Point Reyes National Seashore is well known for its spectacular coastline and magnificent array of beaches, grassy meadows, evergreen forests, chaparral ridges, and California-laurel valleys. With over 1000 species of plants and animals, the park is a 70,000-acre naturalist's paradise that stretches along the Pacific Ocean on the California golden coast.
But it's not only naturalists who delight in visiting Point Reyes. Outdoor enthusiasts of all types and levels can find something of interest to do here. Whether it's biking or camping or seeing the sites, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained and enthralled.
Hiking the Point Reyes Trails
Point Reyes National Seashore boasts 240 kilometers (150 miles) of hiking trails that wind through the park and along the coast. The trails vary substantially, which allows visitors to plan their hikes around their own time or physical limitations. Visitors can pick up trail maps at the Bear Valley Visitor Center or download them from the park's web site.
When hiking in Point Reyes, would-be hikers should adhere to the park's guidelines, such as staying on the trails and carrying plenty of food and water. For a list of these guidelines and more details about each of them (and about hiking in the park in general), visitors should go to the park's web site or stop in the visitor center.
Cycling the Point Reyes Bike Paths
Many of the hiking trails in Point Reyes National Seashore also permit bicycles. The trail maps show which trails can be used for biking, including trails that wind through forests and coastal scrub and along estuaries and bluffs that overlook many of the beaches at Point Reyes. Visitors should note, however, that biking is permitted only outside of designated wilderness area. Again, bikers should refer to the appropriate trail maps.
When bikers come across hikers or horseback riders out on the trails, bikers must cede right-of-way to either group. In addition, the maximum speed limit for bicyclists is 15 mph, and the maximum number of bicyclists in any one group is 10. Riders should also be aware that many of the trails are covered with loose dirt and gravel, which can make slide outs easy and hide potholes.
Again, riders should refer to the park's web site or stop at the visitor center for more information about biking safety.
Camping in Point Reyes
Point Reyes permits year-round backcountry camping within the park. Campsites are accessible only by hiking, biking, or horseback riding into the sites. In addition, visitors must obtain a permit from the Bear Valley Visitor Center if they want to camp. Also, they must make reservations in advance to camp there. (Reservations can be made up to three months in advance.) For specific details about camping at Point Reyes, go to the park's web site.
Riding Horses in Point Reyes
Horseback riding in Point Reyes National Seashore is available through Five Brooks Stable, which is located about three miles south of Olema on Highway 1. Five Brooks is a full-service riding stable and is a National Park concession. The stable provides both guided trail rides and private rides, along with other services.
Most trails in Point Reyes are open to horseback riding; however, riders should check with Five Brooks or the park for specific details before riding in the park.
Kayaking on Tomales Bay
The most popular place to go kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay, a 24-kilometer (15-mile) long tidal body of water. The bay, which is bordered by the park on its western edge, is adjacent to several communities, including Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Tomales, Marshall, and Dillon Beach.
Kayakers can also venture on the waters of Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero (both within the park) from July 1 through February 28. However, kayaking is prohibited the rest of the year to prevent harbor seals from being disturbed during the most crucial part of pupping season. Also, kayaking is prohibited year-round at Pelican Point, Duck Island, and the east side of Hog Island.
Seeing the Sites at Point Reyes
In addition to the various activities available at Point Reyes National Seashore, visitors can also take in other points of interest. For example, the park has numerous beaches that stretch along the coast, including Abbotts Lagoon Beach, Drakes Beach, Heart's Desire Beach, and Kehoe Beach.
The park also includes several visitor centers that provide information about the park's roads and trails, as well as information about the human and natural history of the region. The Bear Valley Visitor Center, for instance, includes an exhibit about the park's diverse ecosystem. And another visitor center provides information about and access to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, which was built in the 1800s.
Then, of course, there is the abundance of flora and fauna that make the park one of the most diverse ecosystems in the U.S. Indeed, Point Reyes National Seashore is a jewel on the California coast, with its breathtaking beauty, varied and interesting environment, and of course, variety of outdoor fun. Whether visiting for a day or for a week, Point Reyes is well worth the trip.
R.H. Sheldon - A number of years ago, long before I moved to the Northwest, I hitchhiked with a friend across Washington state to northern Idaho. We got ...
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