• The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot. Follow the trail into the canyon and head right on Canyon Trail, following Stockhoff Creek upstream. On your left, you will notice a missing footbridge. The bridge was damaged by storms and removed in Spring 2017. Until a replacement is found, this hike is a one-way up and back, rather than a loop.
• Stay right on the trail, following it across another footbridge and up the canyon. You’ll see a junction signed “dead-end trail.” You can extend your walk 1.2 miles roundtrip by hiking up the dead-end segment (Stockhoff Trail) to a bridge crossing. The trail beyond this bridge is not maintained and is difficult to navigate, so turn back here.
• Back on the Canyon Trail, hike up a series of switchbacks, crossing the creek by rock-hopping. You’ll soon reach a short trail spur to a meadow and the old schoolhouse. Take this quick side trip for a glimpse of North Coast history. Return the way you came on Canyon Trail.
• Continue past the parking lot stairs, cross Highway 1 to Stillwater Cove, and take some time to enjoy the ocean and beach.