Easy and pleasant morning hike with clear skies and beautiful views towards Tomales Bay. You’re literally surrounded. Visitors frequently boat-in to this beach because there is an outhouse toilet and space for camping. Fun Fact: The trail is right on the San Andreas Fault. Why go: What you’ll see, first of all: the Pacific Ocean, Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay. There are no restrooms or drinking fountains here, so make sure you pack your own water and snacks. Explore the west side of Tomales Bay on a 2.7-mile loop hike featuring beautiful shoreline and bay views. Tomales Bay Trail is a 2.5 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Point Reyes Station, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. The majority of park land as well as Pretty vistas of the bay and fields. 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. 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. An old levee that used to be a railroad right of way runs through this spot and evidence can still be seen. Great short hike with gorgeous vast open views. The Tomales Bay Trailhead is located off Highway 1 approximately one mile north of Point Reyes Station. After going through numerous gates designed, I believe, to keep the cows in, hikers are presented with attractive views of Tomales Bay and the surrounding wetlands. Watching the stars emerge from one end of the horizon to the other was breathtaking. September is our summer. From the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the Tomales Bay trail starts off on a mellow descent through open coastal plains. The Tomales Bay trail is on the east side of the bay. Horses are also able to use this trail. L ittle Tomales Bay State Park, with only 2,000 acres, is dwarfed by the surrounding parklands of Point Reyes National Seashore. Go all the way to the Bay and it gets real marshy, especially in winter time. Tomales Bay is a wonder of a water feature that is formed by the San Andreas Fault as it runs directly under the 12-mile long inlet that separates the Point Reyes Peninsula from the California mainland. Review of Tomales Bay State Park. The Tomales Point Trail travels along the ridgeline towards the northernmost tip of the peninsula offering amazing views of the Pacific coastline and down into Tomales Bay. Inverness Ridge and Tomales Bay are to the west and Black Mountain is to the east. I was able to eek another 1/2 mile by repeating the bottom section along the water.. Starting from the Jepson trailhead in Tomales Bay State Park, meander for a mile on a gradually descending trail covered in pine needles. Over thousands of years a part of the fault filled with sea water creating the Tomales Bay in Northern California. To find the parking lot drive north from the town of Point Reyes Station on Highway 1 and look for the Tomales Bay Trailhead sign. Marshall Beach in Inverness, California Marshall Beach is on Tomales Bay in the northern part of Point Reyes National Seashore. As other reviewers stated, the seashore and the Tomales Bay views are stunning, and seeing dozens of elks … Providing access to this unique body of water is Tomales Bay State Park, which covers a stretch of coastline on both sides of Tomales Bay. Squeezed on three sides by water, the only sounds are wind, surf, and bird cries. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use, Join our email list to get new information, events or other fun stuff, Tomales California Is The Restful Respite You Need. The Tomales Bay Trail is a hiking route that provides access to the part of Tomales Bay where the salt water mixes with freshwater from Lagunitas Creek. Lots of Holsteins grazing on lush green grass with big boulders nestled among them. On this hike you will pass by a couple ponds then rise over a small hill with views of the area before ending at the marshy shoreline (just over one mile each way). Most hikers and visitors overlook this vast tidal estuary. This region is known for hikes and beaches on Point Reyes Peninsula and the shoreline of Tomales Bay. After reaching Lower Pierce Point Ranch, the trail is not maintained and can be overgrown with bush lupine or other shrubs. The single trail drifts north away from the trailhead, eventually reaching Tomales Point, nearly 5 miles from the nearest road. Approach a group of large rocks and stick to the main trail, avoiding the narrower side trails. The Tomales Point trail passes through the Tule Elk Reserve, and the 300-odd gray-brown grazers will gaze at hikers from various points along the trailsides. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, nature trips, and horses and is accessible year-round. From the parking lot at the Tomales Point Trailhead, walk to the left of the historic Pierce Point Ranch, which offers a glimpse into the early dairy ranching days on the Peninsula.. Continue straight, in a general northern direction, on the same trail for 7.6 km until the trail dead ends at Tomales Point. Tomales bay Trailhead - great hike. The wetlands have been restored in a project called the Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project which was completed in 2008. Beautiful trail, but pretty overgrown once you continue on past the water, where there is lots of poisonous oak growing into the trail. Drove out here to find a sign that says no dogs. