Also, come for the tule elk. 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. The trail is right on the San Andreas Fault. "Northern Califormia highlight of beauty, great biking & hiking and briny,..." Trail in Point Reyes Station, CA This 1-mile accessible loop trail traverses coastal bluffs with spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Point Reyes, and surrounding coastal hills. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use, Join our email list to get new information, events or other fun stuff, Tomales California Is The Restful Respite You Need. Pretty easy hike. Reyes region. I wondered why there weren’t any trail runners reviewing the trail.. Parking at the trailhead is easy and free in a small lot. Email: info@tomalesbayresort.com Phone: (415) 669-1389 It’s an excellent spot for bird-watching and has even been protected for shorebird habitat in Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve. If you turned back once reaching the water, it would be a perfect after lunch leg stretch without any bushwhacking required. 12938 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Pretty vistas of the bay and fields. Lots of Holsteins grazing on lush green grass with big boulders nestled among them. A handful of trails traverse gently sloping wooded hillsides and access four beaches on Tomales Bay. 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. To find the parking lot drive north from the town of Point Reyes Station on Highway 1 and look for the Tomales Bay Trailhead sign.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'californiabeaches_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_2',662,'0','0']));report this ad, The Point Reyes Shipwreck is an iconic wooden boat stuck on a sandbar in the town of Inverness on Tomales Bay in Marin County. Marshall Beach in Inverness, California Marshall Beach is on Tomales Bay in the northern part of Point Reyes National Seashore. The hills are quite enchanting though, and I can't wait to see what it looks like with the wildflowers in spring! Parking is easy and you may even run into a cow or two on the trail :) Very easy hike. Easy and pleasant morning hike with clear skies and beautiful views towards Tomales Bay. Gotta stop a bunch of time to open and close gates but the views are nice and we got to see a lot of birds. This is an easy scenic walk with plenty parking. The surface is compacted soil. Limantour Spit Trail. Next, the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and cattails. Wear bug repellent! The fault is the reason why the Tomales Bay exists and is the shape that it is. Dad (40ish, fit) gave it three stars, with good views from the loop, but mostly a lot of less exciting landscape and no shade or spot to sit. On our hike out to the point, we were completely socked in by the fog. The wetlands have been restored in a project called the Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project which was completed in 2008. The bay is a submerged rift of the San Andreas Fault. Watching the stars emerge from one end of the horizon to the other was breathtaking. Nice easy trail! The Millerton Point Trail is a 1.18 mile accessible loop trail located off Highway 1 about five miles north of Point Reyes Station. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Over thousands of years a part of the fault filled with sea water creating the Tomales Bay in Northern California. The Tomales Bay trail is on the east side of the bay. Visitors frequently boat-in to this beach because there is an outhouse toilet and space for camping. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. The Tomales Bay Trailhead is maintained by the National Park Service as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. After reaching Lower Pierce Point Ranch, the trail is not maintained and can be overgrown with bush lupine or other shrubs. Tomales Bay is a long, narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Marin County in northern California in the United States.It is approximately 15 mi (24 km) long and averages nearly 1.0 mi (1.6 km) wide, effectively separating the Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland of Marin County. Otherwise it is beautiful. From the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the Tomales Bay trail starts off on a mellow descent through open coastal plains. An old levee that used to be a railroad right of way runs through this spot and evidence can still be seen. Trail Map | Photo Gallery The wide former ranch road passes through scrub and grasses with only minor hills to climb. Really nice trail. This was a fun and pretty little trail. This is an easy scenic walk.. Lots of parking. The fault is the reason why the Tomales Bay exists and is the shape that it is. About Us | Contact Most hikers and visitors overlook this vast tidal estuary. 