Monthly Hike: Point Reyes

When I was in my early teens, I caught a swashbuckling adventure movie about Sir Francis Drake on TV. The movie was probably awful, and the plot most certainly heavily romanticized. But back then, it impressed me enough to start naming my game characters after the legendary English captain/explorer/pirate (depending on who you listen to) – and ever since then, my Ultima avatars have been named “Drake”.

History caught up with me a few years ago when I moved to Marin County. Drake’s Bay at Point Reyes is considered to be the most likely landing spot during Drake’s 1579 world circumnavigation, and many local features (such as the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard) are a constant reminder of this colorful history.

Why am I telling you all this? Because during the past two weekends, Victoria and I visited to Point Reyes National Seashore to do some heavy-duty hiking. Point Reyes is well renowned for its great hiking trails and camping sites, played host to the classic horror movie The Fog (filmed in Inverness), and offers other attractions like the Point Reyes light house and great whale watching. Oh, Point Reyes  is also located smack middle on top of the San Andreas fault – the reason for the breathtaking terrain that makes up this part of California.

On both weekends, we started both hikes at the park’s main visitor center in Bear Valley. The center has great displays about the area’s history, terrain and flora/fauna. It also has a gift shop Campers need to register here and pay a fee.

The first hike – following the Meadow and Horse Trails – led us through the hills east of Bear Valley. Not having been at the park for several years, I had very much forgotten how steep these hills actually are. You’ll climb a height difference of 1300 feet, spread across two miles. But the climb is worthwhile, even though views are often limited by trees. The trails and scenery are great, the route is not very crowded, and there’s a few great vista points allowing views of Drake’s Bay and Tomales Bay. After 6 miles and quite a bit of climbing you’ll be happy that you went, but just as happy to be back at the parking lot.

Our second hike followed the most popular trail of the park: the Bear Valley Trail, going straight to the ocean. It’s a 8.4 mile “out and back” hike that ends at Arch Rock, a great resting place on top of the water with great views of Drake’s Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The entire trail is stroller (and possibly wheelchair) friendly – tightly packed dirt and short paved sections. It has a few ups and downs, but the elevation changes aren’t major. The trail is a lot of fun to walk, with a great destination; but you’ll have to share the experience with a lot of other hikers, bikers and, during weekdays, horseback riders. Here’s a gallery of pictures from both weekends:

Point Reyes has a talent for taking our breath way – both figuratively and literally. Entry to the park is free for hikers – quite incredible considering the fees demanded at many less impressive parks in the area. Trails come in all shapes and forms, but trips are generally 6+ miles long (the longest hike being 13 miles, a journey I undertook a few years ago). Mad props go to Victoria for making it through both weekends On the way back, we recommend stopping in Point Reyes Station, or grabbing a cold beer at Rancho Nicasio. It’s the perfect ending to a great day.