Say hello to your new happy place. It’s hard not to be in total awe whenever you visit Northern California’s ruggedly beautiful coast. However, there is one beach, in particular, that is bound to leave an impression on you. Complete with a massive, flowing waterfall, this little-known beach is like a little oasis that you’ll never want to leave. A visit to this beach and waterfall is a great reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful state and the amazing perks that come with it!
Located in northern Sonoma County, Stengel Beach is like a little slice of paradise and it's begging for a visit. The public beach is absolutely stunning, but surprisingly few people seem to actually know about it.
Hiding out near Sea Ranch, the beach is easily accessed via a short and easy hike through a grove of cypress trees and down a wooden staircase. Upon arriving at the beach itself, you'll be immediately struck by the cove's idyllic surroundings.
Not only is the beach surrounded by what seems to be an endless landscape of rocky bluffs, but there's an amazing waterfall that flows down one of the cliffs and directly into the ocean.
Flowing over the 20-foot-tall bluff, the waterfall is a spectacular sight...when it's flowing, that is. Part of the magic of visiting this beach is timing it correctly so you can actually see the waterfall at its best. Checking it out after a big rain is definitely recommended!
The best thing about visiting Stengel Beach? You'll likely have the place to yourself. Although well-loved among locals, few travelers know to stop here when passing through Sea Ranch. With only the sounds of the rushing waterfall behind you and the crashing waves in front of you, the beach is simply bliss.
Stengel Beach is the perfect example of why Northern California beaches are so special. We may not have the warm waters that SoCal is known to boast, but our region's rugged solitude is something you simply can't get anywhere else.
This beach and waterfall is bound to become your personal slice of paradise. You'll find it right off of Highway 1 on Wild Iris Road. There is a parking lot there that is free to the public. Address: 37900 Highway 1
The Sea Ranch, CA 95497.