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. Providing access to this unique body of water is Tomales Bay State Park, which covers a stretch of coastline on both sides of Tomales Bay. Squeezed on three sides by water, the only sounds are wind, surf, and bird cries. From the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the Tomales Bay trail starts off on a mellow downhill through open coastal plains. Tomales Point caps the northernmost tip of Point Reyes National Seashore where the Pacific Ocean meets Bodega Bay. We took our baby in the front pack, and the last 25% felt like we were being borderline bad parents. Reviewed October 22, 2017 . 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. Lots of Holsteins grazing on lush green grass with big boulders nestled among them. Surrounded by water on three sides for the length of the trail, it feels like walking nature’s plank—but in a good way. Our path was the Tomales Point Trail, a 4.7-mile straight line north to the end of Point Reyes, where Boedga Bay transitions into Tomales Bay. 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. Part of the path at the Bay was underwater and real sloshy. Overall, a good outing made better by good sandwiches and cookies from Inverness Park Market (other side of Tomales Bay). Next the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and cattails. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. The trailhead is clearly marked, and there's plenty of off-street parking. The single trail drifts north away from the trailhead, eventually reaching Tomales Point, nearly 5 miles from the nearest road. Tomales bay Trailhead - great hike. Distance: 3.2 km / 2 mi. 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. See 25 photos and 2 tips from 144 visitors to Tomales Bay Trailhead. It’s a trail with history and character. Pro photographers and tourists alike have […], Tomales Bay Oyster Company is the first of four oyster stops on the eastern shores of Tomales Bay that you come across when driving north from the Bay Area. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, nature trips, and horses and is accessible year-round. Beautiful walk at sunset into the evening. Tomales Bay State Park is composed of 3 distinct use areas: Heart's Desire - Located at 1100 Pierce Point Road, in Inverness, Heart's Desire is the heart of Tomales Bay State Park. September is our summer. My boyfriend and I left this hike absolutely covered in bites, I was bit through my leggings over 10 times. Tomales Bay is a wonder of a water feature that is formed by the San Andreas Fault as it runs directly under the 12-mile long inlet that separates the Point Reyes Peninsula from the California mainland. It is situated between Bodega Bay in the north and Bolinas Lagoon in the south, to the east of Drake's Estero - all critical estuaries of the Pt. Here you will find the parks Ranger Station, Heart's Desire Beach, Vista Point Picnic Area, and hiking trails to Indian Beach, Pebble Beach, and Shell Beach. Not dog friendly. There are no restrooms or drinking fountains here, so make sure you pack your own water and snacks. Horse Trail, Sky Trail, Woodard Valley Trail [CLOSED], Valley, Woodward, Coast, Sky, Meadow Loop Trail [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Meadow and Old Pine Trail [CLOSED], Mount Wittenburg, Woodward Valley, Coast Trail, and Glen Camp, Bear Valley Loop Trail [CLOSED], Laguna, Coast Trail, Glen, Baldy, Sky Trail Loop [CLOSED], Inverness Ridge, Drakes View, Bayview Trail Loop, Sky, Woodward Valley, Coast, Laguna and Bayview Trail Loop [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Coast Trail, Greenpicker, Rift Trail [CLOSED], Inverness, Bucklin, Muddy, White Gate, Drakes Head, Estero, Glenbrook, Bayview, Horse, Sky, Old Pine, and Bear Valley Trail [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Mount Wittenberg and Wildcat Campground [CLOSED]. Access to Marshall Beach is either by water or by trail. This trail got a mixed review from our family of four. In muddier times their hoofs have sunk into the trail and dried leaving pock marks thru out... easy to walk on but very difficult to run. Fun Fact: The trail is right on the San Andreas Fault. After going through numerous gates designed, I believe, to keep the cows in, hikers are presented with attractive views of Tomales Bay and the surrounding wetlands. The majority of park land as well as Horses are also able to use this trail. Tomales Bay Trail is a 2.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Point Reyes Station, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. Approach a group of large rocks and stick to the main trail, avoiding the narrower side trails. Reyes. Contact Us. Approach a group of large rocks and stick to the main trail, avoiding the narrower side trails. To find the parking lot drive north from the town of Point Reyes Station on Highway 1 and look for the Tomales Bay Trailhead sign. Starting from the Jepson trailhead in Tomales Bay State Park, meander for a mile on a gradually descending trail covered in pine needles. 