Stornetta Public Lands

Stornetta Public Lands is an open area next to the ocean north of the town of Point Arena. These lands are managed through a partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and other state and public agencies. This area was added to California Coastal National Monument in 2014. Currently visitors can hike the trails to the bluff for whale watching, wildlife viewing, birding, picnicking, and photography. Bikes and cars are not allowed off the main paved roads here according to the interim management rules. In the future, a final management plan will be published and public uses might change.

The Point Arena Lighthouse property is completely surrounded by the Stornetta Public Lands. There is a steep beach access at Sea Lion Cove south of the lighthouse. Rock arches can be seen in the Sea Lion Rocks from trail above this cove. The BLM warns of unstable cliffs and large sinkholes near the cliffs so be careful when exploring near the cliff edges.

Access to Stornetta Public Lands is from pull-out parking areas along Lighthouse Road that end at the entrance to Point Arena Lighthouse. Trails lead from these parking areas to the bluff and many excellent vantage points to view rocks, sea stacks, islands, rock arches, tide pools, stunning cliffs, and the lighthouse. In a few places there are steep routes down to the rocky beaches.

North of the lighthouse the Stornetta property includes the beach at the mouth of Garcia River which is only accessible from Manchester State Beach.

Address

Lighthouse Rd
Point Arena, CA 95468

Park Name

Stornetta Public Lands, California Coastal National Monument, Point Arena State Marine Reserve, Sea Lion Cove State Marine Conservation Area

Owner

BLM

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Walking, Whale Watching, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Photography, Picnicking

Amenities

Tide Pools, Island, Rock Arch, Trails, Toilet

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart