Near Sea to Sky Trail
View east from Pole Mountain
Near Sea to Sky Trail
Looking south from Pole Mountain
Near Sea to Sky Trail
Looking north from Pole Mountain
Near Sea to Sky Trail
Coastline where the Russian River reaches the Pacific Ocean
Near Sea to Sky Trail
Above the clouds looking across the coastline

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Sea to Sky Trail

5.0 (1 Rating)
A spectacular hike up the highest mountain on the Sonoma Coast.
15.5
mi
Distance
3,809
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
15.53mi
Distance
3,809ft
Elevation Gain
3,809ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
2,202ft
High Point
211ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Leave the parking lot to the southeast and follow the wide trail past the picnic area. After 600 feet, the trail turns left and heads up the grassy slope. As you make your way up, you get excellent views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Reach Sentinel Point at 0.75 miles, a small lookout with stunning views. The trail then heads north and further up the hill. Reach the junction with Russian Gulch Trail at 1.3 miles and continue straight. At about 2 miles, turn right onto the mostly level dirt road. The road bends south again and splits after 700 feet. Take the left and continue slightly uphill, enjoying the last views of the coastline. At 2.6 miles, the trail passes a large gate and then heads into the forest. Loggers Lament Trail is to your left at 3 miles. Continue ahead until the road splits again at 3.3 miles. Turn left here and follow the old forest road downhill. After 4 miles, Russian Gulch Trail joins on the left. Continue to your right as the trail bends north and keeps on descending. Reach a small seasonal creek at 4.7 miles. This is the beginning of your ascent to Pole Mountain. The remaining 3.5 miles are mostly steady uphill. After 5.5 miles, you leave the forest and reach more open grassy meadows. As you continue uphill, views towards the south open up, giving you a glimpse of the coastline. Cross another gate at 7.6 miles when another dirt road joins from the right. The trail is somewhat level for a little bit as you make your way to Pole Mountain. At 8 miles, turn left onto the steep dirt road to the very top. The last stretch is demanding, but the reward is absolutely worth it. From the top of Pole Mountain, enjoy the views in all directions.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Pomo - Red Hill Loop

Hike Route

Pomo - Red Hill Loop

Views
moderate
4.3 mi
+895 ft
Armstrong Redwoods Tour

Hike Route

Armstrong Redwoods Tour

Family Friendly
easy
1.54 mi
+77 ft
Bodega Head Nature Trail

Hike Route

Bodega Head Nature Trail

Birding
easy
1.73 mi
+125 ft
Pinnacle Gulch - Shorttail Gulch Trail Loop

Hike Route

Pinnacle Gulch - Shorttail Gulch Trail Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
1.9 mi
+342 ft
Salt Point Trail

Hike Route

Salt Point Trail

Views
easy
1.76 mi
+122 ft
Tomales Point Trail

Hike Route

Tomales Point Trail

Birding
moderate
9.45 mi
+1,193 ft
Contributors
Tilman Giese