4 |
TOMALES |
DISTANCE: 5.0 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 2.5 hours
SEASON: year-round
DIFFICULTY: easy
Tomales Point Trail traverses a tule elk preserve, and you’ll likely spot the animals even before you exit the car. It’s 4.7 miles to the trail’s end at the tip of Tomales Point, but even a short hike proffers splendid views and probable wildlife sightings. Pick a clear day and carry extra layers, since sunny weather often comes with coastal wind.
Begin at Upper Pierce Point Ranch, a dairy from the 1850s. The trail curves uphill around the ranch, then heads northwest along the blufftops toward Tomales Point, Point Reyes’ northernmost tip. The trail is flanked by poppies, goldfields, tidy tips, and bush lupine in spring. At the short ascent a half mile out, glance back as you climb—views are exquisite. Look for forested Hog Island in Tomales Bay.
At 1.8 miles, the path descends, offering a view of Bird Rock and Lawson’s Landing. At 2.5 miles, the trail reaches its apex. Views of Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast to the north are standouts. This high point is your turnaround; although it appears that Tomales Point is close, it’s another 2.2 miles.
From U.S. 101 north, take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. exit west toward San Anselmo and drive 20 miles to Olema. Turn right (north) onto Hwy. 1 for 150 yards, then turn left onto Bear Valley Rd. Drive 2.2 miles and bear left onto Sir Francis Drake Hwy. Drive 5.6 miles, then take the right fork onto Pierce Point Rd. Drive 9.0 miles to Upper Pierce Point Ranch.
