Looking for a retreat from the stresses of the big city? The gentle, rounded landscape of peaceful, pastoral Point Reyes might just be the ticket.
Point Reyes is also a great place to check out spring wildflowers. Masses of wild radish flowers border the narrow roads. California Poppies are scattered through the fields. Look closer and discover Irises peeking out of the grass. Closer to the beach, ice plants carpet the shore dunes.
Looking for an inexpensive place to stay? Check out the Point Reyes Hostel. Kind friendly folks, a great library, and a big kitchen – and this place is cheaper than camping! California State Parks charge $35.00 a night to camp, and my stay at the hostel was only $33 a night! If you don’t want to share your room, private rooms start at $105.00. The hostel is located deep within the park, just minutes from Limantour Beach.
Point Reyes is a great place to go birdwatching – it has greater avian diversity than any other park in the country! Over half the species found in the entire U.S. have been seen here. The Audubon Society protects egret and heron rookeries in Bolinas Lagoon.
Surprisingly, my favorite bird to watch on this trip was the vulture. I’ve watched them flying before, but this was the first time I had a chance to see them just hanging out perched. I was struck by how concerned about hygiene this “dirty bird” was, continually grooming its feathers!
There are other great wildlife viewing opportunities at Point Reyes. Go up to the lighthouse and watch for whales migrating offshore. Tule elk are found in the meadows. There is an elephant seal colony here, too.
My favorite beach was Drake’s Beach. Big cliffs, wide expanse of sand, incredible views – and I found a friend there. It seems not all seals stay in the colony. Occasionally an enterprising individual explores another beach. I sat on a sandstone outcropping to watch the water, and found out one of the driftwood logs was not a log! I moved away to give the animal space and used the telephoto, but not everyone is so considerate.
Note how not only are these people too close, they are cutting this seal off from the sea and cornering it against the cliffs. Please give the seals at least 100 feet of space if you see them, and if you are in between them and the water, keep moving! Just common courtesy for your fellow creature.
This is a park that could use a little TLC. Looks a bit like the proverbial red-headed stepchild. The narrow roads are in pretty bad shape. I know California has had a tough winter, but it looks like a lot of the damage is ongoing. One restroom was closed until further notice because it needed repair. There were no ranger programs except for weekends, and no park newspaper. On hearing I was a ranger,one of the hostel hosts mentioned in conversation that the only rangers seem to be law enforcement. Signs that a park has cut interpretation, maintenance, all but essential services. Please support your national parks so they can preserve our treasures,for all of us – places to rest and rejuvenate, places for inspiration and exploration, places like Point Reyes National Park.
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