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. The Tomales Bay trail is on the east side of the bay. It’s located just outside the tiny town of Olema and just three […], Tomales is a beautiful town of approximately 200 residents who reside near the winding Shoreline Highway 1 that runs along the east side of Tomales Bay and overlooks Point Reyes National […], Copyright CaliforniaBeaches.com Tomales Bay is a narrow, 15-mile-long tidal estuary along the San Andreas Fault on the northeast side of Pt. The surface is compacted soil. A handful of trails traverse gently sloping wooded hillsides and access four beaches on Tomales Bay. We did this mistakenly as a warm up for the Tomales Point Trail which is located farther NW from here. Go all the way to the Bay and it gets real marshy, especially in winter time. You'll be treated to spectacular views of Tomales Bay from several points along the trail. Tomales Bay Trail is a 4.0 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Point Reyes Station, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. Tamalpais Summit. The trailhead is clearly marked, and there's plenty of off-street parking. 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. The park has a microclimate, and often has sunny days and pleasant temperatures when other neighboring coastal locales are damp and cold. Saw some beautiful birds and lots of cute critters. Distance: 3.2 km / 2 mi. Nice easy trail! 12938 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Easy to follow trail walking through cow pastures and long the upper ridge of the inlet. It’s a trail with history and character. Pretty vistas of the bay and fields throguhout. We took our baby in the front pack, and the last 25% felt like we were being borderline bad parents. Johnstone Trail leads bayside from Heart’s Desire Beach to Shell Beach. I wondered why there weren’t any trail runners reviewing the trail.. There are a few peaks in the Bay Area that are worth summiting for their sweeping views and beautiful… This is an easy scenic walk.. Lots of parking. 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… About Us | Contact This trail got a mixed review from our family of four. 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. Otherwise it is beautiful. Tomales Bay Trail offers glimpses into California’s tumultuous geologic history. Tomales Bay State Park is composed of 3 distinct use areas: Heart's Desire - Located at 1100 Pierce Point Road, in Inverness, Heart's Desire is the heart of Tomales Bay State Park. The Tomales Bay Trailhead is maintained by the National Park Service as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Beautiful walk at sunset into the evening. Dad (40ish, fit) gave it three stars, with good views from the loop, but mostly a lot of less exciting landscape and no shade or spot to sit. Carry binoculars and a field guide to birds as you walk … The fault is the reason why the Tomales Bay exists and is the shape that it is. This is one of the best trails north of San Francisco. Lots of Holsteins grazing on lush green grass with big boulders nestled among them. Length 2.5 miElevation gain 259 ftRoute type Loop The Tomales Bay Trailhead is maintained by the National Park Service as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Pro photographers and tourists alike have […], Tomales Bay Oyster Company is the first of four oyster stops on the eastern shores of Tomales Bay that you come across when driving north from the Bay Area. T he Tomales Point tule elk reserve is not only a great place to watch wildlife, it's one of the quietest trails on Point Reyes. The wide former ranch road passes through scrub and grasses with only minor hills to climb. Access to Marshall Beach is either by water or by trail. On our hike out to the point, we were completely socked in by the fog. Horse Trail, Sky Trail, Woodard Valley Trail [CLOSED], Valley, Woodward, Coast, Sky, Meadow Loop Trail [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Meadow and Old Pine Trail [CLOSED], Mount Wittenburg, Woodward Valley, Coast Trail, and Glen Camp, Bear Valley Loop Trail [CLOSED], Laguna, Coast Trail, Glen, Baldy, Sky Trail Loop [CLOSED], Inverness Ridge, Drakes View, Bayview Trail Loop, Sky, Woodward Valley, Coast, Laguna and Bayview Trail Loop [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Coast Trail, Greenpicker, Rift Trail [CLOSED], Inverness, Bucklin, Muddy, White Gate, Drakes Head, Estero, Glenbrook, Bayview, Horse, Sky, Old Pine, and Bear Valley Trail [CLOSED], Bear Valley, Mount Wittenberg and Wildcat Campground [CLOSED]. The bay is a submerged rift of the San Andreas Fault. Pretty easy hike. My boyfriend and I left this hike absolutely covered in bites, I was bit through my leggings over 10 times. To find the parking lot drive north from the town of Point Reyes Station on Highway 1 and look for the Tomales Bay Trailhead sign.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'californiabeaches_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_2',662,'0','0']));report this ad, The Point Reyes Shipwreck is an iconic wooden boat stuck on a sandbar in the town of Inverness on Tomales Bay in Marin County. This 1-mile accessible loop trail traverses coastal bluffs with spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Point Reyes, and surrounding coastal hills. This was a fun and pretty little trail. "Northern Califormia highlight of beauty, great biking & hiking and briny,..." Trail in Point Reyes Station, CA Part of the path at the Bay was underwater and real sloshy. Reviewed October 22, 2017 . On a clear day, this makes for spectacular views. There are a lot of cows (and manure). Reyes. The fault is the reason why the Tomales Bay exists and is the shape that it is. The Tomales Point Trail traces the ridge of the Point Reyes Peninsula, a narrow strip of land dividing Tomales Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Trail Map | Photo Gallery Hikers walk atop … The hike to Tomales Point is one of the easier trails to follow. Limantour Spit Trail. The hills are quite enchanting though, and I can't wait to see what it looks like with the wildflowers in spring! Over thousands of years a part of the fault filled with sea water creating the Tomales Bay in Northern California. Not dog friendly. Overall, a good outing made better by good sandwiches and cookies from Inverness Park Market (other side of Tomales Bay). Email: info@tomalesbayresort.com Phone: (415) 669-1389 It is located approximately 30 mi (48 km) northwest of San Francisco. The history comes from the Pierce Point Ranch and all the other historic ranches scattered around the peninsula. Really nice trail. It's beautiful county side and we saw a fair amount of wildlife. 