MORSE'S GULCH WATERFALL - MONDAY MEMORIAL DAY HIKE

Leader: Peter McCluskey

Leader Email: peter.c.mccluskey@gmail.com

Leader Phone: 408 315-8120

Meeting Date and Day: Monday, May 31, 2021

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN VACCINATED AND ARE COMFORTABLE SHARING A RIDE, WE CAN MEET AT THE BELOW LOCATION:

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

Departure Time: 9:15 AM

Rating:  Level 4

Mileage: 10 miles

Elevation Gain: 2000'

Description:  For dry season waterfall hikes, Morse's Gulch ranks as the third most scenic, after Alamere Falls and Berry Creek Falls. It's not well known, because there's no official trail there, and it's somewhat hard to predict whether the erratically maintained unofficial path will be passable. I was last there in December, and it was fine, aside from one short traverse where I felt a need to hold on to a rope. This will be an out and back hike, so you will be able to stop and wait if it's too hard for you.
We'll start at Ballou Point, take the Coastal trail northwest for 2 or 3 miles, then descend through deep forest on a little-known bike path, to route 1. After walking 100 feet on the paved road, we'll follow the creek up to the waterfall. We'll have good views of the ocean and Bolinas Lagoon (or maybe the top of a fogbank) from the Coastal trail, and a variety of trees, including an incense-cedar. Be prepared for moderate amounts of poison oak and nettles.

Masks and distancing are still recommended.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED A RIDE AND/OR CAN TAKE A PASSENGER, AND WHAT YOUR COMFORT LEVEL IS REGARDING PASSENGERS.

Bring/Wear:  water, lunch, hat, sunscreen, sturdy hiking boots

Rain Policy: Canceled in the event of heavy rain.

Alternate Meeting Place: the paved parking area near Ballou Point on West Ridgecrest Blvd, about 0.7 miles west of Rock Springs.
Google Maps Link

Alternate Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Alternate Meeting Departure Time:  10:15 AM

Driving Distance: 44.5 miles total there and back

Car Pool Fees (from SF) Including Bridge Toll and Entrance Fee: $8