Point Reyes: Tomales Point

Above: One of the many stunning views we enjoyed on our most recent hike. :)

My friend Maria and I decided to explore once more Point Reyes National Seashore, only this time, we chose to hike-with-elk on the Tomales Point trail. It's a trail that leads you to the very north-east end of the Seashore, where you stand where the pointy piece of land meets the sea and feel you're on the very end of the continent. Quite an amazing feeling.

To get there, you drive along Point Pierce Road, past several very old ranches, from the mid-1800s, which astounded me. Who knew (or had thought about, I suppose) that these old ranches were still around? It was fascinating to me to look around and wonder what had changed since those ranches were first planned in this picturesque spot.

On the way, you drive past several other (shorter) trails, but our quarry lay at the very end of the Pierce Point Road--the Tomales Point trailhead.




As has been the pattern recently with our Point Reyes hikes, it was a light drizzle but not exactly cold and thankfully, not windy. Throoughout the hike, the weather was consistently damp, if not downright wet, but since we both had new raingear to try out, we were perfectly happy to go stomping off down the trail in search of a rainy adventure.



The damp trail is hard-packed dirt for the first 3/4 of the hike:

The trail hugs the coastline for the most part, resulting in some stunning (albeit a little hazy) views such as the following:


As the hike progresses, vegetation increases, as do rabbit sightings, and the trail becomes a little overgrown. If it's damp when you go there, be prepared for wet socks/shoes/pants because you're pushing past wet brush as you work your way down the trail.


About 3 miles or so through the hike, you come across a surprising grove of eucalyptus trees, thriving in the harsh environment, and providing a perfect place for a snack and a look-round.


The most famous part of this trail, however, despite the stunning views, is the opportunity to hike through an elk herd. These magnificent and peaceful animals seem pretty used to people, but they don't hesitate to scatter quickly if you approach too quickly up the trail, however.

We did see elks with and without antlers, in gender-specific groups for the most part--all very peaceful although determined to outstare any bipods wandering through their preserve.


As you approach the last few miles of the hike, you'll notice that the going gets a little tougher as the terrain turns to dark coarse sand, which is, of course, a little harder (but still not exactly tough) to hike through.

There are plenty of rewarding views along the way, however.

Below: the rock island in the disance is actually Bird Rock, white in the summer from bird poop, but cleaned by the winter storms thus far this season.

The end reward is definitely worth the journey, however, so keep going all the way to the end because you'll see craggy cliffs, cormorants, pelicans, tidepools (at the bottom of said cliffs), and a view that makes you feel as if you've reached the very tip of the continent.

Below: Quite a wonderful lunch spot. We enjoyed our hummus, wraps, apples--and a view of the western side of the Point--lots of cormorants sitting on the lower rock and plenty of roaring waves to keep you well aware of the power of the Pacific.


We tried to keep a safe distance from the crumbling edge of the cliffs, particularly on this damp February day when the land is saturated and just aching to fall into the sea.

Below: Plenty of cormorants unfazed by the drizzle:


The Point trail was fabulous, even in the drizzle, and once again, my hiking experience, as it does each time, inspired my gratitude that I live so close to such wonderful vistas. I can't believe my good fortune that I am able (in time, health, and ability) to explore such stunning places as the places I've hiked so far this season. I'm truly grateful.

Notes:

• About 1.5 hours drive.
• Parking allows about 12 cars or so, but plenty of parking on the road nearby.
• Weather: mid 50s, damp to moderate rain, no wind (whihc, if present, I think could have resulted in a harsher hike)
• About 5 hours including pauses of pix, snacks, and lunch.

Stats:

Tomales Point Trail: 4.7 miles each way

Total: 9.4 miles round trip.

Want to learn more: http://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm

Point Reyes Map: http://www.nps.gov/PWR/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=pore&parkname=Point%20Reyes%20National%20Seashore