Hike In Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
Sonoma County, California - August 20, 2025
With visit to Shell Beach
3 Miles, 1000' Elevation Gain
Reenie and Bob






On a warm but not too warm day (around 75 - 85 degrees, light breeze) we drove to the trailhead at the Monte Rio Redwoods Park. After parking we prepared for our hike. That is when Bob discovered he had brought two hiking boots - one for his right foot and another for his right foot. So Bob hiked with one boot and one loafer. It turned out not to be a problem. As we hiked up we saw only a few people (9). Coming back we met one (we spoke with her and petted her dog), so we had the forest pretty much to ourselves. Part way up the hike, Reenie realized she had left her hiking pole in the car. We joked about Bob's one boot and Reenie with no hiking pole.

We decided to hike to the top of the trail so continued climbing to the top of the ridgeline.






When we passed a nice picnic spot we had used in the past we left our packs there. We saw very few flowers along the way, but there were a few.



At the top of the ridge we met a guy sitting on a log who had passed us earlier. We talked and a bicyclist who had passed us earlier came down the trail and also talked. After chatting for a bit, we hiked back down to our picnic spot. However, mosquitos attacked, so we hiked back to the car.

We drove to Shell Beach and ate lunch. It was much cooler there, so we wore jackets. There was also some fog. We totally enjoyed lunch - Reenie had made great chicken sandwiches and brought dessert candy, Bob provided a peach, some cashews.






At Shell Beach besides eating lunch we enjoyed the sounds and smell of the ocean as we walked along the beach. Walking on the beach we collected small, pretty rocks.

After the beach walk, we drove to the Spud Point Crab shop and, amazingly, saw almost no one waiting in line. We bought the best crab sandwiches in the world along with clam chowder, then drove home.

Photos and narrative were contributed by Reenie and Bob
Here are all of the backpacking trips and documented adventures including Reenie and Bob

Other Websites
By The Author: