The Russian River flows into the Pacific Ocean. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

A coastal hike without a toe dipping in the sand or water. A coastal hike that feels more like a jaunt through a redwood forest. A coastal hike that involves more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Welcome to part of the trail network at Sonoma Coast State Park.

On the last Saturday of August we were treated to a day of sunshine, no fog, and a welcome gentle breeze when we needed it most in the exposed area of the hike.

Driving in it was a bit suspect in that we were headed away from the ocean and into what seemed like a rather desolate area. Good thing Sue had been there before because it would be easy to think you were on the wrong road or a road you didn’t want to pursue.

Then suddenly there is a fairly expansive parking area marking the end of the road and one’s arrival.

We headed up the Red Hill trail. Just a few steps in were various camp sites. Stunning. You have to walk to them; no driving right to the site. So secluded. If I still did the tent thing, this would be where I would want to pound in stakes.

Note the name of the trail has the word “hill” in it. This part of the hike is a bit of a climb, but not horrible. The scenery of lush ferns and towering redwoods takes away any angst about the climb. All of this greenery also makes you want to pause to appreciate your surroundings.

We stopped at the top of Red Hill at the picnic table that provides a scenic spot for a snack. The 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean is breathtaking. Just north of there is the mouth of the Russian River where it meets the Pacific Ocean.

Here the landscape has completely changed from what we started off in. Grasses are tall and golden. It’s possible to see east to Mount St. Helena.

Down we go where we walk along part of the Shell Beach trail. Instead of going to the beach we made a right onto Pomo Canyon trail. This would take us back into the redwoods and to our starting point.

With the changing terrain, the senses seemed to be on high alert. Every inch of the route was visually appealing. The sounds and smells changed with the landscape. It was a perfect way to labor on Labor Day weekend.

In our 5.27 mile trek we had an elevation gain of 1,112 feet. The minimum elevation was 132 feet and maximum was 1,017 feet.

Walking through a tunnel of greenery in Sonoma Coast State Park. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

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Deets:

• Directions: Going north on Highway 1 from Bodega Bay, make a right onto Willow Creek Road. Jilly’s Roadhouse is on the corner. Follow the road to where there is parking.
• $8 to park.
• No dogs because this is a state park.