Point Reyes National Seashore…A personal review.
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| 1 Bear Valley Rd. Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 Tel. (415) 464-5100 x2 [Visitor Information], (415) 663-8522 Fax. (415) 663-8132 www.nps.gov/pore |
 Kehoe Beach at Sunset |
| From the National Park Service: “From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches through its open grasslands to its brushy hillsides and forested ridges, visitors can discover over 1000 species of plants and animals. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, Point Reyes preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people.” |
 Wreck At Point Reyes |
| Indeed, Point Reyes National Seashore is unique in that it combines natural beauty with man’s historical impact of the region. In fact, much of the park is still used for commercial purposes, from commercial agriculture (livestock and livestock grazing) through oyster farming. Point Reyes is geologically separated from the rest of Marin County and almost all of the continental United States by a the San Andreas Fault. The the peninsula sits on a different tectonic plate than the the rest of Marin County and therefore produces a difference in soils and therefore to some extent a noticeable difference in vegetation. |
 Summer Grass at Point Reyes |
| Point Reyes National Seashore has spectacular opportunities for sunset photography, especially on the beaches north of the historic Lighthouse. My favorite is McClure’s Beach which is easily accessible from a trail in the historic Johnson Ranch. From the ranch it’s an easy .4 mile descent into a sandy beach which can reveal a surreal seascape during low tide. |
 McClure's Beach Sunset |
| The park is home to some amazing trails which day hikers will appreciate and backpackers will feel at home in several of the park’s hike-in campgrounds. I have stayed in Sky Camp which is located on the western side of Mt. Wittenberg at an elevation of 310 meters (1025 feet). In clear weather, it has a sweeping view of Point Reyes, Drakes Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. However, during my stay at the camp there was prevailing thick fog which hindered such a view. The Coast Camp is nestled within a small coastal grassy valley with easy access to the beach and tidepools. The beach is accessable within 200 meters (200 yards) of the campground. I recommend accessing the site via Limantour Beach. You can walk the length of the beach to the campground - an easy way to get there. |
 McClure's Beach Low Tide |
| I have volunteered as a Tule Elk docent during the summer of 2007. I’ve learned much about the Elk and much about the history of Point Reyes, I’ve also been honored to spend a night at the Historic Boat House. Elk rut season occurs in early fall. The park is notoriously foggy during these times - indeed, it’s one of the foggiest in the North American continent. One should experience the park during these times as well as late winter, early spring where clearer days prevail to reveal a majestic green landscape.I’ve spent many a days in Point Reyes National Seashore and without a doubt one of my favorite places in California. I have explored the park quite extensively…now it awaits your exploration. |
 Point Reyes Lighthouse |
| Here’s my gallery should you wish to see more of photography of Point Reyes and other places. | |
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