Natural Attractions—exploring the ancient cliffs of Salt Point State Park 

Riley Scaff, Stewardship Project Manager, recommends paying a visit to the ancient cliffs of Salt Point State Park 

The rocky coastal cliffs north of Jenner take a while to get to, but the trip is worth it. If I’m feeling like a full day in nature, I like to get up on the early side and make the journey to Salt Point State Park.  

Starting at the main parking area, the Salt Point Trail is a mellow 1-mile walk, giving you the chance to admire the geologically unique cliffs. 

While most of the Sonoma Coast’s rocks were formed from during the collision of two tectonic plates over 100 million years ago—the Pacific and the North American plates—Salt Point’s cliffs are much younger sandstones. They formed 40-60 million years ago in shallow seas where Southern California sits today and were carried hundreds of miles north by the side-to-side movement of the San Andreas fault.  

During that time, the Pacific has carved gorgeous textures into the rock faces. In shallow bowls in the stone, the pooling and evaporation of seawater leaves salt deposits that give the place its name. If you go at low tide, check out the tidepools, too! 

The trail eventually leads to Stump Beach for a picnic in the shelter of a protected cove. On the beach, I find it calming to close my eyes and listen to the rhythm of the crashing waves. Or, to cool off from the August heat, jump in the water!