Hike In Sonoma Coast State Park Then Down to Shell Beach
Sonoma County, California - June 25, 2025
~4 Miles, 800' Elevation Gain
(And to the Spud Point Crab Company!)
Reenie and Bob


On a very foggy morning we drive to the Shell Beach parking lot and decide that since the weather is cool, it would be best to hike up the Dr David C Joseph Memorial Trail rather than down to Shell Beach (we will do that later in the afternoon). So we put on our boots and packs, cross Hwy 1, and start up. When we reach the picnic table at the top of the hill, we take pictures of the fog covering the Russian River and Jenner Preserve in the distance. On our return we take pictures from the picnic table just to show the difference a clearer sky makes.


After reaching the high point and taking pics, we continue down along a very pretty path with lots of flowers.






We pass under a big tree that we always remember from past hikes and reach a creek.

A path almost hidden by plants heads up along the creek. We take it rather than continue along the main path.



We climb up a ways, then go up further through the woods along a barely noticeable user path and find a nice picnic spot. Time for lunch! Fortunately, Reenie has brought a wonderful such meal including sandwiches, cookies and chocolate. Bob contributes some cashews.

After lunch we head back, once again getting wonderful views, including a view of where we once hiked near Willow Creek in the far distance. And also a look at a very large rock pile where there are two guys (one standing, one sitting) and we have also stood on in the past.

And of course we see many flowers.



Back at the Shell Beach parking lot we unload our packs, drink the wonderful lemonade Reenie prepared, and walk down the steep stairs leading to the beach.






After enjoying the beach and collecting rocks, we climb back up to the parking lot, change our boots for shoes, and drive to the Spud Point Crab Company in Bodega Bay and get crab sandwiches for Shirley, Bill, Reenie and Bob. We notify Shirley and Bill we are heading back with dinner and drive home. Another beautiful drive to end a glorious day.

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

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