6b Section: Russian Gulch to Fort Ross (7 miles)
Tue, Sep 03
|Russian Gulch State Beach
The Camino de Sonoma is a HEALING path, stretching 75 miles from The Mission in Sonoma to the Mission at Metini (commonly known as Fort Ross). The entire route takes 6 stages to complete, but you’re welcomed to walk with us any stage any time.
Time & Location
Sep 03, 2024, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM PDT
Russian Gulch State Beach, 18794 Shoreline Hwy, Jenner, CA 95450
Guests
About the event
“If you would like to go fast, you go alone; if you’d like to go far, you go with others” therefore we offer a guided experience of history, story, and reflection along the Camino de Sonoma.
The route was discovered as a conduit between cultures, and this healing path has been established to engage the story of the land and the pilgrims who walk it. Because of this, we are invited to walk purposefully while we enjoy the wonder of each step furthering an encounter with the exceptional beauty of this land.
>> START “Opening Circle”: 8:00am at Russian Gulch Parking Lot
>>End at Ft. Ross State park. (12:30p eta depending on group pace).
>> Transportation & Parking Reminder: we prefer you arrange your own rides/carpools from the end point. Ft. Ross parking lot hours are usually 7am - 5pm, $10 parking fee, and is a 1hr-15min drive from Santa Rosa. Carpools should leave Ft. Ross State Park by 7:45am to the start.
> All Trails Stage #6 Link (note that we alternate this route per certain conditions and are not on Hwy 1 the entire time).
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/camino-de-sonoma-stage-6-jenner-to-fort-ross-dbb4229?u=m
WARNING: there is the possibility of significant poison oak on this route
>> Distance & Route:
Our opening circle and reflection begin in the parking lot of the Russian Gulch State Beach before scrambling through the "hobit hole" of bushes and wildlife to scale the shoreline and tackle "Billy Goat hill" which will bring us up to Vista Point Overlook. We will then tread the last 6 miles of the Camino de Sonoma to Ft. Ross. There is plenty of shoulder along Hwy 1 and cars are required to go slow due to the twists and turns. There is one big elevation gain before we reach Reef campground which means we’re only on the highway for about 5 miles. The last mile of our day will be through Reef Campground and onto Ft. Ross beach where we will then climb up to the Fort and ring the bell!
Walking surfaces are mostly highway and gravel. Reminder: arrange your own rides/carpools from the end point.
> Food: pack your own food and hydration, there are no food/water refill options.
> Restrooms: there are only two porta-potty options: Jenner Headlands and Vista Overlook. We advise packing personal wilderness potty needs in your daypack, just in case.
> Theme: “Commencement”
> You need to RSVP for each day you will join us. There is a 17 pilgrim limit per day.
Remember to bring your passports. Passports and stickers will be available for those new to the Camino de Sonoma.