Really nice trail. Great short hike with gorgeous vast open views. Not dog friendly. After reaching Lower Pierce Point Ranch, the trail is not maintained and can be overgrown with bush lupine or other shrubs. Tomales Bay Trail, Marin County, California, US on Tue Dec 22, 2020. A camera and binoculars. We caught the sunset, too, which was gorgeous! More 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. From the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the Tomales Bay trail starts off on a mellow descent through open coastal plains. I was able to eek another 1/2 mile by repeating the bottom section along the water.. The dairy products were shipped to San Francisco from a dock in Tomales Bay. Pretty vistas of the bay and fields throguhout. My friend and I didn’t get to the point because we were tired and didn’t know if it would be worth it. 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. One of the prime elk gathering spots is near a pond just over 3.5 miles down the trail. Tomales Point Trail starts next to the historic Pierce Point Ranch, and heads in a fairly direct line toward Tomales Point. Beautiful views, elk everywhere. Beautiful trail and great physical hike, a good balance of hills and flat areas. Amazing awesome bright blue sky day. Otherwise it is beautiful. The last 1.5 mi are sandy, so slowed us down a bit. On this night kayak tour you may see fish or seals leaving a glowing trail of light everywhere they swim, or create your own light show in our stable double sea kayaks. The trail is right on the San Andreas Fault. And you really can’t beat the views - pure bliss Go all the way to the Bay and it gets real marshy, especially in winter time. This open trail offers spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Bodega Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Trail Map | Photo Gallery It look us 3.25 hrs. Nearly all of the trail is easy to hike. This region is known for hikes and beaches on Point Reyes Peninsula and the shoreline of Tomales Bay. There were other people on the trail, but nothing overwhelming. Follow this park road through Inverness as it begins to bear westward. The first 3 miles to Lower Pierce Point Ranch are well marked and maintained, but the last stretch can be overgrown with bush lupine and other shrubs, so long pants and long sleeves are a good idea. Great trail with stunning views This is one of the best trails north of San Francisco. Let us make these dreams a reality by joining us for a Bioluminescence Kayak Tour on Tomales Bay! Next the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and cattails. Hit the trail at 9:00 am and completed by 1pm. This is a wonderful moderate to easy hike which is located at the northern peninsula of Point Reyes National Seashore. Don't count on solitude: this is a popular trail, especially during the elk rut. The Tule Elk were everywhere no chance you won’t see a bunch. The journey all the way to the Point is worth it, for the view is unparalleled. 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. Rare Point Reyes Salty Birds-Beak (Chloropyron maritimum ssp. Jepson Trail Tomales Bay SP. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. Tomales Bay has long been the heart of California’s oyster scene. Approach a group of large rocks and stick to the main trail, avoiding the narrower side trails. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. Pretty easy hike. What to bring: Human hide is no match for bull elk antlers; an unfortunate few have been fatally gored. 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 morning sunshine was magical and there was not a person in sight that early. Past Inverness the road forks. Don't miss Tomales Point Trail hike!!! You'll be treated to spectacular views of Tomales Bay from several points along the trail. Occasionally, National Parks Service staff will set up viewing points with binoculars or spotting scopes to provide a better view of the elk grazing far in the distance. This is an easy scenic walk with plenty parking. Though nudity has been banned, be aware that some still sunbathe here in the buff. We loved it, a lot of animals and beautiful nature. Great for a clear day. I twice hiked the entire Tomales Point Trail (9-miles, round trip). Coming back there were crowds and crowds. Go early and if you don’t like crowds go during the week. Continue northward on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (do not turn right). Resembling Disneyland crowds. 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. Elk! Most people wore masks and everyone is respectful of space. Walked this trail today. This hike is easily one of my favorites. Check the weather forecast for Point Reyes Station before you go. Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center: Travel north on Bear Valley Road to Inverness Park. Highly highly recommend hitting the trail by 7am no later then 8am to beat the crowds. 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. 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. Arrive early to get parked. All the reviews of this hike made me want to do it, but I was concerned about the crowds mentioned in many reviews. The views are … Overall, a good outing made better by good sandwiches and cookies from Inverness Park Market (other side of Tomales Bay). This is an easy scenic walk.. Lots of parking. 12938 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Length 2.5 miElevation gain 259 ftRoute type Loop First time coming on Friday and it was nearly empty. Hike out to Tomales Point with stunning views surrounding you on all sides. It is located at Battery Kirby, a historic military site in use from 1898 to 1934. 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. I did it on a weekday and it was great! Next the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and cattails. The barbecued oysters are the best in Tomales Bay, and you’ll be happy eating the thick sandwiches and herby clam chowder on the decks over the water. Hike Description 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. As other reviewers stated, the seashore and the Tomales Bay views are stunning, and seeing dozens of elks grazing near the path makes this hike very special. Heavy foot traffic along the trail but so many chances to see Tule Elk :). 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. Same area and date Another location near Tomales Bay Trail, Marin County, California, US on Tue Dec 22, 2020. Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay are to the west and Black Mountain is to the east. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, nature trips, and horses and is accessible year-round. On a foggy day, you may not see the ocean but you'll hear the waves crashing against the rocks and shore. If going on a weekend do try to get there early, before 10am, because you may have to park far away. The fault is the reason why the Tomales Bay exists and is the shape that it is. We saw a coyote, tons of elk and deer, and some huge birds of prey. Our hike out had 2 - 3 groups in sight....the return hike was every 50’ for 5 miles . Around mile 4.5 the trail edges right up to a precipitous cliff with roaring surf below. Mostly wide trails but still.... Horses are also able to use this trail. Easy and pleasant morning hike with clear skies and beautiful views towards Tomales Bay. The hills are quite enchanting though, and I can't wait to see what it looks like with the wildflowers in spring! 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