Point reyes lighthouse whether you are an avid birder, whale watcher, geologist, or a maritime or lighthouse enthusiast, this popular destination has it all. Point reyes lends its name to the town of point reyes station. The new 2020 winterspring activity guide can be viewed or downloaded at parks. There are several locations along the whale trail, where many whales can be. While point reyes is well known for being a great location for watching the gray whale migration during the winter and spring, a lot of visitors are surprised to see whales during the summer and fall. Amateur radio activation at the point reyes lighthouse. Our standard tour is focused on wildlife viewing and the scenic beauty of the national seashore. May 04, 20 point reyes lighthouse, whale sighting may 3rd around 7. Chimney rock, on the opposite side of the ridge from the lighthouse, is another good place to observe. What drives the gray whale to undertake this incredible annual round trip from alaska to baja.
The insiders guide to point reyes is free to download on amazon and ibooks. Built in 1870 as a twin of the cape mendocino light, the point reyes lighthouse was automated in 1975 and listed on the national register of historic places in 1991. Please download, sign and bring this with you on the day of your tour. Apr 03, 20 whales migrating to the bearing sea, 14,00 migration for gray whales, similar to the penguins. Download the pacific gray whales resource newsletter for more. Point reyes lighthouse visitor center trail is a 1. Look for a brown point reyes national seashore sign just beyond the olema campground. Here, you can see historic photographs of shipwrecks and lighthousekeepers, and handle items on the touch table, including whale baleen. Offering miles of unspoiled coastline, point reyes lighthouse preserves 28,750 hectares 71,000 acres of coastal beaches, estuaries, headlands, and wildlife. The rock lover in your group will enjoy learning more about the natural history of point reyes which starts with a closer look at the areas geologic foundation. San francisco california, point reyes national seashore. Elephant seal breeding season extends from late december to early. Mar 05, 2018 81 gray whales spotted off point reyes saturday and more are on the way by alix martichoux, sfgate published 12.
It was so windy that when we took the half mile walk out to see point reyes lighthouse, it was impossible to walk in a straight line. Built in 1870 as a twin of the cape mendocino light, the point reyes lighthouse was automated in 1975 and listed on the national register of historic places in. Point reyes lighthouse visitor center trail closed california. We can also visit the world famous lighthouse and several of the other. Gray whales or california whales are in sight during winter months when the bay area is free from fogs which hover above the waters during the warm season. There is a lot to see and do at point reyes national seashore, and many guests find they need more than a day to see the best the park has to offer. More than 66 gray whales were spotted off point reyes on saturday, the most so far this season. When you first see the point reyes lighthouse from the observation deck at point reyes national seashore ca, your first instinct is to want to see the lighthouse up close. Along the way, these incredible animals can often be seen from the shores of point reyes. Point reyes national seashore explore a spectacular coastal peninsula the coastal preserve, some 30 miles48 kilometers north of san francisco, protects more than 1,500 animal and plant species and 80 miles kilometers of shoreline. The parks adjacent lighthouse visitor center features exhibits about the lighthouse and the parks.
Whale watching or not, point reyes lighthouse, california. Point reyes whale watching in san francisco 2020 best season. Point reyes lighthouse 308 steps national parks blog. Tuesdaythursday we view the lighthouse from the viewing platform at the top of the stairs. This is the time of year when california gray whales eschrichtius robustus pass by the coast on their annual southern migration, so start planning your winter trip out to point reyes national seashore to do some whale watching now the histproc point reyes lighthouse has recently reopened after an. Point reyes lighthouse point reyes national seashore 2020.
The rangers at the lighthouse shared that whales far from shore are typically humpbacks, and whales close to shore are typically gray whales. They then transferred ownership of the lighthouse to the national park service, which has taken on the job of preserving this fine specimen of our heritage. The point reyes lighthouse, built in 1870, was retired from service in 1975 when the u. The point reyes lighthouse is located at the westernmost point of the point reyes headlands. Built and commissioned in 1870, this lighthouse with its first order fresnel lens has been carefully restored and maintained in.
Apr 15, 2020 gray whales or california whales are in sight during winter months when the bay area is free from fogs which hover above the waters during the warm season. Smallgroup tours to view the seals from the edge of the parking lot began the following month. One of the main attractions of point reyes california is the point reyes lighthouse and lighthouse enthusiasts flock to this location. Winter always heralds the start of whalewatching season on northern. To reach the point reyes lighthouse from highway 1, head west on bear valley road from olema or west on sir francis drake boulevard from point reyes station. We werent able to descend the 300 stairs to the lighthouse itself, as the stairs were closed due to the heavy winds. Point reyes lighthouse, whale sighting may 3rd around 7. Jutting 10 miles into the pacific ocean, the headlands of the point reyes peninsula offer one of the finest spots to view the gray whale.
