The Tomales Point area is a popular destination for visitors wishing to view tule elk, birds, and wildflowers. This is a good location from which to view elk gathered at a perennial spring in the gulch below. A flat trail provides access to a self-guided tour of the ranch complex. This is an opportune section of the trail to be on for sunset (so long as fog doesn't obscure the view). From the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the Tomales Bay trail starts off on a mellow downhill through open coastal plains. The Tomales Point Trail runs along coastal bluffs, up the peninsula's spine, and through the Tule Elk Preserve en route to its climactic finish on the Seashore's wave-battered cusp. Year-round you can hike in from the parking area trailhead at Pierce Point Ranch and see a herd of elk from the trail, usually guarded … From the Bear Valley Visitor Center, drive northwest ~2 miles (~3 km) on Bear Valley Road before turning left on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Would be quite hot during summer as there's not much shade, especially towards the end. nannodes). In places, it can be challenging to recognize which path to follow among the bush lupine, but the myriad paths tend to reconnect and ultimately merge into one path along the last half mile (0.8 km) of the "trail.". Reyes National Seashore, Remodeled Dillon Beach Haven W/ Hot Tub, Game Room, Charming Farmhouse On Organic Cattle Ranch, Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. Pierce Point Ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and was subsequently opened to the public as an interpretive site. A lot of the trail is through tall grass/flowers, so wear the right clothing if you don't want too many bugs on you. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. Limantour Spit Trail. Bodega Bay is to the North, Tomales Bay is to the East, and the Pacific Ocean is to the West. State and Federal legislation in the early 1970s authorized the California Department of Fish and Game (now the Department of Fish and Wildlife), in cooperation with U.S. This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; weather forecast; fire danger information; shuttle bus system status; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. Cell phone reception is very minimal to nonexistent in the Tomales Point area. While referenced in many books and websites as a good location to find tidepools, tidepoolers have lost their lives here when sneaker waves have struck them. As a result, a section of the Tomales Point Trail is no more. They are prone to crumbling and sliding, especially in wet weather. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. From the parking lot at the Tomales Point Trailhead, walk to the left of the historic Pierce Point Ranch, which offers a glimpse into the early dairy ranching days on the Peninsula.. Continue straight, in a general northern direction, on the same trail for 7.6 km until the trail dead ends at Tomales Point. Reyes, Tomales Point, where the Tule Elk Preserve is located. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call. In 1976, Congress authorized the creation of the Point Reyes Wilderness (renamed in honor of Phillip Burton in 1985), incorporating the decommissioned cattle ranch as habitat for the reintroduction of tule elk. Stay away from cliff edges. In recognition of its importance, it was written up in 1878 and again in 1880 as an outstanding example of a dairy ranch. The views were absolutely incredible! As an example of how sea cliffs are hazardous, in January 2017, part of the bluff at the northern end of Tomales Point collapsed. Over time, as more and more visitors use a route, it starts to look more and more like an official trail, and more and more visitors use it, resulting in a feedback loop that makes the "trail" look "official." The first three miles of this trail are maintained and follows the route of an old ranch road as it travels along the crest of the ridge. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. This hike has it all! It is tempting to venture around the southern corner to explore the adjacent beach, but use caution! Turn right on Pierce Point Road and follow it to the end where you will come to Pierce Point Ranch where the trail begins, which is a total of about 11 miles from Inverness. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. •Uncork your fav... • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. The tule elk seem to be accustomed to visitors walking along the Tomales Point Trail, but tend to react negatively to visitors they encounter off-trail. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. This beach is really easy to get to. After driving another 5.6 miles (9 km), turn right at the Y signed for "Tomales Bay State Park" and "Pierce Point Ranch." Beyond this "peak", the trail descends rather steeply over the next 0.75 miles (1.2 km). Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. A short 0.4-mile (0.6-km) trail leads down to the beautiful McClures Beach. Surrounded by water on three sides for the length of the trail, it feels like walking nature’s plank—but in a good way. Please reduce the chance of disturbing the elk by staying on the official trail. Ten elk (eight females and two males) were transplanted from an existing reintroduced herd in the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge near Los Baños to a 2,600-acre fenced enclosure on Tomales Point in 1978. Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on any of the beaches or trails at Tomales Bay State Park. You may wish to fill your water bottles at the water bottle filling station/water fountain located inside of the, There are no food services west of Inverness, which is a twenty-five-minute drive from the Tomales Point Trailhead parking lot. They were the dominant grazers on these lands until their local extirpation in the 1850s. Please observe all "No Parking" signs. Looking beyond White Gulch, one has a view of Hog Island in Tomales Bay. Visitors walking off of official trails and paths trample vegetation, which may lead to the death of the trampled plants. The vast majority of the Tomales Point Trail is open as you hike across the rolling hills. The drive to the Tomales Point Trailhead is a winding road up and down hills, sometimes scenic and generally slow because of all of the tight turns. It was about an hour outside of the city and 100% worth the drive. 1 Bear Valley Road This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. A pay phone is available at the Tomales Point Trailhead parking lot. Tomales Point Trail. There are no potable sources of water at Tomales Point. The Tomales Point Trail through the Tule Elk Reserve offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay, and Tomales Bay as one potentially hikes 9.4 miles (15 km) round-trip to the northern end of the Peninsula. The trail gently meanders over rolling hills for its entirety, with no shortage of views overlooking endless ocean, precipitous coastal cliffs, and what feels like a bird’s eye view over a uni… The views are so worth it! If you are traveling with a trailer or are driving an RV towing a passenger vehicle, consider unhitching at the bus/RV/trailer-only parking lot at Bear Valley and taking only the passenger vehicle for the drive out to Tomales Point and other areas of the park. We saw so many elk and they got even closer to the trail on the way back. Parking is very limited, particularly in the afternoon. Got here at 9am and there weren't many people on the way out, but more on the way back. 415-464-5100 Thank you to the visitor that reported this collapse. Tule elk once inhabited the grasslands of the Point Reyes peninsula and the Olema Valley, as well as other grasslands within Marin County. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Established in 1858, Pierce Ranch (aka Pierce Point Ranch) was the largest of four independent ranches on the the Point Reyes peninsula in the late 1800s. Although the both ocean and Tomales Bay are visible, the views in this middle part of the hike aren’t that great since the hillop is so wide. Reyes. 4 reviews of Tomales Bay Trail "For years now I've driven by the Tomales Bay Trailhead and been consistent in remarking that "I want to hike that". The trail should still be relatively easy to follow, but if you find yourself off-trail, just keep walking towards the end of the peninsula. A Stay at Home (also known as Shelter-In-Place) Order is in place for Marin County until further notice. Historic features include the main house, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, barns, dairy houses, and many other structures. Since then, the herd has grown and numbers ~300 in 2017. There were many black cormorants hanging out and nesting, and the probably inaccessible hidden beaches were cool to behold. Beyond the Lower Pierce Point Ranch site, the trail is no longer maintained and becomes sandy. adventures and follow local regulations. I finally did, and when I'd almost fully back-tracked to my car I said "Well, done that. Tomales Point is the North-Western tip of Point Reyes Peninsula. Hike out to Tomales Point with stunning views surrounding you on all sides. Please help do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying close to home; if you do visit Point Reyes, please maintain at least six feet of physical distance. Tomales Point Trail There is a reason Tomales Point Trail is popular. It was well worth the effort! Hiking along the bluff tops can be unsafe and is not recommended. At the one-mile (1.6-km) mark is Windy Gap at the head of White Gulch. However, these "social paths" tend to exacerbate erosion and harm threatened and endangered species. Pierce Ranch excelled in the production of the finest quality of butter, as indicated by Goldberg, Bowen, and Company—a famous San Francisco fine food purveyor—which purchased the entire butter production of Pierce Point Ranch during late 1800s. We also felt very accomplished! Tomales Point Trail, Point Reyes Station: See 100 reviews, articles, and 213 photos of Tomales Point Trail, ranked No.4 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Point Reyes Station. A telephone in the lower parking lot is accessible. If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. Please respect the privacy of the residents. Tomales Point Trail, a 4.7 mile out-and-back route, is the only long distance option here, but you could also walk from the trailhead to McClures Beach, an under 1 mile round trip, or cut short a Tomales Point Trail hike wherever you choose along the way. … It is long (I was wearing older hiking boots and felt it in my feet), but so worth it! The Tomales Point Trail through the Tule Elk Reserve offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay, and Tomales Bay as one potentially hikes 9.4 miles (15 km) round-trip to the northern end of the Peninsula. National Weather Service Forecast for the Tomales Point area. