Point Reyes National Seashore
Guide

There are about 150 miles of hiking trails at the National Seashore. The trails are interconnecting allowing hikers to customize the length and difficulty of their hike. Trail maps can be picked up at Bear Valley Visitor Center. One popular trail is the Laguna-Coast Loop which leads through coastal grasslands and over bluffs with stunning views. Another popular trail is the short Earthquake Trail which is an interpretive route exploring the San Andreas Fault Zone.

Numerous beaches make up nearly 80 miles of shoreline at Point Reyes National Seashore. Some of the beaches have parking lots close by while others can only be accessed by trail or boat. Seals are often observed out on the water or lounging on the coastline. During the winter months, whales may be seen from a distance.

Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities in the park. There are kayak rentals and tours offered in the area as well. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long tidal water body and is the most popular kayaking spot at the National Seashore. Boat-in camping is allowed on the Tomales Bay beaches with a permit. From July to February, Drakes Estero and Estero de Limantour are open to kayaks. Both areas are a great location for viewing harbor seals.

There are many trails open for equestrian use at Point Reyes National Seashore. The trails can be moderate or strenuous depending on which of the connecting loops are used. For those looking for beach access, the Bear Valley Trail to the Coast Trail is the most direct path to the ocean. This trail is not open to horses on weekends or holidays past the Mt. Wittenburg trail junction. Horses are permitted at most backcountry campgrounds, though there is a maximum limit of six horses per campsite.

There are three visitor centers at Point Reyes National Seashore, each with their own exhibits and attractions. Bear Valley Visitor Center is located in Olema, CA and is the park’s primary visitor center. Exhibits at Bear Valley include displays relating to the area’s history and the diverse ecosystems. The Lighthouse Visitor Center is 45 minutes west of Bear Valley. It’s a popular spot for whale watching from December to April. The Point Reyes Lighthouse at the visitor center draws quite a crowd most days. A shuttle is offered when the parking lot is filled to capacity. The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center at Drakes Beach has many marine-related exhibits including marine fossils and the different marine environments.

There are many wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the National Seashore. Elephant and Harbor Seals can be seen near many of the beaches as well as the Lighthouse Visitor Center. Whale watch from the bluffs along the trails from December to April. Inland, elk are commonly sighted. Those planning to birdwatch will not be disappointed. Hawks are often seen soaring through the sky and in the evening Northern Spotted Owls may make an appearance. Additionally, many different types of shorebirds can be seen year-round along the coast.