Salt Point State Park is a state park in Sonoma County, California, United States. The park covers 6,000 acres on the coast of Northern California, with 20 miles of hiking trails and over 6 miles of a rough rocky coast line including Salt Point which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean.
When utilizing the facilities at Salt Point State Park we ask that you remain on developed trails at all times in order to preserve the park's unspoiled qualities and to avoid contact with ticks and poison oak. Mountain bikes must stay on paved or fire roads, however, fire roads are closed to bicycles from October 31 to April 30. Bikes are not allowed on single-track trails as they cause a great deal of damage to the trail surfaces. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times and are not permitted on the trails or on the beaches. They must be kept in a tent or vehicle at night.
Picnicking:
When fully open, is a day use area that provides picnickers with paved parking, picnic tables, small upright barbeques, restrooms, and drinking water. Additionally, the bishop pines in this area provide protection from the spring and summer winds. You can take a short walk from the north lot for a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean from Sentinel Rock's wooden deck.
Stump Beach is another picnic area that offers one of the few sandy beaches north of Jenner. There are a few picnic tables near the parking lot and a primitive toilet with no running water. A 1/4 mile trail leads down to the beach.
South Gerstle Cove also has picnic tables, a primitive toilet, and a beautiful, exposed view of the ocean.
Hiking and Horseback Riding:
There are over 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails to explore in Salt Point State Park. Trail maps are available at the entrance station.
Underwater Area:
The park includes one of the first underwater areas in California, Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve, where marine life is completely protected. The cove affords shelter for the hand launching of small boats and divers come to the cove to explore the wonders of the undersea world.
Marine life can be experienced on land during low tide in the rocky intertidal zone through tide pool exploration. When exploring these areas remember that many of these organisms can be damaged or destroyed by even the simple act of turning over a rock and exposing the animals to the sun.
Fishing:
Fishing is permitted throughout the area with a valid fishing license, with the exception of Gerstle Cove Marine Reserve and north of the parking lot at Fisk Mill Day Use as part of the Stewart's Point Marine Reserve. The rest of Salt Point State Park is part of the Salt Point State Marine Conservation Area and only the take of finfish is permitted. The rocky coastline at Salt Point provides many excellent ocean fishing opportunities. Using bait of squid, shrimp, mussels, or smelt you can catch lingcod, cabezon, rockfish, and greenlings while fishing from the rocks. Be careful to stay back from the waves reach, since the rocks can be slippery and the ocean is rough.
Camping:
All campsites, with the exception of our overflow camping, are equipped with a fire-ring, picnic table, and food locker. The campgrounds have drinking water and restrooms but no showers. A dump station is not available.
GROUP CAMPING: OPEN
This camp is located on the ocean side of Hyw 1 and accommodates a maximum of 40 people and ten cars.
HIKER/BIKER SITES by Ranger Station OPEN
Ten sites are available for campers on foot or bicycles not associated with a vehicle. These sites are located behind the ranger office near Woodside Campground.
OVERFLOW CAMPING
A day use parking lot located below Gerstle Campground is available for self-contained vehicles only. No tent camping or open fires are allowed. No restroom facilities or drinking water are available.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is located in the lot, next to the accessible restroom. If however this restroom is closed, the one near the ranger station at the inland entrance is usually open. There are several accessible picnic tables that offer picture postcard views of the waves crashing ashore on the rocks below, just around the corner from the Gerstle Cove restrooms. It’s really the perfect spot to reflect and just enjoy Mother Nature.
The accessible Salt Point Trail begins at the other end of the parking lot. The first part of the trail is paved, and it winds gradually down to the cliffs that overlook the ocean. There are equally amazing views from just about anywhere along this part of the trail. At the .3-mile point the asphalt section of the trail ends; however a hard-packed dirt accessible trail continues on the right. This part of the trail hugs the coast for a bit before it turns inland, passes through the coastal scrub and returns to the parking lot. All in all the half-mile loop offers good access, and some to-die-for ocean views.
