Route Editor
Route Scout
Hike to the edge of Western civilization by JimmyLyding Tomales Point is the northern tip of Point Reyes National Seashore. The narrow peninsula formerly held a dairy farm from 1858 until 1929 and a hog and dairy ranch until 1973 when the National Park Service took possession. The prime attractions here are the obvious physical splendor that comes from hiking out to the end of a narrow peninsula jutting into the ocean, but also the high likelihood of having a close up view of tule elk. Tule elk used to roam Point Reyes and much of California, but hunters wiped out all save a small herd that was discovered in 1880 after the species was believed to be extinct. They were reintroduced to Point Reyes in 1978, and are largely confined to Tomales Point. They're a little smaller than Rocky Mountain elk, and seemingly unafraid of people (though I didn't see anyone leave the trail and approach elk which is illegal). The trailhead is located at historic Pierce Point Ranch. The ranch buildings are still intact and maintained by the park service. The Tomales Point Trail starts out flat with views over your left shoulder of McClure Beach and Elephant Rock. The vegetation is the common coastal chaparral, but it's pretty chewed up and short courtesy of the 400-500 tule elk. The trail travels gently downhill before bottoming out above a scenic beach. Continue north on the trail (there are no official side trails on this hike) as it goes uphill for about 3/4 mile before evening out. A steep plunge down to the remains of Lower Pierce Point Ranch (the trailhead is at the upper) marked by small groves of eucalyptus and Monterey cypress a few hundred yards below a stock pond. The ranch is right about 3.5 miles from the trailhead. The trail goes up and down for another 1.5 mile until it descends steeply to a small overlook that sits 50 feet above the rocks that mark the northern tip of Point Reyes. These rocks are covered in mussels, and sea anemone are just some of the sea life that can be observed eking out a living between them. The last mile of the trail is distinctly more "sandy" as footing becomes slightly looser. Return the way you came for a total trip that should come in a bit shy of 10 miles. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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