The Wilder Ranch Obstacle course is low tide dependent out and back run/scramble/swim below the cliffs that will give you an up-close appreciation of this amazing section of coastline.
This route is notable for a couple reasons; it is a fantastic way to experience the beautiful ocean, rugged cliffs, and sea caves surrounding Wilder Ranch State Park; and is unique to many other FKT routes in its low-tide dependence and obstacle-course-like nature. The running is interspersed with really fun scrambling, wading, route finding, and even some optional short swims. As you navigate the coves, waves, and rocky outcroppings, you will find exciting new challenges around every corner in order to progress. Along the way, you will get to see about 8 sea caves 30+ feet deep, and one over 100 feet deep at the turnaround point!
Route description:
The route is an out and back from 4-Mile beach to Sand Plant Beach, so that you have enough time to complete the route during low tide and get to experience the unique stretch of fun continuous scrambling that lies between these two beaches.
Start at 4-Mile Beach where the trail down meets the sand, right next to Baldwin Creek, and from here run South along the coastline towards Sand Plant Beach. You must stay on the beach for the entirety of the run (no using the bluff trail!) except for two instances: 3-Mile beach, and Strawberry Beach. At both of these locations the cliff rocks protrude far out into the ocean, and are difficult to climb or swim around. At these two locations only, you may run up to the trail and use it to go around the obstacle, but you must scramble back down immediately after going around. Study the GPS track if you want to see exactly where to go back down—there’s really only one spot where it’s possible. The route increases in difficulty as you progress out; with very little scrambling from 4-Mile to 3-Mile Beach, lots of easy scrambling from 3-Mile Beach to Strawberry Beach, and the cruxes of the route between Strawberry Beach and Sand Plant Beach. There are a couple very short up/down climbs I would rate as class 4 to low class 5. This is also the section of the route that you will inevitably get wet on to continue. Actual swimming is optional since there are always climbing/wading options that can work, but you should expect at least waist-deep wading. Once you get to Sand Plant Beach you’re not quite done—the turnaround point is at the end of a 100+ feet deep sea cave just north of the beach. Go around a corner and you will find the entrance (surprisingly small and usually having knee deep water inside for the first 30-50 feet—picture of the entrance included below). You must tag the end of the sea cave as the turnaround point (flashlight is advised)! Last time I was there, a volleyball was jammed at the end of the cave! Once you have tagged the end of the sea cave, head back the way you came. There are different challenges on the way out and on the way back, so it is fun to do as an out-back route. Once you make it back to your starting point at the 4-mile beach trail you are done!
This is out & back only - no one-way option!
Notes: This route was first completed continuously on a day with a -1.1 ft tide and 4-5 feet of swell, but several of my scouting missions were on days with -.3 to -.5 tides and 5-6 feet of swell, and it still goes. The higher the tide and swell, the wetter you will get. Keep an eye on the tide as you progress and beware of slippery rocks!
