Bear Harbor
Whitethorn, CA
Bear Harbor is the southern trailhead into Sinkyone Wilderness State Park's remote stretch of coast, with hike-in campsites at Wheeler Camp and Little Jackass Creek strung out along the trail beyond it. InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness land picks up just south, a Native American managed area that adds another layer to an already wild stretch of shoreline.
A genuinely remote southern gateway into Sinkyone's backcountry, though it takes real planning and a willingness to hike to get much out of it.
How we score beachesCall ahead if InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness land is part of your plans, access there runs through a different set of rules than the state park.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance station.
The path from parking to the sand isn't documented in detail, so allow extra time on unpaved, rugged terrain.
Leashed dogs are allowed at the Bear Harbor campground and access road, but are not allowed on the trail down to the beach.
Summer and fall bring the most stable weather for hiking this stretch, while wind and rain are common the rest of the year. Water stays cold year round.
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