Mori Point

Location

Mori Point is located in Pacifica, South of Sharp Park Municipal Golf Course and North of Rockaway Beach. Access it from one of these:

Roadside parking at the junction of Pacifica and Moose Lodge Roads. Get there by taking the Sharp Point Road Exit from Highway 1. From the exit, head West, then turn South (left), following the road as it hugs the perimeter of a golf course, then dips into a residential area. Follow the road straight, then veer right past the Moose Lodge. Trailhead and roadside parking are at the end of this block.
Parking area for Sharp Park Beach at Beach Blvd and Clarendon Rd. Get there by taking the Clarendon Exit from Highway 1, taking Clarendon Rd West. Parking is where Clarendon ends at Beach Blvd., or can be found a few hundred feet North on Beach Blvd., next to the pier.
For a longer trek, park at the end of Reina Del Mar Avenue. Access it from Highway 1, turning right and immediately into the parking lot. This lot links up to the Bike Path described below.
For the longest trek, park at Rockaway Beach in one of many parking spots. The parking area closest to the Bike Path is at the North end of the small Rockaway Beach development.

Attractions:

The Beach!
Great views from grassy bluffs.
Beautiful wildflowers in spring.
Freedom in your trek - as per Golden Gate Recreation Areas, trails are made where visitors want to go. There are no formal trails with names. The area is small and clear enough so that getting "lost" is not likely.
Beautiful flora and fauna of the wetlands between the golf course and levee.
Wildlife include squirrels; various birds including sea gulls, sandpipers, and ducks; endangered San Francisco garter snake (with red stripe); threatened red-legged frog; there are plenty of fish to be caught at the local pier.
A bike path/route runs along the perimeter of the golf course (North of Mori Point) and continues South of Mori Point to shops and restaurants, if you're looking to make a long wheeled excursion (see below).
A levee divides the shallow sandy beach and Sharp Park / Sharp Park Municipal Golf Course. With a road atop it, it serves as a safe and easy path for enjoying a view of the ocean without worrying about breaking waves.

Limitations:

Dogs are allowed on leash. No dogs allowed in the golf course (if you decide to make a short cut through the park).
Bicycles OK on main road/levee/bike path only.
No smoking
Stay away from the sides of the main road when near trees, to avoid poison oak (didn't see any on the bluffs)! Wear long pants and socks to avoid ticks when hiking on bluff at Mori Point.
No trails are marked at Mori Point, in the spirit of Golden Gate National Recreation Areas. Communicate clearly with travel partners about meeting places and times, if you split up. Walk carefully near the coast cliffs. Try to use a trail that was previously made. Bring an emergency whistle if you plan to hike alone.
Fog is common at Mori Point. Dress in layers.

Season:

Year round, approximately 8am to sunset

Fees:

None.

Maps & More Information:

An information station off of Rockaway Beach Blvd. has a small map/ flier of Mori Point and the attendant can answer questions about the area.
Pacifica Chamber of Commerce Website for Local Information: http://www.pacificachamber.com/points_of_interest.html
National Park Service Website - do a search for Mori Point for information: http://www.nps.gov/goga/

Handicapped Access:

There are no handicapped-specific accomodations. The fire road and levee may be suitable for a wheelchair, although both are bumpy; access from Sharp Park Beach, which has bathrooms and handicapped parking.

Recommended routes:

Mori Point Road and bluffs:
Begin at the trailhead at Moose Lodge and Pacifica Roads. Walk along Mori Point Road (a fire road) for about .7 miles. With the ocean in view when a trailhead appears (though unmarked), turn left and head up the bluff. Be careful near the cliffs and do not cross into private property (marked South boundary). When you've had enough, head back the way you came. Distance is more than 1.5 miles (depends on how far you explore, on the bluff).

Mori Point Road to Levee to Bike Path
Begin at any trailhead; you will complete a loop for all starting locations except the long and longest trek (see location, above) as these will include some retracing of footsteps at the very beginning and end of the trip. Sharp Park Beach and Rockaway Beach have bathrooms, benches, and picnic areas (Rockaway's are less formal). The beach along the levee or at Sharp Park Beach provide good spots to sit and enjoy the view. I began my trip from Moose Lodge and Pacifica Roads. Take Mori Point Road, mindful of the course gravel (can be quite bumpy at times) about 0.7 miles until the road ends at the levee. Follow the levee to the right for about 1 mile, stopping at Sharp Park Beach (walk down the pier!). Return down Sharp Park Beach, then follow the bicycle route / path signs around the golf course (the path is sidewalk then paved path in this low-traffic area. Continue along the bike path past the Moose Lodge / Pacifica trailhead, as it runs along Highway 1, stopping at Reina del Mar Avenue parking or continuing on to Rockaway Beach. Distance from Moose Lodge / Pacifica Trailhead and back (loop) is about 3.5 miles. Distance from farther trailheads (like Reina Del Mar or Rockaway Beach) can extend the hike up to 6 miles.