Location Profile: Point Reyes National Seashore

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

California has over 30 national parks, monuments, preserves, historic sites and recreational areas - but only 1 national seashore: Point Reyes. 

Cypress Tree Tunnel Cypress Tree Tunnel

Point Reyes National Seashore is a special place with a wide variety of scenic wonders. In one day, you could be hiking among the Tule Elk, visiting a historic lighthouse, and watching the sunset from one of the many beaches. 

Hover over any photo for more detailed information. 

What is Point Reyes Natural Seashore?

Point Reyes has over 1,500 species of plants and animals and 28 trails across headlands, beaches, and grasslands. It covers 70,000-acres and 80 miles of undeveloped coastline, providing essential habitat for 27 threatened and endangered species and a variety of rare or recovering species including the tule elk, California red-legged frog, Sonoma spineflower, northern elephant seal, coho salmon, and western snowy plover.

Elephant seals, Chimney Rock Elephant Seals, Chimney Rock

• There is no entrance fee charged at Point Reyes National Seashore. However, sites in the area, such as Muir Woods do charge a fee. 
• The park is open daily from 6 am to midnight throughout the year.
• There are three visitor centers within this area. It is highly recommended to check the NPS website before visiting to verify hours and status. 
• There is very limited cell phone reception in the park. There are pay phones at each of the three visitor centers. 
• There are 150 miles of hiking trails in the park but all major points can be accessed by car as well. Park Map.

When is a good time to visit?

Any time of year is excellent but summer will bring cool, foggy, and windy mornings. It is known for being the foggiest place on the west coast.

Douglas Iris, Abbotts Lagoon Trail  Douglas Iris

Tomales Point Trail  Tomales Point Trail

Point Reyes Lighthouse  Point Reyes Lighthouse

Point Reyes shipwreck, Inverness  Point Reyes Shipwreck

Autumn and Winter produce beautiful sunsets but also brings winter storms and rain. Spring is excellent with generally clear skies and an abundance of wildflowers. Plan to dress in layers any time of year and and changing conditions and temperatures is common. 

Where is this park?

Point Reyes is located along the west coast of California, in Marin County, approximately thirty miles north of San Francisco off of Highway 1. 

Black Tail Deer, Tomales Point  Black Tail Deer, Tomales Point Trail

The region is bounded by Tomales Bay on the northeast and Bolinas Lagoon on the southeast. Four towns comprise the communities of Point Reyes: Bolinas, Olema, Inverness, and Point Reyes Station. 
 

Why should I visit?

Sheer variety. Hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, beaches, tide pooling, historic features, and and of course photography. Birds and wildlife can be viewed fairly easily but I recommend a telephoto lens for wildlife photography.

Tule Elk, Tomales Point Trail  Tule Elk, Tomales Point Trail

Abotts Lagoon is a great spot for birds and Tomales Point can just about guarantee you outstanding views of Tule Elk. This area can get crowded on weekends so plan ahead and have backup options ready if the site you plan to visit is full. I would recommend planning to spend at least one full day here to see some of the best Point Reyes has to offer.

Point Reyes Sunset  Sunset, Point Reyes

I hope you enjoyed this post. To see more of my Point Reyes images, check out the gallery here.