Shafter Grade Trail
Trail length: 1.7 mile connector trail
Terrain: second growth redwood, bay, oak, fir forest
Restroom? Yes
Biking? Yes
Parking: Yes, one-hour parking
Dates visited: 12/30/20
The Shafter Grade Trail is a 1.7 mile connector trail between the Bolinas Ridge Trail and the Leo T Cronin Fish Viewing Area in Lagunitas. The trail is a steep ascent through a shaded forest of second-growth redwoods, bay, oak and firs. Parking is limited to one hour so if you intend to hike/bike longer than an hour, get a friend to drop you off.
In winter November-January, Coho salmon are spawning in area creeks and The Leo T Cronin Fish Viewing Area is a popular destination for spotting them! Read my blog post on Coho salmon from January 2020 to see what to look for and why it’s easier to spot female salmon.
Shuttle hike: Shafter to Bolinas Ridge Trailhead
Get a friend to drop you off at the Leo T Cronin Fish Viewing Area in Lagunitas and to pick you up at the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead in Olema. Bikes are allowed so that’s another option. If you start your hike at the Lagunitas end, you’ll have a steep ascent for 1.7 miles and then a mostly downhill hike with beautiful views to Tomales Bay for the last 5.2 miles to the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead in Olema.
Starting at the Leo T Cronin Fish Viewing Area
Walk from the parking lot along the creek about 10 minutes to the Shafter Grade Trail on the right.
Hike 1.7 miles on the Shafter Grade Trail through the forest on a steep ascent to the Bolinas Ridge Trail.
Turn right on the Bolinas Ridge Trail toward the Jewell Trail and Olema.
Hike 5.2 miles to the Bolinas Ridge Trailhead. It’s mostly downhill with spectacular views of Tomales Bay. The trail has very few shade trees so bring a hat.
Total: 6.9 miles (about 2.5-3.5 hours depending on how fast you walk.)
Volunteer Opportunity: Habitat Restoration
Join the Habitat Restoration Program (HRP) at Point Reyes National Seashore to help protect and restore endangered plant and wildlife habitat at Abbotts Lagoon, the Lighthouse Bluffs, the Estero area, and other high-value habitat areas at Point Reyes National Seashore. Visit some of the most beautiful areas in the park and learn about local plant ecology while you work alongside park staff to carry out ecological restoration projects. Get involved, meet new people, and make a positive impact on your environment!
Please check the park's website for current volunteer opportunities. As of January 2021, all volunteer programs have been suspended until further notice, following guidance from the County of Marin Public Health Department.