove, Salt Point State Park, CA

Fisk Mill Cove

Diving at Salt Point

Divers usually take advantage of the fairly convenient access at Gerstle Cove. The depth in the cove is about 30 feet with visibility up to 35 feet. Plenty of fish can observed in the cove along with jellies and brightly colored sea urchins. All marine life in the cove is protected.

Sonoma Coast Divers

Sonoma Coast Divers offers abalone diving classes along the coast north of Jenner. In the classes they teach about the equipment needed for free diving, identifying the shellfish, free diving techniques, and how to remove the abalone from the rocks. Most of the necessary equipment can be rented from them.

Shipwrecks along the Salt Point Coast

The freighter Norlina sank just outside Gerstle Cove in 1926. After salvaging most of the ship's general cargo, workers dynamited the hull. Remnants of the 386-foot-long vessel rest in 30 to 40 feet of water. Parts of it can be seen at low tide.

The schooner Bianca ran ashore at Salt Point in 1861. It was loaded with a cargo of wood. It is doubtful that remnants of the ship could still be located. Other ships that sank near Salt Point were the Ellen H. Wood in 1859, the Nautilus in 1877, the Mary D. Pomeroy in 1879, and the Phantom in 1881.


Fishing along the Salt Point Coast

Anglers find many great spots for fishing along Salt Point Park's rocky coast. Fishing is permitted throughout the area with a valid fishing license, with the exception of Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve and Stewart's Point Marine Reserve. The rest of Salt Point State Park is part of the Salt Point State Marine Conservation Area and the taking of finfish and abalone is permitted. Other marine life is protected.

Anglers have had great success using smelt, shrimp, squid, or mussels for bait. Among the usual catches are lingcod, cabezon, rockfish, and greenlings. Anyone fishing from the rocks should be extra vigilant and stay back from the waves' reach.
California Fishing Regulations

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve

The Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve adjoins Salt Point State Park. Within the reserve are second-growth redwoods, Douglas fir, and an abundance of rhododendrons. The best time to visit is in May when the pink flowers are in full bloom. Five miles of trails wind through the Reserve. No dogs or bicycles are permitted in the Reserve.

Entry: Kruse Ranch Road off Highway 1, follow the road 1 mile to parking
Entry fees: None
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Facilities: Parking, restrooms (may be closed due to park cutbacks), trails

Salt Point State Park, CA

Salt Point State Park


Fort Ross Conservancy Events

The Fort Ross Conservancy works with the state park in preservation, restoration, and research projects at Fort Ross and Salt Point. They offer a variety of interpretive and educational activities. For the most current information visit the Events page on their website.



Nearby Attractions

Stillwater Cove
Regional Park

22455 Highway 1
Jenner, CA
Beach boat launch, diving and kayaking
Historic Fort Ross Schoolhouse
Open sunrise to sunset
Stillwater Cove Regional Park

Gualala Point Regional Park

42401 Highway 1
The Sea Ranch, CA
Day hiking, picnicking, coastal vistas, beaches
Open 6 AM to sunset in summer, 8 AM in winter
Gualala Point Regional Park

WaterTrek EcoTours

10438 Highway 1
Jenner, CA
Guided interpretive tours for hiking or kayaking
Kayak the Jenner Estuary
Kayak rentals
WaterTrek EcoTours

Russian River Cycle Service

Guerneville based bicycle rentals
Ride along the Russian River or nearby places
(707) 887-2453
Russian River Cycle Service

Doran Regional Park

201 Doran Beach Rd.
Bodega Bay, CA
Beaches, birding, camping, fishing, trails, kayaking, picnicking
Open 7:00 AM to sunset
$7 per vehicle
Doran Regional Park

Westside Regional Park

2400 Westshore Drive
Bodega Bay. CA
Birding, camping, fishing, kayaking and canoeing, picnicking, boat ramp
Open 7:00 AM to sunset
$7 per vehicle
Westshore Regional Park


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety