Habitat Helpers: Map the Myrtle Silverspot (aka Point Reyes Silverspot) butterfly's host plant (April and May)! Learn more
Volunteer
Many organizations in Point Reyes depend on volunteers. One of the best ways to learn about a place is to volunteer.
Get into nature and remove invasive plants at beautiful locations in Point Reyes. Thursday Weeders is every other Thursday from 10:00am to 2:00pm Learn more
Events
Support the local organizations that keep Point Reyes thriving by attending events, fundraisers, and immersive classes.
Northern elephant seal breeding season is winding down. Visit the chubby weaned pups at Drakes Beach during March and April.
Trails
Two converging tectonic plates, the Pacific and the North American, create an area rich in geologic interest and teeming with plants and animals. Hike the more than 50 trails that cover 150+ miles.
Tide pools at Kehoe Beach
Beaches
Point Reyes has beaches on three sides of the peninsula. Ocean-facing beaches are on the west and south sides, and beaches lining the east and west sides of Tomales Bay. There’s something for everyone — from intense surfing to leisurely sunbathing and bonfires.
Featured Hike: Bear Valley Forest Loop
Old Pine Trail in the fog
March is when the Bear Valley forest begins to stir with spring. Varied Thrushes whistle through the mist, Pacific Wrens pour out liquid trills, and Brown Creepers spiral up trunks, camouflaged against bark. Lively colonies of Acorn Woodpeckers and squeaky Chestnut-backed Chickadees are everywhere, and the first Dark-eyed Juncos begin singing on the edges of the forest. Watch for their white tail feathers as they forage on the ground. While most attention is on the canopy, keep an ear out for Golden-crowned Kinglets high above—tiny jewels flashing among the conifers. This hike offers a deep, quiet forest experience—perfect for listening as much as watching.
7.1 miles, loop
Start at the Bear Valley trailhead.
Hike a short distance on the Bear Valley Trail to the Mt. Wittenberg Trail. (0.2 miles)
Turn right on the Mt Wittenberg Trail and hike uphill (1.8 miles); continue parallel to the Sky Trail until you meet the Sky Trail. (0.5 miles)
Hike on the Sky Trail to Old Pine Trail. (1.1 miles)
Hike Old Pine Trail to Bear Valley. Take a break at lovely Divide Meadow; vault toilets are nearby. (1.9 miles)
Hike Bear Valley Trail back to the trailhead. (1.6 miles)
eBird bird lists for: Mt Wittenberg birds and Bear Valley Trailhead birds
Hiking calendar 2025
A new trail every month.
Looking for hiking ideas? Let this hiking calendar be your guide to get out and go hiking on the trails in the Point Reyes National Seashore. A new hike every month along with seasonal highlights and ways to engage more deeply.
By the numbers.
point reyes live webcam
How cold & foggy is it now?
Point Reyes live webcam should really be called a "fogcam". Point Reyes is the second foggiest place in the world with more than 200 foggy days a year. Grand Banks, Newfoundland is the foggiest.
In addition, close to real-time photos are available from cameras located on Black Mountain, Mount Barnabe, and Mount Vision courtesy of AlertWildfire.org.
National Weather Service 7-day forecasts for Point Reyes.
My favorite webcam is the Marine Mammal Center’s at Chimney Rock. They release patients back into the wild from here. You can subscribe to get text alerts and watch live.
Nature observations
What was seen today in Point Reyes?
You can contribute to citizen science by adding observations (photos) to the California Academy of Science's iNaturalist app or website.
It's easy, fun, and turns hikes into treasure hunts. Pausing to take photos may slow down your hike, but it will increase your curiosity about all the living things around you. Give it a try!
