We closed out National Park Week with a proper hike to Point Reyes National Seashore. When I say “proper”, I mean the kind of hike that leaves you glued to the couch. With a bag of chips within easy reach and an IV of wine.
It started off as a trip to Mt Tamalpais, but somehow (my fault) became a sojourn to Muir Woods. Of course, it was packed and there wasn’t any parking left at 10.30am.
Luckily all roads lead to Point Reyes (not actually true).
National Park Week
During National Park Week, all park entry fees are waived so that everyone can visit, enjoy and learn more about their parks.
Point Reyes Seashore
It usually coincides with Earth Day, on April 22, and this year it began on April 15 and ends today April 23. So if you don’t already have plans today, get to the National Park Service website and find your nearest park.
Point Reyes National Seashore
The Point Reyes National Seashore is fantastic park for families with children. Stop off at the Visitor’s Center first and get acclimated with the area.
It’ll also give you a chance to check out the native animals and the “kids” can even play with a few bits and pieces and learn about the animals.
Alas, poor Yorick!
Fantastic Mr Fox
If you’re not into hiking or picnicking, there’s always the drive out to the lighthouse and whale watching at this time of year.
Arch Rock Hike
Enough larking about, it’s time to hike!
There are lots of great short hikes around the Visitor’s Centre that are perfect for kids. You can camp, and there’s plenty of place for picnics and bike riding.
We were feeling a little more hike-ready though, so when a ranger suggested the Bear Valley trail out to Arch Rock, we didn’t ask how far it was or how long it would take.
It turns out that hike is exactly 18.7 kilometres (11.6 miles), out to the coast and back. Yes, it was a long hike by our standards, but it was a pretty one.
The wide track takes you through rainforest dotted with ferns, meadows of lush green grass and wild flowers, and twisted forest that reminded me of Fangorn.
That’s all before the trail becomes sandier, the vegetation changes completely, and the cliffs stand before you.
Tragically, Arch Rock collapsed in March 2015, killing a hiker and critically injuring another.
All About Point Reyes
- Use the National Park website to plan your trip.
- The Bear Valley Visitor Center is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and from 9am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays.
- Point Reyes Seashore is free, unless you’re camping.
Pin me for later
**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links you don’t pay a cent more, but I receive a small commission, that is put towards the running of this blog.
Sounds like you had a wonderful day! An 18.7km hike is a long one by my standards too!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com-$
That is a huge hike, but it must have been lovely to get out in nature. Looks lovely!
Wow. You are getting out and about and fit for sure. This looks like it was a wonderful experience. Thank you for linking up today for #lifethisweek 17/52. Next week: Taking Stock.
This is such an inspiring post! I only ever seem to visit the big cities of the US and do big city things in them. One year, I would love to attempt a hike with my son when he’s old enough.
SSG xxx
It’s great the national parks are free to enter during National Park Week. Well done on your hike – that’s an awesome effort!
Hmm, I think I need to start working on my fitness, I don’t know how well I’d do with a hike! 🙂
By the end I was limping my way back. Which doesn’t bode well, since I’m slated to run the San Francisco Half Marathon in a couple of months, and that’s longer than this hike.
Sounds like a lovely area for a hike although I’m not sure I’m quite fit enough for a distance like that 😀
Neither was I. Hahaha, dying by the end.
I love that you took full advantage of National Park Week! I was really hoping to do the same, but instead am living vicariously through other peoples posts! This one is no exception! I love a good hike that leaves me glued to the couch in just the same manner!! #wanderfulwednesday
I almost missed it Melanie, so I’m happy that I made it to be honest. And the parks around me were packed so at least it was a great weekend for them! Thanks for visiting and living vicariously through me 🙂
wow this is amazing what a wonderful hike you did. Thanks for linking this post up with #MondayEscapes
The views are just beautiful, I do love a pretty walk. It seems to make them feel much shorter when there is loads to see. Thanks so much for linking up #MondayEscapes x
For some reason, I’ve noticed with out-and-back hikes, that the way back feels so much shorter!
I like the USA, I had to admit though I didn’t this place yet – oh well your pictures is a good excuse to visit this place one day. Thanks for sharing.
There’s always another good excuse to visit Miranda!