Tomales Bay Trailhead

very nice for a morning or sunset walk.. might be less exciting in a middle of a hot day, as is pretty wide open with no shade

There is a small parking lot there. It’s like a mile walk before you can see the water. The view wasn’t that nice there and a little bit too far. It was really dry and hot when we went. You can see lots of blackberry on the trail. It was a nice walk after eating oysters.

Short out-and-back hike from CA-1 to the Tomales Bay with great views of Point Reyes. Spent about an hour here. Unpaved trail with several gates along the trail, yes it is ok to pass through the gates just be sure to close the gates behind you. The paved parking area is small and can fill up quickly.

Really lovely spot for short hike! Would definitely recommend this place!

Beautiful easy hiking trails with open vistas. A few gates to contain cattle grazing. Wonderful!

Its absolutely beautiful! But a WARNING ‼️ there are a massive amount of ticks DO NOT BRInG DOGS. ( visited end of April / early May) you should go but leave dog behind

A serene walk that reminds us of the Scottish Highlands.

Plenty of parking. Easy to get in and out. Garbage can available. No restrooms.

Half these reviews are of the wrong place. There's the Tomales Bay Trail and the Tomales Point Trail which sound very similar so it's easy to get them mixed up but they are completely different places. The Tomales Point Trail is much farther out and the hike is in view of the ocean and features Tule Elk. That place is: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tomales-point-trail-tule-elk-preserve-inverness?osq=tomales+trail The Tomales Bay Trail is right outside of Point Reyes Station off the Shoreline freeway. The trail is about 2.5 miles and takes a little over an hour. Since it's so close to Point Reyes Station it's nice to go here if you are looking for a shorter hike and not wanting to go all the way out to the seashore or do a long Bear Valley trail. The trail is easy passing by two lagoons or ponds and views of the Inverness mountain in the background. Lots of wildflowers in the spring! Lots of birds, not always in eyesight but I could hear them everywhere. I kept seeing a black bird with a bright red markings, not sure what type of bird this is but it was pretty. There is no shade, most of the time this isn't an issue since Point Reyes is naturally cool or foggy but on a sunny day this can really creep up on you.

For years now I've driven by the Tomales Bay Trailhead and been consistent in remarking that "I want to hike that". I finally did, and when I'd almost fully back-tracked to my car I said "Well, done that. Don't need to do that again". I got home and told my son I'd hiked this nothing-burger trail. At first he didn't know which trail I was talking about then he was struck with a sudden recognition. "You're right" he said, "that's a nothing-burger". There's nothing wrong with his trail aside from there not being much to it. Parking at the trailhead is easy and free in a small lot. After going through numerous gates designed, I believe, to keep the cows in, hikers are presented with attractive views of Tomales Bay and the surrounding wetlands. The trail is neither challenging, steep, nor long but if you want to make it as long as possible head out to the end of the peninsula. Reach the end of that and return the way you came and you'll log a bit under 3.5 miles total. There's no looping here so backtracking is your sole option. Dogs aren't permitted though nobody appears to be checking. If you've also been driving by this trailhead for a long time know that crossing it off your own bucket list won't eat up too much of your day so you might as well. Pretty, easy, and short make this a worthy place to work off a few calories before heading further north for, perhaps, that platter of Hog Island oysters that's got you on this road in the first place.

This place was absolutely beautiful. It's a rough drive from the city (if you get car sick easily), but it's all worth it when you get there. There's a good amount of parking, but I'd recommend getting there early. We arrived at about 9am and there were only a few cars there. When we finished at 1pm, the lot was pretty full. The trail was well maintained and wide enough so that you feel you're able to maintain social distancing even when it gets busy. What I love is that there is something beautiful to see at every turn. I hope to be back here again sooner than later.

Such an amazing hike! It is long hike with elevation, wouldn't suggest if you have asthma and other health related problems. Cannot beat these views!

I did the 10 mile hike and loved it. I suggest to download the app called All trails in order to find the correct trial. beautiful view, great hike, friendly people and a great work out. I highly suggest to do the 10 mile hike if you are able to

This trail is rather short, maybe a couple of miles, (Elk trail) and takes you through a series of cow gates down to part of the delta. It is pretty in a scrub grass kind of way, and you will likely see wildlife (great bird spotting, rabbits, deer, cows) there are supposed to be a lot of elk in the area but we didn't see one. On the return you can create a bit of a loop trail by taking what looks like it may be fire-trail straight up on the return. PRO TIP: look for the turtle cages close to the banks in the water, there is a huge conservation effort going on here.

Elyse M review had the wrong location, incorrect pictures for this spot. There are no ocean views at this spot as seen in those photos just fields with cows and a bit of the bottom of Tomales Bay. Elyse M meant to review Tomales Point, a different location, and as excellent as she describes but quite a drive from Point Reyes Station.