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. Beautiful trail, but pretty overgrown once you continue on past the water, where there is lots of poisonous oak growing into the trail. You’re literally surrounded. The hills are quite enchanting and visitors can enjoy wildflowers in spring. Hikers walk atop … Drove out here to find a sign that says no dogs. On a clear day, this makes for spectacular views. If […], Bear Valley Visitor Center is a great place to start for any visit to Point Reyes National Seashore. Review of Tomales Bay State Park. As other reviewers stated, the seashore and the Tomales Bay views are stunning, and seeing dozens of elks … Great short hike with gorgeous vast open views. Over thousands of years a part of the fault filled with sea water creating the Tomales Bay in Northern California. Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay are to the west and Black Mountain is to the east. The history comes from the Pierce Point Ranch and all the other historic ranches scattered around the peninsula. Mom (40ish, 2x/week exerciser) gave it 4 stars, with a good variety of wildlife, if you’re looking hard enough; and easy enough for kids 5+ to do on their own steam. You'll be treated to spectacular views of Tomales Bay from several points along the trail. Tomales Bay Trail Point Reyes Station, California, United States ratings, photos, prices, expert advice, traveler reviews and tips, and more information from Condé Nast Traveler. Go all the way to the Bay and it gets real marshy, especially in winter time. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. L ittle Tomales Bay State Park, with only 2,000 acres, is dwarfed by the surrounding parklands of Point Reyes National Seashore. T he Tomales Point tule elk reserve is not only a great place to watch wildlife, it's one of the quietest trails on Point Reyes. There are a few peaks in the Bay Area that are worth summiting for their sweeping views and beautiful… Explore the west side of Tomales Bay on a 2.7-mile loop hike featuring beautiful shoreline and bay views. The Tomales Bay trail is on the east side of the bay. We did this mistakenly as a warm up for the Tomales Point Trail which is located farther NW from here. Pretty vistas of the bay and fields throguhout. Tamalpais Summit. The Tomales Bay Trailhead is located off Highway 1 approximately one mile north of Point Reyes Station. Johnstone Trail leads bayside from Heart’s Desire Beach to Shell Beach. Both the 8.5 y/o and 3.5 y/o (suburban/city kids, active but not athletic) thought it was “long” and “not exciting”, but enjoyed taking pictures of plants they’re less than familiar with. Saw some beautiful birds and lots of cute critters. It is located approximately 30 mi (48 km) northwest of San Francisco. The hike to Tomales Point is one of the easier trails to follow. This is one of the best trails north of San Francisco. Carry binoculars and a field guide to birds as you walk … Super disappointed as it looked really nice. Length 2.5 miElevation gain 259 ftRoute type Loop Tomales Bay Trail offers glimpses into California’s tumultuous geologic history. The park has a microclimate, and often has sunny days and pleasant temperatures when other neighboring coastal locales are damp and cold. Why go: What you’ll see, first of all: the Pacific Ocean, Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay. I was able to eek another 1/2 mile by repeating the bottom section along the water.. Tomales Bay is a narrow, 15-mile-long tidal estuary along the San Andreas Fault on the northeast side of Pt. The Tomales Bay Trailhead is maintained by the National Park Service as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Tomales Bay Trail is a 4.0 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Point Reyes Station, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. This region is known for hikes and beaches on Point Reyes Peninsula and the shoreline of Tomales Bay. There are a lot of cows (and manure). If you go by yourself there are plenty of cows to keep you company! This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. Bay Area walkers have a little secret: When fog smothers Point Reyes and San Francisco Bay, try heading for Tomales Bay State Park. Go all the way to the Bay and it gets real marshy, especially in winter time. The Tomales Point Trail traces the ridge of the Point Reyes Peninsula, a narrow strip of land dividing Tomales Bay from the Pacific Ocean. 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. It’s located just outside the tiny town of Olema and just three […], Tomales is a beautiful town of approximately 200 residents who reside near the winding Shoreline Highway 1 that runs along the east side of Tomales Bay and overlooks Point Reyes National […], Copyright CaliforniaBeaches.com It's beautiful county side and we saw a fair amount of wildlife. 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… Inverness, CA 94937. On this hike you will pass by a couple ponds then rise over a small hill with views of the area before ending at the marshy shoreline (just over one mile each way). Easy to follow trail walking through cow pastures and long the upper ridge of the inlet. 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