Getting to BBB for the first time can be a little tricky
Thirty-eight miles south of Mendocino (population 894) and three miles south of Point Arena (population 449), just off Pacific Coast Highway 1, is fascinating Bowling Ball Beach. The beach is so named because of a unique collection of spherical rocks (concretions), ~4 feet in diameter that are visible at low tide. Bowling Ball Beach is part of Schooner Gulch State Beach, both are listed in Google Maps, nonetheless, Bowling Ball Beach can be a little tricky to find for the first time.
Parking limitations
The way to approach the beach is heading south on Pacific Coast Highway 1, this way you can pull over & park in the 10-15 vehicle parking area on the west side of the highway. There is no parking on the other side of the highway; furthermore, this area is NOT conducive to a change in directions, so if you approach this destination heading north, you may not be able to safely change directions until Point Arena (3 miles).
Trailhead & path
Leading from this limited side-of-the-road parking area, you will find two trailheads (one leading to Schooner Gulch & the other to Bowling Ball Beach), they are not clearly marked.
The trailhead to Bowling Ball Beach is the more northern & nearest the “11.41” mile marker.
From the trailhead to Bowling Ball Beach is only about ΒΌ mile, but again, for first-timers, a little information is warranted. Refer to the annotated image from Google Maps above.
Initially, there is a short easy flat trail heading west. Then the trail makes a right turn & heads northwest, eventually down a short but steep decline, ending in steps that place you in a collection of driftwood. Carefully negotiate the driftwood to reach the sand.
Once on the sand you need to walk along the beach northward to reach Bowling Ball Beach.
Bowling Balls: hard concretions revealed by erosion
The beach is nice, with wonderful expansive sand; the geological features of the area are memorable. The bowling balls are hard sedimentary rock formed by an amalgamation of minerals, sand, & stone (concretions). Erosion by the Pacific Ocean is removing the softer mudstone & revealing the hard concretions & linear ground patterns. So cool – take care!
Summary of tips to see the Bowling Balls:
- Visit at low tide.
- Approach traveling south on Highway 1, so you can pull over to park.
- Of the two trailheads from the parking area, take the one that is more north.
- The final part of the trail to the beach is a decline – prone to erosion & closure.
To check on conditions call Schooner Gulch State Beach at (707) 937-5804.
