GOAT Coastal Hike + Sunset

Hike Kortum Trail on the Sonoma Coast and Sunset at Goat Rock

Hike Kortum Trail on the Sonoma Coast

The Sonoma Coast seems to have more beaches than San Francisco has hills; after Bodega Bay the choices go on for 13 glorious miles. For an easygoing beach-hopping hike with plenty of dramatic scenery, connect Shell Beach to Blind Beach along the beautiful blufftop Kortum Trail.

It’s 4 miles (round-trip) across boardwalks and a trail that meanders above sandy coves and sea stacks sculpted by crashing waves. Raptors like to cruise this coast too—from red-tailed hawks to great horned owls and white-tailed kites—along with brown pelicans.

After 1.3 miles you’ll see a huge heap of rocks slightly inland; it’s actually an ancient sea stack that adventurous climbers scramble up for bragging rights and banner views. For similarly ahhhmazing vistas, when the trail veers inland up and over a hill, detour up to the apex for a picnic break and some photos. Continue to Blind Beach to admire more coastline and the famous Arched Rock. 

GOAT SUNSET BONUS: Dozens of dreamy pocket beaches pop up all along the Sonoma Coast. But the most photogenic beach of them all? Goat Rock Beach, a sub-unit of Sonoma Coast State Beach in Jenner. Sunsets can be some of the West’s best.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Secrets of Sonoma County" the Weekend Sherpa team discuss their adventures on the Sonoma Coast including hiking the Kortum Trail and catching a sunset at Goat Rock Beach.

The wide, accessible, and soft sandy beach is located right where the Russian River flows into the Pacific. The shoreline is misted with salty sea, and driftwood adds drama. Spread a blanket and stay through the golden hour. As the sun sinks, brown pelicans by the hundreds flock and surf the sea-breeze sky, floating across the backdrop of the tangerine sun as the sky slowly layers into lines of pink—from fuchsia to raspberry to pastel rose. The backdrop to it all is Arched Rock, a hulking sea castle with a huge gape that’s an icon of the area. 

BONUS FOOD & WINE PATIO: Whether you want a latte, sandwich, or just some riverside lounging, Café Aquatica and Tasting by the Sea Wine Bar (10439 Highway 1, Jenner) are the places. Set right on the Russian River and overlooking Goat Rock Beach, the café is rustic originality with good coffee, burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and all kinds of other casual coastal comfort foods.

Check out these Sonoma County Trip Ideas

Tasting By the Sea Winebar patio

Tasting by the Sea, with specialty food and over 30 wines from four local winemakers (plus organic juice elixirs, cider, and beer) stays open until sundown, making it a beautiful spot to toast the sunset. For dinner (and a romantic cottage stay!) there’s nearby River’s End Restaurant & Inn. 

To hike Kortum Trail, park at Shell Beach and follow the sign for Kortum Trail. No dogs on Kortum Trail.

Goat Rock Beach is accessed off of Hwy. 1 just south of the Russian River in Jenner. Parts of Goat Rock Beach are dog-friendly (on-site signage indicates where dogs are allowed).

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View