Point Reyes: Wildcat Camp and Alamere Falls Backpacking

Dates: November 4-5, 2024 (backdating the publish date for this post to be in order)

This was a quick one night backpacking trip to Point Reyes with some friends, a great introductory backpacking trip and relatively close to the Bay Area. I've backpacked here once before in 2022, going to the Coast campsite for a quick loop in and out. I've also done this loop to Wildcat and Alamere Falls before, but as a day hike and not an overnight trip.

I was looking for permits for a quick backpacking trip for my friends to try out their new gear, and found last minute permits for Site 6 at Wildcat Camp. I quickly realized we were quite lucky with this permit as Site 6 has it's own "private" cliff just a stone's throw away from the campsite where we could watch the ocean from.

Day 1: Palomarin Trailhead to Wildcat Camp

We got started after eating a big lunch of fried chicken and sweet pasta at Jollibee in Hayward (the first time I've ever had it!). The hike in was relatively short and easy so we had plenty of time to get to the campsite.

Sunlight passing through the trees.

We had a quick snack of Jollibee peach and mango pies halfway through the trail and then got to our campsite with about an hour before the sun set. We quickly deployed out tents and then watched the sunset over the ocean. Having the cliff viewing point right next to our site was super convenient; several other groups came over to also watching the sunset.

The campsite.

As the sun set, the red light on the clouds became increasingly intense and beautiful. Sunsets over the ocean never get old, and being able to stay out to see sunsets and sunrises are part of what make backpacking so special.

Golden light caught in the ocean spray.

The clouds catching the last bits of sunlight.

We made a quick dinner of dehydrated meals and stayed up a bit longer to watch the stars and do some astrophotography.

Long exposure over the ocean.

Day 2: Wildcat Camp to Alamere Falls, and back to Palomarin Trailhead

I woke up early to the sounds of coyotes howling in the hills to take some photos of the sunrise.

Sunrise.

We ate some sticky buns for breakfast and headed out for Alamere Falls. The tides were a little high when we walked along the beach to the waterfalls, and at times we were right up against the rock to avoid getting our feet wet. Walking on sand is always slightly annoying, but seeing the ocean spray catching the sun rising over the cliff edge made it worth it.

Alamere Falls.

From the falls, we took the shortcut that scrambles up the rocks and through the bushes to get back on the trail we came in on yesterday, and made it back to the trailhead to complete our journey.