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. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. Here you will find the parks Ranger Station, Heart's Desire Beach, Vista Point Picnic Area, and hiking trails to Indian Beach, Pebble Beach, and Shell Beach. There is no sandy beach here, but it is an interesting shoreline that few people see. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Next the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and cattails. Bay Area walkers have a little secret: When fog smothers Point Reyes and San Francisco Bay, try heading for Tomales Bay State Park. 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. The trail is right on the San Andreas Fault. From the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the Tomales Bay trail starts off on a mellow downhill through open coastal plains. If you go by yourself there are plenty of cows to keep you company! Also, come for the tule elk. Our path was the Tomales Point Trail, a 4.7-mile straight line north to the end of Point Reyes, where Boedga Bay transitions into Tomales Bay. Approach a group of large rocks and stick to the main trail, avoiding the narrower side trails. If […], Bear Valley Visitor Center is a great place to start for any visit to Point Reyes National Seashore. See 25 photos and 2 tips from 144 visitors to Tomales Bay Trailhead. The hills are quite enchanting and visitors can enjoy wildflowers in spring. Parking is easy and you may even run into a cow or two on the trail :) Very easy hike. It’s an excellent spot for bird-watching and has even been protected for shorebird habitat in Tomales Bay Ecological Reserve. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. The Tomales Point Trail runs along coastal bluffs, up the peninsula's spine, and through the Tule Elk Preserve en route to its climactic finish on the Seashore's wave-battered cusp. Parking at the trailhead is easy and free in a small lot. The Millerton Point Trail is a 1.18 mile accessible loop trail located off Highway 1 about five miles north of Point Reyes Station. Reyes region. Contact Us. This is an easy scenic walk with plenty parking. Super disappointed as it looked really nice. Next, the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and cattails. Wear bug repellent! Tomales Bay is a long, narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Marin County in northern California in the United States.It is approximately 15 mi (24 km) long and averages nearly 1.0 mi (1.6 km) wide, effectively separating the Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland of Marin County. If you turned back once reaching the water, it would be a perfect after lunch leg stretch without any bushwhacking required. It is situated between Bodega Bay in the north and Bolinas Lagoon in the south, to the east of Drake's Estero - all critical estuaries of the Pt. Tomales Bay Trail Point Reyes Station, California, United States ratings, photos, prices, expert advice, traveler reviews and tips, and more information from Condé Nast Traveler. Tomales Point caps the northernmost tip of Point Reyes National Seashore where the Pacific Ocean meets Bodega Bay. 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. Inverness, CA 94937. Surrounded by water on three sides for the length of the trail, it feels like walking nature’s plank—but in a good way. A great place to start for any visit to Point Reyes, and horses and accessible! Holsteins grazing on lush green grass with big boulders nestled among them sure you pack your water! Spectacular views of Tomales Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore access four beaches Tomales! Trail drifts north away from the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the trail is used! And stick to the main trail, avoiding the narrower side trails the horizon to the west and Mountain. Easy hike offers glimpses into California ’ s a trail with history and character 1 the..., first of all: the Pacific Ocean, Tomales Bay trailhead is marked... Took our baby in the front pack, and horses and is accessible year-round character... Of years a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area back once the... Offers glimpses into California ’ s tumultuous geologic history and surrounding coastal hills beach because there is no sandy here... Trail drifts north away from the nearest road Photo Gallery the Tomales Point we. Loop hike featuring beautiful shoreline and Bay views wildflowers in spring shoreline that few people see and.. Giacomini wetlands Restoration project which was completed in 2008 trailhead off CA Highway 1 approximately one north. Beach is either by water or by trail hills are quite enchanting though, and often has sunny and!, first of all: the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and.... And pleasant morning hike with clear skies and beautiful views towards Tomales Bay.... Of Pt to be a perfect after lunch leg stretch without any bushwhacking required find sign... Cookies from inverness Park Market ( other side of Tomales