Recommended hikes for kids

Abbotts Lagoon

Log seesaw and otters

This is an easy hike with a log seesaw near the lagoon. It’s even accessible to strollers although there are some areas where the terrain is sandy or has ruts. You’ll see birds in the pasture and near the lagoon and if you’re really lucky, you may even see river otters. The hike goes all the way to the ocean. It’s fun to climb on the sand dunes. Learn more about Abbotts Lagoon.

Length: 1.8 miles each way.

Tomales Point Trail

Tule Elk, old barn and rocks to explore

This is great trail to see Tule Elk. At the beginning of the trail is the Historic Pierce Point Ranch and you can explore the inside of the old dairy barn. You’ll have fun climbing on rocks near the trail. Watch out for poison oak. Learn more about the Tomales Point Trail.

Length: 3 miles each way. You don’t have to hike the whole trail to see Tule Elk.

Woodpecker Trail

Tackle room, horses, shady forest with woodpeckers

Hike through a shaded Douglas Fir forest and hear acorn woodpeckers and many other birds in the trees. The trail ends at the Morgan Horse Ranch which is a fun place to visit. You can walk through the historic buildings and see old farm tools, horses and if you’re very lucky, you may see the two friendly barn cats, Sylvia (black and white) and Dante (all black). Learn more about the Woodpecker Trail.

Length: 0.7 mile loop

Earthquake Trail

Earthquake history and leaf racing

Signs along the trail tell you about the history of the 1906 earthquake. You’ll see a fence that moved 20 feet during the 1906 earthquake. This short, shaded trail begins near the picnic area across from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. This paved loop trail is perfect for young kids and strollers. When you get to the creek with a bridge, you can do leaf races. Find some leaves on the ground. There are plenty of oak and bay trees nearby. Stand on the bridge with your partner, pick a finish line in the creek, and drop the leaves into the creek at the same time. Whichever leaf gets to the finish line first is the winner. Learn more about the Earthquake Trail.

Length: 0.6 mile loop

Kule Loklo

Explore a Miwok village

You’re likely to see deer grazing in the pasture along the trail. Kule Loklo is a great place for kids to explore replica Miwok structures. Kids will enjoy grinding nuts on large flat stones. A big bay tree with low branches close to the ground makes for good climbing. Enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables in the shade. From Kule Loklo, return on the same trail, or continue around the horse pasture to return via the Morgan Horse Ranch.  The trail begins at the north end of the small paved parking lot, not far from the visitor center.

Length: 0.8 mile each way

Chimney Rock Trail

Whales, seals, ocean views, and spring flowers

Chimney Rock is at the edge of the Point Reyes headlands. Standing at the end of the trail, you can look out over the wide ocean and Drakes Beach. Bring binoculars to look for whales spouting in the water and Northern Elephant Seals and other marine mammals on the sandy base of the cliffs. Be sure to find a safe place to look down. Stay away from the edge of cliffs! In springtime, you can find many flowers blooming along the trail including the fuzzy Pussy Ears (Calochortus tolmiei). You can see the Lifeboat Saving Station from the trail. Look for a Botta’s Pocket Gopher peeking out of a hole at the end of the trail. Learn more about the Chimney Rock Trail.

Length: .9 mile each way

McClures Beach Trail

Rocks to climb, tidepools, ancient rocks

A short scenic hike descends to the beach where you’ll find red sand dunes to explore and a creek to splash across. Hike toward the left side of the beach to the large black rocks which are fun to climb. Tidepools with mussels, anemones, snails and more are at the base of the rocks. Be respectful and don’t squish the anemones. Learn more about the amazing geology of McClures Beach.

Length: 0.4 miles each way

Kehoe Beach Trail

Bring your dog!

Kehoe Beach and Trail is one of the very few places in Point Reyes National Seashore that allows dogs. It’s a popular spot for locals to walk their dogs. Kehoe has a large sandy beach and a lagoon area for playing in the water. Watch for falcons in the rocky cliffs and explore ancient rocks scattered along the beach.

Length: 0.7 miles each way

Tomales Bay Trail

Turtle and frog ponds, cows, and birds and crabs on the shoreline

This closest trail to Point Reyes Station leads from Highway 1 to Tomales Bay passing several ponds along the way. The ponds are amazing habitat for frogs and turtles and many birds including lively red-winged blackbirds. Watch for egrets, herons and even a bald eagle from the Tomales Bay shoreline. Learn more about the Tomales Bay Trail.

Length: 1.7 miles each way

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Whale watching, whale bones, cool rocks, long staircase

Descend 308 stairs (the same as 25 stories!) to the historic lighthouse. The lighthouse operated for more than a hundred years, from 1870 to 1975. Its light beacon prevented shipwrecks since the tip of Point Reyes peninsula juts ten miles into the ocean. Learn more about the Lighthouse.

Length: 0.45 miles each way (parking lot to visitor center)