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Pierce Point Road are windy and slow-going, so allow thirty-five minutes to drive the 16.6 miles (~26.5 km) from the Bear Valley/Olema/Point Reyes Station area to the Tomales Point parking lot (one hour and ten minutes round-trip), not including any time you will spend in the area. The hike to Tomales Point is one of the easier trails to follow. Follow Pierce Point Road 9 miles (14.5 km) to the parking lot at Pierce Point Ranch and the Tomales Point Trailhead. Beginning in 1980, the National Park Service invested in the rehabilitation of the ranch core, citing it as the best example of a west Marin dairy ranch from the 1800s. Panels have ADA-compliant fonts. Alternate parking at the Jepson Trailhead, on Pierce Point Road, is 1.5 miles from Heart’s Desire Beach. One can catch the sun setting "into" the ocean and still have enough twilight to walk back to one's vehicle before dark. Please park perpendicular to the road where possible. The historic Pierce Point Ranch offers a glimpse into the early dairy ranching days on the peninsula. Distance: 3.2 km / 2 mi. This area can only be safely accessed during the outgoing low tide. Individuals engaged in outdoor exercise, such as walking, hiking, running, or bicycling, are not required to wear a face covering, but should carry one with them and must wear a facial covering when interacting with others who are not members of their household in public and private spaces if they cannot practice physical distancing. Wildlife (we saw elk and a wolf), breathtaking cliffs, beautiful trees, and the impressive ocean. The end of the peninsula, Tomales Bluff, is a great place to have a picnic. Tomales Point is a moderate day hike with incredible seaside views, ending at the northern tip of Pt. Similar to the fissure that formed on top of Arch Rock, visitors discovered these hazards before park staff did. Don't confuse this worthwhile out-and-back trail with the better known and more crowded Tomales Point Trail. This hike is pretty flat for the most part and it’s a great place to see the beautiful coastline. The first mile of the trail is fairly level and broad, with views looking west over the Pacific Ocean. The Tule Elk is a subspecies of elk found only in California. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. It's an easy hike down from the parking lot. The Tomales Point Trail descends to Windy Gap. But, if you are willing to proceed, you will soon arrive at a stock pond at the site of the Lower Pierce Point Ranch. All the grass dried up over the summer. Please note: The main house currently serves as a residence for park employees. The Tomales Point Trail travels along the ridgeline towards the northernmost tip of the peninsula offering amazing views of the Pacific coastline and down into Tomales Bay. Visitors may experience stiff winds, cool temperatures, fog, and/or rain at Tomales Point; so dress appropriately. Dogs are allowed only at the Vista Point picnic area and must be on leash at all times. There is no sandy beach here, but it is an interesting shoreline that few people see. Overnight parking/camping in RVs and trailers is prohibited throughout Point Reyes National Seashore. We were both whooped! The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, nature trips, and horses and is accessible year-round. Loose soil and/or rock can give way suddenly and you may fall. If you park along the Pierce Point Road south of the parking lot, ensure that no part of your parked vehicle is on the pavement in order to allow other vehicles to safely pass. The intense surf crashing on the rocks at either end of the beach add to the drama and danger. Don't need to do that again". Allow one hour and thirty-five minutes for the drive (three hours and ten minutes round-trip) from the Santa Rosa area, northwest San Francisco, or the northern East Bay. Beginning at the historic Pierce Point Ranch, the trail follows an abandoned ranch access road along the length of Tomales Point. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service, to reintroduce the extirpated tule elk to Tomales Point. These paths also can lead to locations where visitors may be more at risk to injury, endangering themselves and any potential rescuers. Located in the far northern corner of the Seashore, the Tomales Point Trail is one of the most spectacular hikes in the park. I got home and told my son I'd hiked this nothing-burger trail. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. It does feel like the end of the world in the best way. The hike is about 4.75 miles each way and I can’t believe how quickly it went by; it … Bluffs along the California coast are inherently unstable. Although it only takes about an hour to complete the out-and-back, the vibe surrounding this area is just begging you to... Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a “tree tunnel”. ), or speak with a ranger. Tomales Point is located at the northern-most end of the Point Reyes peninsula. Many of the cliffs around Point Reyes are unstable and prone to collapse. Tomales Point (aka Pierce Point) is located at the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. The dairy products were shipped to San Francisco from a dock in Tomales Bay. 94956. Be aware that the shoulders along Pierce Point Road are often soft during the winter and spring and vehicles have become stuck in the mud when their owners attempted to park along the road. The trail climbs up onto a wide, flat ridge. If you have yet to see elk, you'll likely see some here. This iconic trail runs along dramatic coastal bluffs and through the Tule Elk Preserve en route to its climactic end atop the Seashore's wave-battered cusp. This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. The Tomales Bay Trail is a hiking route that provides access to the part of Tomales Bay where the salt water mixes with freshwater from Lagunitas Creek. Tomales Point Trail is a 9.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Marshall, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. Discover trails like Tomales Point Trail California, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. The Tomales Bay trail is on the east side of the bay. A short, moderately steep 0.4-mile (0.6 km) hike leads down to a beautiful beach in a small cove with intense surf that is surrounded by rocky cliffs. You can help park staff better protect park visitors by contacting the Bear Valley Visitor Center at 415-464-5100 x2 x5, by contacting the park's Dispatch at 415-464-5170, or by sending us an email if you find anything that looks hazardous in the park. The parking for the Tomales Point Trail is on the site of the Pierce Ranch house and dairy barn where locally famous butter was produced starting in 1858. The Tomales Point trail passes through the Tule Elk Reserve, and the 300-odd gray-brown grazers will gaze at hikers from various points along the trailsides. It is very dangerous to climb or walk along the edge of cliffs. This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; weather forecast; fire danger information; shuttle bus system status; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. I wasn't prepared to hike for a mile or two in sand, which made for a relatively slow and annoying few hours, so if this isn't for you, turn back at the cypress grove. However, it's worth mentioning that Tomales Point is stunning. Tomales point trail is on the road to McClures beach. The trail descends into the wide, shallow valley where the Lower Pierce Ranch used to be located. The point is accessible only via a 9.5 mile hike (out and back) along Tomales Point Trail. Bear Valley Trail. This open trail offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, this makes for spectacular views. After reaching Lower Pierce Point Ranch, the trail is not maintained and can be overgrown with bush lupine or other shrubs. Turn around here if you desire a 6-mile (10 km) round-trip hike. The trailhead at Tomales Point is reached by Pierce Point Road, forking north off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near the high point of Inverness Ridge, descending into pastoral land on the west side of the peninsula, and passing through five historic (though still active) cattle ranches, designated M, H, I, K and J, before ending beside the white-painted, weather-worn buildings from a sixth - Pierce Point Ranch. To get to McClures Beach, turn left just before entering the ranch parking lot and descend the hill 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to the McClures Beach parking lot. Since we visited in October, the land was pretty brown. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. Would recommend this to anyone with the note that there are seemingly long uphills and sand to deal with so.....Enjoy and take your time! The only official trails in the Tomales Point area are the Tomales Point Trail and McClures Beach Trail, shown in the map to the right (or above, if you are viewing this page on a small screen). Please explore responsibly! Throughout the hike, it is not uncommon to see many different types of wildlife, so make sure to leave no trace in their natural environment. On our hike out to the point, we were completely socked in by the fog. Do not climb cliffs. •Your newly remo... Stemple Creek Ranch is a family-owned and operated organic cattle ranch in Tomales, CA, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Please visit our Viewing Tule Elk page for elk watching tips and our Tule Elk page for more information about this species. Tomales Point Trail. Tomales Point is surrounded by water on three sides – the Pacific Ocean to the west, Tomales Bay to the east, and Bodega Bay to the north. Your call Visitor that reported this collapse remote and the shoreline of Tomales Bay trail starts on... 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