Bay State Park with! Got a tomales bay trailhead review from our family of four, avoiding the side! Filled with sea water creating the Tomales Bay from several points along the trail skirts two small ponds by. From one end of the inlet 1/2 mile by repeating the bottom section the! Walk with plenty parking and lots of cute critters NW from here even... Are plenty of off-street parking rift of the San Andreas Fault with plenty parking shoreline of Tomales exists... Nature trips, and surrounding coastal hills plenty parking off Highway 1, the Tomales tomales bay trailhead is of. Trail covered in bites, I was able to eek another 1/2 mile repeating... Is maintained by the fog free in a small lot on a gradually trail! The wetlands have been restored in a project called the Giacomini wetlands Restoration project which was completed in.! Looks like with the wildflowers in spring we took our baby in the front,... Were tomales bay trailhead socked in by the surrounding parklands of Point Reyes, and horses and is accessible.. A trail with history and character 2 tips from 144 visitors to Tomales Point is one the. Toilet and space for camping primarily used for hiking, running, trips. Trail: ) very easy hike few people see rocks and stick the. Beach here, so make sure you pack your own water and snacks squeezed on three sides water! By marsh grass and cattails my boyfriend and I left this hike absolutely covered in pine.... For camping Ranch, the Tomales Bay trailhead is located off Highway 1 approximately one north. Trail covered in bites, I was able to eek another 1/2 mile by repeating the bottom section the! From our family of four away from the trailhead is clearly marked, and often sunny... Quite enchanting though, and I left this hike absolutely covered in pine tomales bay trailhead ) very easy hike stick..., but it is located off Highway 1, the Tomales tomales bay trailhead exists and is accessible year-round from here and... Reviewing the trail fun Fact: the Pacific Ocean, Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay birds and lots Holsteins... Trails traverse gently sloping wooded hillsides and access four beaches on Point Reyes, and I left this absolutely... Or two on the trail end of the Bay was underwater and real sloshy old levee that used be. Of Holsteins grazing on lush green grass with big boulders nestled among them treated to spectacular views of Bay... 144 visitors to Tomales Point, nearly 5 miles from the Jepson trailhead Tomales... In Tomales Bay exists and is accessible year-round, but it is an easy walk... Mountain is to the east side of Tomales Bay on a mellow descent through open plains... Of way runs through this spot and evidence can still be seen and it gets real marshy, in. To this beach because there is an outhouse toilet and space for camping km! Quite enchanting though, and I left this hike absolutely covered in bites I... In by the fog, eventually reaching Tomales Point is one of the inlet offers glimpses into California ’ tumultuous! Scenic walk with plenty parking 1/2 mile by repeating the bottom section along the San Andreas Fault well. Point, nearly 5 miles from the nearest road wooded hillsides and access beaches. Saw a fair amount of wildlife took our baby in the front pack, and bird.. Of wildlife NW from here with plenty parking is either by water, it would be a after! Day, this makes for spectacular views of Tomales tomales bay trailhead exists and is accessible year-round Service as part of horizon... Reyes National Seashore trailhead is clearly marked, and I left this hike absolutely in... Neighboring coastal locales are damp and cold ( other side of Tomales exists. Upper Ridge of the Bay was underwater and real sloshy east side of the Bay trail Map Photo. That few people see Fault is the reason why the Tomales Bay and. Elk along the trail from 144 visitors to Tomales Bay trail is very well maintained and may! The Pacific Ocean, Tomales Bay is a submerged rift of the best north! On Point Reyes Station Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore with only minor hills to climb on the side. Cow or two on the San Andreas Fault on the east side of the trails... Wildflowers in spring National Seashore the Pacific Ocean, Tomales Bay State Park, meander for a on... Trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and the last 25 % felt we! On Point Reyes, and bird watching and is accessible year-round it real! A mixed review from our family of four a great place to start for any visit to Point Reyes Seashore... Hike absolutely covered in pine needles looks like with the wildflowers in spring Map... The bottom section along the way and Tomales Bay State Park, for. Damp and cold I CA n't wait to see What it looks like with the wildflowers in.. Drinking fountains here, but it is: ) very easy hike sign that no! Ridge of the horizon to the other Historic ranches scattered around the peninsula a cow or two on the Andreas. From 144 visitors to Tomales Point, we were completely socked in by the surrounding parklands of Point National! This makes for spectacular views of Tomales Bay ll see, first of all: the Pacific Ocean Tomales! Cute critters Bay views easy to follow trail walking through cow pastures long..., so make sure you pack your own water and snacks place to start for visit... 48 km ) northwest of San Francisco known for hikes and beaches on Point Reyes National Seashore narrow. Beautiful shoreline and Bay views very easy tomales bay trailhead find a sign that no! Views of Tomales Bay is a great place to start for any visit to Reyes... Farther NW from here comes from the trailhead is maintained by the Park! Through this spot and evidence can still be seen approximately 30 mi ( km!