Mountain to Sea - Guided Hike in Point Reyes

This loop hike in beautiful Point Reyes will become one of your favorites!

A rigorous route that clocks in at 10.1 miles and just under 1,700' elevation gain, this hike will take you from the Douglas Fir forests of Inverness Ridge to the coastal chaparral of the Point Reyes coast, and will traverse the heart of the 2020 Woodward fire zone where you will learn to take part in photomonitoring efforts to help study regrowth and recovery following the fire.

Beginning at the Laguna Trailhead parking lot, we will follow the Laguna Trail to enjoy a steady climb to the Bayview Trail then make our way along Inverness Ridge via Sky Trail through tall stands of Douglas firs and almost solid masses of huckleberry bushes. Next we will drop down along the Woodward Valley Trail and head toward the ocean. The trail emerges from the trees onto an open grassland shelf above the shoreline where views of the ocean seemingly extend to infinity. On a clear day, the entire coastline from Drakes Bay to Palomarin is visible. Finally, we'll follow Coast, Fire Lane and Laguna Trails to get back to the trail head and our cars.

You should carry plenty of water (1L minimum) and there will be opportunities to refill along the way. Also plan to bring a lunch and snacks. We will stop to eat along the way.

This is an advanced hike, not recommended for beginners. You should already be comfortable hiking similar distances to joing this trip.

Kathy Fanning has been an avid hiker for more than 20 years. She has hiked in many areas around the US as well as in other countries around the world including Australia, South Africa, and France. She fell in love with hiking in the North Bay, especially in Pt. Reyes National Seashore, after retiring and moving to Petaluma in 2008. She is passionate about wildlife and wildflowers and enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of the natural world with others. She often hikes 3 or 4 days a week and has been leading hikes for a local hiking group for 14 years.

Photo Credit: Kathy Fanning

Details

-We will be meeting at the Laguna Trailhead parking lot

- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

- Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests less than 48 hours in advance will be declined.

- Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

- Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

- Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

- Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

- Waitlists are available when the class sells out

Ticket Pricing

A range of pricing options are available to meet your needs. We welcome your participation and appreciate your support at any level.

What to Bring

Day Pack

Lunch

Warm Variable Weather Clothing

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal (optional)

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute volunteer facilitator, or are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Send an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Health Guidelines

Masks are welcome at your discretion as we all work together to remain healthy and safe.