Sonoma Coast and Kortum Trail

A magnificent stretch of rugged coastline is protected by Sonoma Coast State Beach. The northern portion of the coast features a spectacular hike along the Kortum Trail. Highway 1 is never far away and there are numerous access points and parking lots along the trail, but the hike is situated right above the bluffs providing close views of this wild stretch of coastline that is otherwise not visible. The rugged rock formations and spectacular sandy beaches are breathtaking and make this one of my favorite stretches of California coastline. In all, you can piece together about 3.5 miles of easy trail (7 miles as an out-and-back). In particular, Furlong Beach, featured heavily below, is one of the most striking beaches I have seen. I will surely be back here to explore other portions of the Sonoma coastline. Here are some photos from two trips, one during the day and one for evening light, with the complete photo albums here and here.