People used to learn about it here through word of mouth," says Roberta Chan, "And then they end up coming back every year for 25 years." Chan is a Ranger Assistant at Gualala Point Regional Park in Gualala, California. It is a gem of an oceanfront park with, as it says on the website, "an expansive beach and estuary, where the river meets the sea, and a small, forested campground along the river." It rarely has crowds and that is where it shines.
"When you get closer to San Francisco, everything from state to county is packed," Chan says. "Since we are kind of out of the way, we don't get those crowds." Chan adds that they do not get cell phone service at the park; however there is Wi-Fi at the park’s Visitor Center across the highway. "It is another thing people like out here - it really is a place to get away from it all and just enjoy the beach."
With the advent of the internet, though, people have a much easier time finding out about the place. "It used to be where our campsites would only fill up during the weekends in the busy season, but now, through a targeted search, a lot times we will be full during the week, too. So it is good to make a reservation," Chan adds. There are no hookups in any of the six campgrounds, so it is best for RVs 29' and under. Many of the spots are shaded by the Redwood and California Bay trees in the area. All campgrounds except Hood Mountain have dump stations, showers, flush toilets and potable water.
Sun-setting on the Gualala River in the Gualala Point Regional Park. [Photo by Paul Brewer Photography]
Many people come for the nice hikes, birding, whale watching, and to enjoy the river and ocean. "There used to be good steelhead fishing here, but with the state of the environment, it is more a contemplative sport now," Chan tells The Buzz. The hiking trails follow bluffs with views of the ocean. One user says, “Absolutely amazing experience, great hikes and views. When I went it was just me and my 5 year old daughter, nobody was on the beach. Had a picnic and did some exploring, great for families or couples looking to get away.”
In the meadows, there are intricately carved wood posts called Serge posts. These were created by wood carvers from the Sakha Republic in Northeastern Russia. According to the website, “Sakha craftsmen created the serges from a 40-foot Douglas fir tree over two weeks. The serges were dedicated on the summer solstice with traditional Sakha blessings, dancing, and shamanic rituals. In Sakha tradition, serges are hitching posts placed near homes, and their designs symbolize the human desire for survival.” Russians settled in the area in the 19th Century and the dedication ceremony in 2014 celebrated their contributions to the area.
A great amenity in the area is boating. Wayne Harris runs Adventure Rents just outside the park and has been doing so for 25 years. "In the summertime, the river becomes like a couple miles long pond into the redwoods," he says. "It is great for beginners and there is plenty of wildlife to see. This past two weeks, I saw otters both times I went out."
Harris started his business with a couple of blowup Sevylor kayaks and now has canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks. "I love the river and love-living in the small town," Harris says, "It is the type of place where you can ride your bike to the grocery store and leave it on the side, walk in, and it'll be just how you left it."
Gualala on the other side of the river from the park is an interesting place. "People don't realize that dolphins and whales are always passing by here," Harris says. "There are restaurants where you can sit out and watch the passing whales until you get bored."
"Gualala has just about everything you need," Chan adds, "restaurants, grocery, hardware store, you name it. And there are plenty of hidden gems. There is a Thai restaurant whose chef is brought to the Washington D.C. to cook when the Thai diplomats come to the country."
Just south of the park, with trails that lead into the park, is The Sea Ranch development. The Sea Ranch is a planned community that features homes that attempt to blend in with the natural environment. Of note is the Sea Ranch Chapel, a non-denominational sanctuary for prayer and meditation. The architecture of the chapel is extremely interesting as it almost looks like seashell, blending into the natural environment.
The history and beautiful nature, as well as the unique destinations in the area, make this park a must see hidden gem on the California coast! If you are looking for a campground with full hookups, check out Gualala River Redwoods Campground across the river.
California, Camping, Destinations, Nature, Outdoors, Parks & Recreation