Top Things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore
The 6 Best Hiking Trails in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County
Discover the best top things to do in Point Reyes National Seashore, United States including Point Reyes Hiking Trails, Woodward Valley Trail, Tomales Point Trail, Earthquake Trail, Marconi State Historic Park, Mount Vision Road.
1. Point Reyes Hiking Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By fdb572 - Hayward, United States
Earthquake Trail is an easy, level six-tenths of a mile, half-hour loop with Interpretive signs about the San Andreas Fault Zone, which it traverses, which infamously shook San Francisco in 1906. The Trail starts from the Bear Valley Visitor Center parking lot; picnic tables (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) and restrooms with sinks and flush toilets at the parking lot. No earthquakes near this trail for over 100 years! Take water on any of the following hikes; do not drink water from streams or springs. Unless you're sure you know how to identify poison oak and stinging nettle, stay on trails and you'll be fine. All of the trails mentioned in this review are broad and easy to follow. Delight in a gentle hike on my favorite trail in the whole world, Bear Valley Trail from Bear Valley Visitor Center to either Divide Meadow, a 3.5 mile round trip on a broad trail, with restrooms and limited sunny picnic tables (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) or to the Sea ( 8.4 mile round trip, informal picnicking, not hiked this month, but have hiked it many times in the past). Bear Valley Trail mostly follows a brook, with a feast for the senses: The babble of the brook, the breeze meandering through the trees, the chatter of the birds, and the rich scents from bay laurel trees and moist earth will keep you busy gazing here and there and sniffing the fresh air. The banks of the creek are overgrown with ferns to a height of ten feet, while the thousands of ferns, shrubs and trees provide so many shades of green that they provide sharp contrast to the bluest sky anywhere (or to the grayest sky on cloudy days). Most of the trail is cooled by shade and partly sheltered from the wind. Take water or beverages. Bikes are allowed past Divide Meadow, as far as the intersection with Glen Loop Trail. Another favorite of mine is Sky Trail from the summit of Limantour Road at Sky Trailhead to Sky Camp and back, about 4 easy miles.One climbs a couple hundred feet on this old ranch road, which opens up vistas of Drake's Estero and beaches on both sides of the Point Reyes peninsula all the way out to the distant point. Wander around Sky Camp about 1,000 feet above the sea, where it seems like this lofty perch lets one see all the way to Asia on clear days, but that may be just hyperbole! Bikes are allowed as far as Sky Camp. You can hike along Limantour Beach in either direction for a mile or more from the parking lot, with modest beachcombing along this sandy beach with gentle surf. Similar hiking along Drake's Beach, with a longer drive to get there but the reward is fewer people on the beach, and some shelter from the wind provided by the nearby cliffs. In contrast, the beaches on the exposed northwestern shore of the peninsula are totally different, with chaotic surf and strong undertow which makes entering the water quite dangerous. These beaches are much windier than Limantour Beach or Drake's Beach on the sheltered side of the peninsula, yet still provide miles of hiking with fewer people and a wilder experience and better beachcombing. Easy access from parking lots near North Beach and South Beach; in contrast, one must hike from 0.4 to 1.8 miles from the parking lots to the beaches at McClures, Kehoe, and Abbott's Lagoon, all on the exposed shore facing northwestward. These are just my favorites. For official info on the 150 miles of hiking trails, the herd of elk always visible from Pierce Point Road, and the reservable hike-in campgrounds, go to Point Reyes National Seashore’s official site online, or to the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
2. Woodward Valley Trail
3. Tomales Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By tinaNtravel - San Jose, United States
This is a fairly easy trail to hike. It starts at an old Ranch area, which is rather interesting, in itself, to walk around and look inside the buildings. You then walk on the trail with stunning views of the ocean and cliffs almost the entire hike. No worries, there is plenty of land between the trail and the cliff edge. There are herds of elk on both sides of the trail and they are apparently quite used to people – as they didn’t seem the least bit worried, in particular the males with the full antlers. One mail elk was standing on the trail and we had to make a wide circle around it, as it didn’t seem the least bit interested in moving. We also had the luck of seeing a coyote not too far from the trail, which was a nice treat too. Near the end of the trail, it becomes a little more challenging, as the path is mostly soft sand and you need to hike that uphill. But it’s worth the hike to see the views from the top of the hill and all the seabirds on the rocks below. Be sure to bring a mask, as it was crowded the day we were there. Also, bring a jacket, as it could get quite cold against the ocean. Also note that there are no restrooms along the trail. If you arrive and need to go to the restroom, you can walk or drive down to the lower parking lot, downhill to the left of the old Ranch house area.
4. Earthquake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By AdvtrTrvlr - Camarillo, United States
The Earthquake Trail is at the Bear Valley Visitor Center where there is the largest parking lot in the park. The trail to see the San Andreas earthquake fault is an easy paved trail that is a loop and easily accessible for everybody. The visitor center was closed because of Covid but the bathrooms were open. There are blue posts that mark where the exact San Andreas Fault is located and a fence which was moved 16 feet during the 1906 earthquake. It is quite spectacular to actually stand on the exact San Andreas Fault and to see the movement of where the fence split during the 1906 quake. All along the trail there are many placard signs many of which are written specifically for kids. This is a great place to teach your kids about earthquakes and geology.
5. Marconi State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Marconi Historic State Park is located on majestic Tomales Bay. Our 40 hotel rooms have been recently refreshed with local linens and art. We formerly were only a conference center, but now we welcome weddings, receptions, reunions and overnight guests. F Redwood Dining Room serves breakfast to our overnight guests using local cheese, meats and veggies. Our handmade 10' communal tables encourage conversation with other guests. Or, sit on the deck overlooking the 62 acre Historic Park. Hiking trails loop around the property with views of the pristine Bay. Kayaking, wine and oyster tasting, beaches, bike trails all are nearby.
Reviewed By Qiomonsterfamily2 - Dublin, United States
Our colleagues from Europe visit each spring for a collaboration session with those in the US. This time we decided to have more team building and less work content. We wanted a place where we had to focus on each other more and have our nose buried in computers less. The place is a bit rustic, but well maintained. No tv or other distractions. They have a large activity field with a volleyball court, basketball court and horseshoes, all overlooking Tomales Bay. The food was farmed local and tasted fantastic. The entire staff was amazing, helpful and friendly. We had wind storm one day which caused a power outage. The staff didn't miss a beat getting us needed lanterns. The rest of the meeting went on as planned. I highly recommend this place for team building, or simply visiting on your own. I will definitely return.
