Elephant Seals at Point Reyes National Seashore

A Brief History of Elephant Seals at Point Reyes After being absent for more than 150 years, northern elephant seals returned to sandy pocket beaches on the south side of the Point Reyes Headlands in the early 1970s. In 1981, the first breeding pair was discovered near Chimney Rock. Between 1988 and 1993, the population grew at a dramatic annual average rate of 32%. Since 1993, the average growth rate has slowed to 8–9% per year. Fanning out from their initial secluded south-facing beaches of the headlands, the seals have since expanded to beaches which are not as remote, [...]

Elephant Seals at Point Reyes National Seashore2020-01-04T21:27:55-08:00

Whale Watching in the Point Reyes National Seashore

Engaging in the longest migration of any mammal, the California gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) swims 10,000 miles each year, spending about one third of its life migrating from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Alaska, to the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California. Along the way, these incredible animals can often be seen from the shores of Point Reyes. What drives the gray whale to undertake this incredible annual round trip from Alaska to Baja? Food and reproduction. Jutting 10 miles into the Pacific Ocean, the headlands of the Point Reyes Peninsula offer one of the finest spots to view [...]

Whale Watching in the Point Reyes National Seashore2020-01-04T21:28:37-08:00

The Beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes beaches are some of the most dramatic and beautiful in the country. You'll find places to go walking swimming, kayaking, tidepooling, birdwatching, and beachcombing. Many beaches are easily accessible, others you can reach only by hiking. Beaches on the west coast tend to be windswept and dramatic, surf rough and rip currents treacherous. McClures Beach, south of Tomales Point and west of the Pierce Point parking area, has great tidepooling and lots of wildlife including the giant sea anemones. Take care at this beach as the intense surf makes it dangerous to be on the rocks except [...]

The Beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore2020-01-04T21:29:25-08:00
Go to Top