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Virtual Guidebook to the Northern California Coast and Coast Ranges
Whale Gulch
Sinkyone Wilderness State Park California
There was once a trail over Chemise Mountain connecting the north Lost Coast Trail at Shelter Cove to Sinkyone and the southern part of the trail. Apparently a combination of rugged terrain and hostile local residents caused the BLM and state park officials to give up on it, so now the trail dead-ends at Whale Gulch.
Whale Gulch is a narrow slot in the south flanks of the King Range, dropping into an impassable gorge in its last quarter mile. South of there the trail passes a series of huge slump blocks and sag ponds, followed by a black sand beach. Wild remote country for sure.
 | On the trail in lush green Whale Gulch (February 16, 2008) | |
 | Whale Gulch opens to the ocean at the north end of Sinkyone (February 16, 2008) | |
 | The lower part of Whale Gulch is hidden in a deep narrow gorge (February 16, 2008) | |
 | Above the beach at the mouth of Whale Gulch (February 16, 2008) | |
 | A line of sag ponds south of Whale Gulch (November 30, -0001) | |
 | Several small ponds lie behind at slump block near Whale Gulch (February 16, 2008) | |
 | Jones Beach, between Whale Gulch and Needle Rock (February 16, 2008) | |
 | Low Gap Creek runs across Jones Beach (February 16, 2008) | |
 | Jones Beach on a cold foggy winter day (February 16, 2008) | |