Hiking the Tomales Point Trail in Northern California is a journey through some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes the region has to offer. Located in the Point Reyes National Seashore, this trail leads adventurers along a scenic ridge with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Tomales Bay on the other.
As you traverse the 9.7-mile out-and-back trail, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, including the majestic tule elk, which roam freely in the area.
The path winds through windswept grasslands and wildflower-dotted hills, culminating at the dramatic and rugged Tomales Point.
This hike offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and serene solitude, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and hikers seeking an unforgettable coastal experience.
This is Everything You Need To Know About Hiking Tomales Point Trail.
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Tomales Point Trail
Coastlines, wildlife, wildflowers and an epic seabreeze! This sums of Tomales Point Trail, it has some of the most spectacular landscapes of Northern California and can be enjoyed year round.
This is a 9.7 mile (15KM) out and back day hike near Marshall California, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay, and Tomales Bay.
This hike is considered moderate on AllTrails and personally as hikers we would agree. But, if you don’t have enough time or if 9.7 miles is too long, you can end at Lower Pierce Ranch on mile 3, making it around 6 miles round trip.
Even with this shorter hike you’ll still have amazing views and high a chance of spotting Tule elk.
First, let me start by saying we love this hike! It’s one of those hikes that in spite hiking 4 times we still haven’t grow tired of it.
One of the biggest highlights of this hike besides the beautiful coastline views is encountering the majestic Tule Elk. In fact, you are almost guaranteed to encounter at least a couple elk on your hike.
If you happen to visit during rut season, August through October, you may encounter elk bugling. A lucky few may even encounter elk sparring as they compete for female harems.
Tomales Point Trailhead:
Tomales Point Trail begins at the Historic Pierce Point Ranch, which years ago use to be a dairy farm. As you walk your way through the farm, you can check out some of the old barns and other structures as you make your way to the main trailhead.
The first three miles from the main trailhead are very well maintained. Afterwards, the trail will gradually work its way uphill as you admire the beautiful coastline along the way. Eventually you will start to go downhill to reach Lower Pierce Point Ranch. This is a good place to stop and take a snack/water break if you need one. The beautiful Monterey cypress trees offer a little shade coverage and there’s even fallen trunks to have a seat as well.
After your quick break continue downhill. Soon after you will start to work your way back uphill where the trail can start to be overgrown with bush lupine or other shrubs. As you continue you will notice the trail becomes sandy and it will remain like this until you reach the bluff.
A this point the path can get lost within the wildflowers and shrubs, making it very easy to lose the main trail but if you stay left/west you should be able to find the main trail. If all else fails just keep walking towards the end of the peninsula and you will eventually reach the bluff.
Parking at Tomales Point:
Parking is limited especially in the afternoon, please be respectful of all no parking signs. If parking along Pierce Point Road, which many do, ensure no part of your vehicle is on the pavement so cars can safely pass.
There is no parking fee.
Tips for an Enjoyable Hike at Tomales Point:
- If you have allergies I would recommend taking medicine as the wildflowers (early spring and summer) can provoke a flare up.
- Bring a Hat and Sunscreen, you will not find much shade on the trail.
- Don’t forget your Bug spray if you are sensitive to bug bites and to repel ticks.
- Make sure to bring plenty of water, there is no potable water in the area.
- Pack snacks or small meal, at almost 10 miles I would definitely recommend eating something for a little energy boost.
- Remain a safe distance from the tule elk because they can be easily spooked if you go off trail.
- Check the local weather report as weather can change quickly and can become foggy.
- Arrive early or late and avoid midday, this is a popular day hike and parking is limited.
- Wearing mid to high top hiking boots to avoid sand in boot/shoe.
- Bring a lightweight jacket, again weather can change quickly.
- If you need to use the restroom there is one at McClures Beach Parking Lot
No dogs allowed. No drones allowed
That wraps up this post, Everything You Need To Know About Hiking Tomales Point Trail. Happy Hiking!
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
- Kayaking Tomales Bay: Exploring California’s Coastal Gem
- Scenic Rides and Historic Trails: Biking Angel Island State Park
- Camping at Steep Ravine: Where Ocean Views and Adventure Meet
Travel Resources
Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.
CAMPSITES/CAMPGROUNDS We like to use a couple apps for last minute campsite bookings. Our favorites are HipCamp, The Dyrt and Campendium.
ACCOMMODATION: We find the best deals with BOOKING.COM. The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.
CAR RENTALS: We have always used RentalCars.com and find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.
FLIGHTS: Our go to for looking up flights is SKYSCANNER, but we try to always book directly with the airline.
TOURS/EXCURSIONS: GET YOUR GUIDE and VIATOR are two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we use SafetyWing. We are currently using them for our 1 year trip.
TRANSPORTATION: For all our bus, ferry and train transfer needs in Asia we use 12go.asia.
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