Whale watching at point reyes lighthouse marin mommies. The new year always heralds the start of whalewatching season on northern californias coast. How to see whales and seals at point reyes national seashore. If you get to a flashing red light, youve gone 100 yards 100 m too far. We had planned to head straight to point reyes national seashore to have a full day of birding there, but we had to pull over when we spotted some american avocets, a life bird for yours truly. Due to the lighthouse restoration project, the lighthouse area will be inaccessible to the amateur radio operators and the general public through september 2019, so the 2019 radio activation that is normally held on an annual basis in the lighthouse garages has been cancelled for 2019. The driving time from point reyes station or olema is about 40 minutes.
Point reyes lighthouse in ca, united states lighthouse. Good overview posted in whales marin mommies has a good overview of whale watching at point reyes. Point reyes lighthouse is located in the north of san francisco and about 30 miles west of olema at highway 1. Gray whales make one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, traveling a total of 15,000 to 21,000 kilometers 9,000 to,000 miles every year. Point reyes lighthouse california point reyes light station. Watch for the magnificent gray whales during the months of january through march as they migrate. Its also the second foggiest place in north america. Point reyes lighthouse, inverness, ca california beaches. The point reyes lighthouse attracts whalewatchers looking for the gray whale migrating. The histproc point reyes lighthouse has recently reopened after an. The lighthouse sits at the westernmost tip of a headland that juts out 10 miles into the sea. Point reyes lighthouse point reyes national seashore.
Even if your drive up to point reyes is foggy and stormy, theres a good chance the fog will clear by the time you arrive. Several tour companies offer whale watching boat trips. The lighthouse steps are open fridaymonday and closed tuesdaythursday. Point reyes lighthouse, california jody diehl the point reyes lighthouse, located on the westernmost point of the point reyes headlands, is an excellent vantage point from which to catch glimpses of the pacific gray whales during northern californias whale migration season, which runs from mid to late december into early may. The light at the edge of the world point reyes lighthouse, ca. Because of its location near the metropolitan san francisco bay area, the campsites at point reyes are in great demand, and reservations are strongly suggested. It has a tower that measures about 37 feet and it is a twin lighthouse of cape mendocino lighthouse. Gray whales delight visitors as they pass by the cliffs of the point reyes lighthouse during their winter and spring migrations. A humpback whale breaching in the gulf of the farallones on october, 2009. Point reyes tours wildlife tours point reyes national. Amateur radio activation point reyes national seashore. Jutting 16 kilometers 10 miles into the pacific ocean, the. Start at the visitor center for uptodate information on the park and the activities available.
It is located in marin county approximately 30 miles 50 km westnorthwest of san francisco. Pet travel guide shopping sports the outdoors tours virtual offerings. Also close to the lighthouse is chimney rock which as hiking trails and a seal rookery to check out. The point reyes lighthouse is located on the westernmost point of the point reyes headlands. There is a sign that warns that the over 300 steps is the same as a 30 story building and while its easy to get down, you need to be in decent shape to make it back up. When you reach the end of the road there will be a parking lot. It was first lit last 1870 and electricity came in for it way back in 1938. Whales sighting at point reyes lighthouse california, usa. Whale watching at point reyes national seashore point reyes. This is the time of year when california gray whales eschrichtius robustus pass by the coast on their annual southern migration, so start planning your winter trip out to point reyes national seashore to do some whale watching now. The gulf of the farallones national marine sanctuary provides a 20mile wide, nutrientrich corridor for the whales to migrate. Point reyes national seashore is one of the few places in california to.
The point reyes lighthouse is a lighthouse in the gulf of the farallones on point reyes in marin county, california. Whale watching at point reyes national seashore point. Its original construction was first delayed for a total of 15 years. Overall, it was an interesting time to be out birding because there were a combination not only of.
The point reyes lighthouse, also known as point reyes light or the point reyes light station, is a lighthouse in the gulf of the farallones on point reyes in point reyes national seashore, located in marin county, california, united states. The historic point reyes lighthouse, on the tip of a rugged peninsula that juts 10 miles out into the pacific ocean, is one of our favorite spots to watch the wholes go by. Point reyes lighthouse is perched on a ledge at the point at the farthest distance from the park entrance. Wildlife and photography enthusiast can see birds, elk, whales and elephant seals.
Mar 25, 2009 we got the sunshine, but unfortunately our birding was inhibited by the incredibly strong winds. The areas around chimney rock and the point reyes historic lighthouse offer some of the best whale watching spots in the park. The point reyes lighthouse, also known as point reyes light or the point reyes light station, is a lighthouse in the gulf of the farallones on point reyes in point reyes national seashore, located in marin county, california, united states the parks adjacent lighthouse visitor center features exhibits about the lighthouse and the parks marine life and natural history. You can also see humpback and orca whales from the viewpoint. Point reyes national seashore offers yearround backcountry hikein camping along drakes bay and in the phillip burton wilderness and boatin camping on the west shore of tomales bay. To start with, point reyes is the windiest place on the pacific coast. Oct 29, 2017 point reyes lighthouse is located in the north of san francisco and about 30 miles west of olema at highway 1. Point reyes national seashore boasts some of the most diverse wildlife viewing opportunities in the country. As with many species weve seen this trip, some were in winter plumage and others in summer plumage. National park service staff counted the migrating whales from the point reyes lighthouse. Point reyes lighthouse is a popular spot for whale watching and seeing harbor.
Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national seashore. Point reyes arrivallighthouse whale watching youtube. Winter whale and elephant seal watching at point reyes. Winter whale and elephant seal watching at point reyes national. Near the san francisco bay area towns of point reyes station and inverness, the blackthorne bed and breakfast provides romantic lodging in a luxurious tree house located near the point reyes national seashore and lighthouse, one hour from san francisco and the california wine country.
Nowadays, gray whales belong to rare marine species. The park ranger is telling me, 2 actually, one on each side of me. Point reyes whale watching in san francisco 2020 best. Point reyes national seashore, california guide fodors. Two sections of point reyes beach are closed to pets through september. Shuttle buses leave drakes beach every 1520 minutes. The point reyes lighthouse, located on the westernmost point of the point reyes headlands, is an excellent vantage point from which to catch glimpses of the pacific gray whales during northern californias whale migration season, which runs from mid to late december into early may.
The pacific gray whale has the longest known migration 9,000 miles, spending about one third of its life migrating from the cold, nutrientrich waters of alaska, to the warm, shallow lagoons of baja california. Go see the whales out at the point reyes light house and chimney rock. The area also provides some of the best views around. Probably the best place to see the whale migration is at the point reyes lighthouse, since its at the point where the point. Would you associate this place or activity with wellness. The point reyes lighthouse is possibly the most dramatic in all of california. The point reyes lighthouse is located on a bluff that juts 10 miles out to sea, 20 miles from the bear valley visitor center. Gray whales at point reyes point reyes national seashore u. You need to visit point reyes national seashore to see whales.
Marvel at this iconic landmark of the park, climb its over 300 steps optional, learn its history, look for migrating grey whales, humpback whales and though seldom even orcas swim by. Jun 14, 2011 point reyes lighthouse 308 steps when you first see the point reyes lighthouse from the observation deck at point reyes national seashore ca, your first instinct is to want to see the lighthouse up close. In point reyes station, the turnoff from highway 1 is located at the green bridge on the south end of town. Whale watching at point reyes point reyes national. The new year always heralds the start of whale watching season on northern californias coast. Numerous rangerled programs are offered during the whale and elephant seal season. Whales sighting at point reyes lighthouse california, usa december 2016. Located on a westward stretching point of land about 30 miles north of the golden gate bridge, point reyes lighthouse stands watch over a rugged point of land that seems to punch its way into the pacific ocean. Unfortunately there is no beach access from the lighthouse, but point reyes national seashore has many sandy beaches to choose from including the south end of the great beach which is nearby. Visit point reyes lighthouse on your trip to point reyes. The national park service offers a variety of rangerled programs during whale and elephant seal season. The point may once have been known as lobes lighthouse by the sailors of clipper ships on the meat trade. Whales migrating to the bearing sea, 14,00 migration for gray whales, similar to the penguins.
Point reyes is a prominent cape and popular northern california tourist destination on the pacific coast. Id gone on a 9mile paddling trip with the spp a few weeks before. Theyve since transferred ownership of the lighthouse to the national park service, which is now responsible for its preservation. Point reyes lighthouse is out there the windswept land at the end of the world the lighthouse sits at the very edge of the point reyes national seashore, a remote 71,028acre 287. At least that was the excuse i used to make the twohour drive to point reyes national seashore. With sandy beaches stretching for miles, a dramatic rocky coastline, a gem of a lighthouse, and idyllic, centuryold dairy farms, point reyes national seashore is one of the most varied and.
Point reyes is also a great place to just hang out, walk on the beach, take a guided point reyes food and farm tour, and eat out at quaint local restaurants. Probably the best place to see the whale migration is at the point reyes lighthouse, since its at the point where the point reyes peninsula juts farthest into the pacific ocean. The hotspots for whale watching are located around chimney rock and the lighthouse at point reyes. Here, you can see historic photographs of shipwrecks and lighthouse keepers, and handle items on the touch table, including whale baleen. No cars allowed at point reyes light house on weekends and holidays december 30, 2017 through late marchapril 2018. Why winter is the best time for animal sightings in the north bay. Rutting season in august october, and calves can be spotted in the spring. The term is often applied to the point reyes peninsula, the region bounded by tomales bay on the northeast and bolinas lagoon on the southeast. The point reyes lighthouse was built in 1870 and retired from service in 1975 when the u. Watch the sunset at point reyes lighthouse, point reyes. Download the pacific gray whales resource newsletter for more information about the gray whale. Hiking point reyes national seashore, exploring miles of california beaches. Tule elk and deer graze the open pastures throughout the park.
If you plan on hiking, make sure you have downloaded maps on. The point reyes lighthouse is located in the state of california, right exactly in marin county. Point reyes lighthouse facts the point reyes lighthouse was built in 1870 and retired from service in 1975 when the u. While point reyes is well known for being a great location for watching the gray whale migration during the winter and spring, a lot of visitors are surprised to.
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