Sonoma Coast's Kortum Trail

One man's vision lives on along this epic coastal trail

The ocean bluff-top Kortum Trail is a fitting tribute to environmental hero William Kortum. Kortum, who passed away in 2014, co-founded Coastwalk California, an organization that advocates for the Coastal Trail and public access to the California coastline. His namesake trail is one segment on the trail network. He also helped defeat PG&E’s efforts to build a nuclear power plant on Bodega Head, preserved public access to Sea Ranch beaches and helped pass Proposition 20, which established the public’s right to access beaches via the California Coastal Act.

kortum-trail-hiking-guide-sonoma-coast-northern-california-local-destination-guide-travel-agent-apparel

"A fitting tribute to environmental hero William Kortum"

Make your way across coastal bluffs, boardwalk paths, and patches of wildflowers as you skirt the ocean bluffs. The flat, meandering trail connects Blind Beach near Goat Rock to Wright’s Beach 4.6 miles to the south and offers many opportunities for side trips and exploration to a part of the world Kortum thought should be available to all. And it is. 

kortum-trail-hiking-guide-sonoma-coast-northern-california-local-destination-guide-travel-agent-apparel

"A part of the world Kortum thought should be available to all. And it is."

Shell Beach makes for a great stop. There are shells, yes, but it’s the rocky reef and the marine life it exposes at low tide that make a great place to wile away a few hours. For something more rigorous, use the beach as a jumping off point to explore Pomo Canyon to the east, a trail that starts just east of Highway 1 and takes you through coastal prairie, redwoods and a dense riparian landscape. And the views of the Russian River and Jenner are as good as it gets. 

kortum-trail-sunset-boulders-climbing-hiking-guide-sonoma-coast-northern-california-local-destination-guide-travel-agent-apparel

Also not to be missed are the adjacent Sunset Boulders, a craggy pile of granite seemingly plopped down in the middle of a field. The spot is a favorite for rock climbers. Naturalists say it was popular with wooly mammoths back in the day who wore spots of the rock smooth as they scratched their Pleistocene itches. 

Share this story

HIKING

COASTAL

WILDFLOWERS

CLIMBING

tab-bg ALL DESTINATIONS
tab-bg FOOD & DRINK
tab-bg OUTDOORS
tab-bg CITIES
EXPERIENCE LOCAL

All Destinations

The Travel Agent Destination Guide is the locals guide to places worth knowing in Northern California and beyond. By focusing on local destinations with character, charm, and a bit of history we’re here to share the must-sees, must-do’s, must tastes, and must much-mores.

READ MORE

EAT LOCAL

Best Drinking & Dining

The foodies guide to the most delectable local places to eat, drink, and be merry. Along with the background story of the destination and why we love it, you’ll find inside tips on their signature dishes, coveted drinks, and other "must tries".

READ MORE

EXPLORE LOCAL

Trails, Beaches, & More

There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors to revive your spirit. Whether it’s the uninterrupted line of sight to the horizon across the ocean, or the barely visible tops of the giant Redwoods.  The outdoors are massive and breathtaking each in their own unique way. And, have the power to put all of life’s daily gripes into perspective. Sweat the trek, not the small stuff.

READ MORE

TRAVEL LOCAL

Towns & Cities

Every place has a story to tell, and your experience is always richer for knowing it. Get to know the lay of the land through our whirlwind tours. Whether it’s a village, town, or city, one thing is for sure, and it’s that no two are alike. They all have their own unique history, architecture, and culture waiting to be discovered.

READ MORE

If You Go...
Be PreparedPrior to leaving home, check the status of the park and weather conditions.  
Play It SafeFind out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors.
Leave No TracePack it in, pack it out. Stay on trails. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.

SHOP THE LOOK

Adventure Inspired Apparel

READ MORE

Local Stories

Towns & Cities
Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay

A tight-knit community of fisherman and crabbers who keep Bodega Bay an active harbor