The staircase down to the lighthouse below is often closed due to high winds, and, especially during the summer, the scene above is hidden in fog. Of course, that’s why the lighthouse was needed, as this rocky point sticks far out into the Pacific, due in part to the San Andreas Fault. If you hike the Earthquake Trail from the Bear Valley visitor center, you can see a fence that has a 16 foot gap representing how far the land moved along the fault line in 1906. There’s also a replica native village and a horse ranch that used to raise Morgans.

Due to its remote coastal location, there are wildlife viewing opportunities, especially Tule Elk at the north point, migrating whales, seals, and birds in different seasons. I saw a coyote, some raptors, deer and coveys of California Quail (our state bird), and I only visited the lighthouse this trip. There are glorious miles of hiking trails, especially out to the estuary and Drakes Bay, where Sir Francis Drake most likely landed during his 1579 circumnavigation.

The park service is working to preserve and restore the area due to its ecological importance. The commercial oyster farm out here is gone, but there are still several historic ranches that date back to the 1850’s. There are kayaks for rent next to the Tomales Bay Resort in Inverness, and the town of Point Reyes Station has some restaurants and organic markets for picnic supplies.