Lighthouse  & Elephant Seal Tour

Point Reyes National Seashore Association

Discover the history and science of the Seashore’s coastal marine ecosystems on a moderate hike down the Lighthouse steps.

Point Reyes Lighthouse Public Parking

Difficulty level: ModerateDistance: 1.25 milesThe historic Point Reyes Lighthouse sits atop the western-most end of the Point Reyes Headlands that juts 10 miles out to sea. Built in 1870, the lighthouse operated for 105 years as a warning to passing mariners of this land hazard. Even though the Lighthouse was retired in 1975 when an automated light was installed, the building remains as a specimen of our maritime history that visitors can enjoy and explore.Another inhabitant of the Point Reyes Headlands, the Northern Elephant Seal, is a fun viewing activity for visitors. After being absent for more than 150 years, this species returned to the Headlands in the early 1970s. The greatest number of seals can be seen on our beaches from December through March, but by mid-September juveniles return to shore for a resting haul out, and remain on the Headland beaches through mid-November.On this 1.5 mile Picnic on the Pacific Plate hike you’ll have the opportunity to explore the coastal marine ecosystems of Point Reyes, learn about the history of the lighthouse and maritime activity on the Seashore, and discover the life of elephant seals. The hike will be co-lead by PRNSA’s Education and Outreach Manager Brandon Barragan and National Park Service (NPS) Marine Ecologist Sarah Codde. Your co-leads offer a diverse expertise on park history, education experiences at the park, and marine ecology. The hike begins at the lighthouse parking lot. From there the hiking group will walk 0.45 miles to the Lighthouse Visitor Center, and then descend the 313 lighthouse steps (equivalent to 25 stories). After exploring the outdoor Lighthouse area—the inside of the lighthouse is still closed due to COVID—and discovering the interplay of human presence at the lighthouse and the surrounding ecosystem, we’ll head back up the stairs.This hike will give you an in-depth look at the beloved Lighthouse structure and the treasured Northern Elephant species of the Point Reyes National Seashore.

Details:<ul><li>We will be meeting at the Lighthouse parking lot at the western end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard</li><li>The hike will begin at 1:45pm, but please arrive 15 minutes early (1:30pm) to check in and to allow time for COVID safety protocols (see below)</li><li>Please give at least 48 hours of notice if you decide to no longer attend the hike</li><li>Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class </li><li>Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes</li><li>Sales end 48 hours before the start date</li><li>Waitlists are available when the class sells out</li></ul>

What to Bring:<ul><li>Hiking Shoes </li><li>Water Bottle + Water </li><li>Binoculars (Optional) </li><li>Camera (Optional)</li><li>Vaccination Proof (If not provided before the event - see below)</li></ul>

Picnic on the Pacific Plate COVID-19 GuidelinesIn accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:<ul><li>Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus </a>as a guide</li><li>Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness</li><li>Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class</li></ul>During class all participants will be required to do the following<ul><li>Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes </li><li>All participants may be required to wear masks for indoor classes per current CDC and county recommendations at the time of class</li></ul>Please refer to the <a href="https://ptreyes.org/popp-covid-safety/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Covid Safety Policy</a> page on our website to learn more. Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.

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Lighthouse & Elephant Seal Tour

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Lighthouse & Elephant Seal Tour

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