Get trained to do a Marine Protected Area Watch on a Point Reyes Beach Learn more
Volunteer
Many organizations in Point Reyes depend on volunteers. One of the best ways to learn about a place is to volunteer.
Point Reyes butterfly count is July 19. Email Ed Nute for more information.
Events
Support the local organizations that keep Point Reyes thriving by attending events, fundraisers, and immersive classes.
Snowy Plover breeding season is off and running. Check out weekly updates and adorable pics in biologist Parker Kaye’s snowy plover updates. Photo credit: © Parker Kaye / PRNSA
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: Palomarin to Bass Lake
Hike along the Coast Trail and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean on your way to Bass Lake. On a warm day, dip your toes in the lake. The trail begins in a eucalyptus forest, follows the ocean, then heads inland, winding through Douglas fir and mixed evergreen forest.
Parking fills early on weekends. Toilets are available at the trailhead. No toilets at Bass Lake.
Start at the Palomarin Trailhead. Hike on the Coast Trail for 2.9 miles to an unmaintained spur trail on the left that starts at the far end of Bass Lake. You’ll pass several smaller ponds before Bass Lake. Bass Lake is a popular, but unofficial, swimming spot; accessing the lakeside can be challenging and poison oak is common. There are no lifeguards—swim at your own risk. Get details about Bass Lake on the National Seashore website
6.0 miles, out and back, moderate
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!
