Tomales Point Trail and McClures Beach at Point Reyes

My family and I had a great time at the far north end of Point Reyes National Seashore! Click "read more" to see maps, trail descriptions, and more photos after the jump.

Tomales Point Trail in the Tule Elk Reserve

The Tomales Point Trail is 4.7 miles one-way along the ridge of the northernmost point of Point Reyes, It used to be a fairly quiet trail (according to a book that I use as a guidebook), but it has evidently become extremely popular in recent times. My family and I went here on a beautiful Saturday in July, and we were stunned to see how crowded the trail was. We only hiked about half a mile in and then out because it was too windy for my one-year old--she got cold in her carrier and we needed to turn back around. Even though it was a short hike for us, we got to enjoy beautiful views and we saw LOTS of wildlife. The tulle elk were right near the start of the trail!

McClures Beach

After we turned back from the Tomales Point Trail, we descended along the ravine to McClures Beach (.4 miles one way). There were lots of wildflowers blooming along the ravine, and on the beach we saw lots of cool rocks. Either end of the beach is flanked with granite outcroppings (the south side has Elephant Rock, but it may be hard to see the "trunk" from the beach) and the length of the beach has sandstone and mudstone with really lovely erosion patterns. It was like we were surrounded by sand castles.

This part of the park was great for my little kiddo. The trail was short enough to do easily, and it was more protected from the wind. She enjoyed playing in sand, and the beach wasn't crowded at all. Apparently the south end also has good tidepooling at low tide, but we did not arrive at the right time to see it. McClures Beach is a great beach for kids who are carried or who can walk well on their own!