Visit Point Reyes
WILDFLOWERS
October 14, 2024
Pierce Point Trail - Photo by Charlene Call
Enjoy this gorgeous photo submitted to our photo contest by Charlene Call. Makes one wish they were there right now hiking among the wildflowers and feeling the fresh foggy breeze.
Tomales Point (aka Pierce Point) is located at the northern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. The Tomales Point area is a popular destination for visitors wishing to view tule elk, birds, and wildflowers. The historic Pierce Ranch offers a glimpse into the early dairy ranching days on the peninsula. The 9.7-mile (15-km) round-trip Tomales Point Trail leads along the ridge crest of a narrow peninsula, offering spectacular views of Tomales Bay and Bolinas Ridge to the east, Bodega Bay to the north, and the coastline of the Point Reyes peninsula stretching to the south.
ELEPHANT SEAL
October 3, 2024
Look at this beauty! Great photo by Amy Barrett. While some elephant seals may be present at Point Reyes on any given day of the year, the greatest number of seals haul out on beaches around the headlands from December through March for the birthing and mating season, and in the spring when adult females and juveniles haul out to molt. Visitors may observe a colony of elephant seals from the Elephant Seal Overlook near Chimney Rock, above beautiful Drakes Bay, or from the South Beach Overlook a short distance north of the Point Reyes Lighthouse visitors' parking lot.
HIKING
September 26, 2024
NPS Photo / S. Frisbie
The National Seashore has about 150 miles of hiking trails to explore - that's a lot during just one visit! Trail maps are available at the Resort front desk or at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. There are many options to accommodate your physical and time limitations. One of our favorites is the hike to Chimney Rock: Enjoy spectacular views of Drakes Bay, the Pacific, and, in spring, wildflowers along this open coastal walk. From January through May, look for migratory whales from the point.
TULE ELK
September 15, 2024
The Tule Elk at Point Reyes National Seashore in California represent one of the most remarkable wildlife conservation success stories. Tule Elk are a subspecies of elk native to California and were once on the brink of extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss. By the late 1800s, only a few individuals were left. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population has rebounded, and today, Point Reyes is home to a thriving population of these majestic animals.
History and Conservation:
- Reintroduction to Point Reyes: Tule Elk were reintroduced to Point Reyes in 1978. A small herd was released into a fenced reserve on Tomales Point, a northern peninsula in the park.
- Population Growth: Since their reintroduction, the elk have thrived. Today, there are several hundred Tule Elk in Point Reyes, divided into different herds. In addition to the Tomales Point herd, there are free-ranging herds in other parts of the park.
Viewing Tule Elk:
- Best Viewing Spots: One of the best places to see Tule Elk is the Tomales Point Trail, where the fenced reserve allows for close views of the herd. Visitors can often spot elk grazing in open grasslands or wandering near the coast.
- Mating Season (Rut): Late summer to early fall (usually August through October) is a particularly exciting time to visit, as it's the elk’s rutting season. Bulls can be seen competing for mates, often engaging in dramatic displays of bugling and sparring.
A GLIMPSE INTO TOMALES BAY
September 8, 2024
Tomales Bay stretches approximately 15 miles along the rugged coast of Marin County, forming a narrow tranquil estuary between the Point Reyes Peninsula and the mainland. The bay's calm, shallow waters create a perfect environment for various activities, from kayaking and sailing to birdwatching and oyster farming. The Tomales Bay Resort sits directly on the shores of Tomales Bay offering panoramic views of the bay from our private beaches or from a Bay View room.
Rent kayaks directly onsite at the resort from Tomales Bay Expeditions.
