Lighthouse and Chimney Rock Trails - Point Reyes
From cows to Cow Parsnip, from seals to Seaside Daisies, a trip to Chimney Rock in Point Reyes in the spring always rewards those who make the journey.
The main reason for our journey to Chimney Rock was to see amazing wild flower diversity unmatched in Marin County. The California Native Plant Society has identified over 200 different species of wildflowers at Chimney Rock. In most cases, these are not fields of flowers, but the intermixing of the different species, providing a beautiful tapestry of color. We were lucky enough to have Katie Martin, coauthor of Hiking Marin and native plant expert, join us for the hike. She pointed out some of the more interesting flowers including Pussy Ears, Footsteps of Spring, and Marin Checker Lily. Although the flowers are beautiful, one often has to peer closely at the ground to see them. Weather conditions can be harsh out on this unprotected point with strong winds. Plants grow low to the ground to avoid being damaged by the strong sea breezes. Native lilacs (Ceanothus sp.) that grow into large shrubs elsewhere, are prostrate at Chimney Rock. They creep across the ground to send up clusters of small blue flowers between the grasses.
Located at the southern tip of the head of Point Reyes, Chimney Rock is a long drive from town. However, the passing countryside is very scenic with rolling grassland and low shrubs. Old farmhouses and barns dot the landscape. These are active and historic dairies that have been on Point Reyes for generations. Calves can be seen with their mothers, and in the spring, some are only days old. When you get close to the end of the Sir Francis Drake Blvd., be sure to make a left turn to take the road that leads to the Chimney Rock parking area. The hike out to the point is an easy stroll and can work well for young kids. Just be sure to stay away from cliff edges. There are no trees, except at the parking area, thus no shelter from the sun or wind. Be prepared with sunscreen and windbreakers.
Another other exciting feature in the area is a large herd of Elephant Seals that hauls out on the beach at the western end of Drakes Bay. With over 200 seals just a few minutes walk from the parking area, it is a must-do. Baby seals, mothers, and a few large males fighting over space and females, fill the available beach. Other wildlife we saw on our trip were shore birds, and raptors feeding on the bluffs and around the water. Owls roost in the cypress trees around the buildings near the parking area. We had a rare experience during our trip - we saw a Long Tailed Weasel run out onto the path. The weasel is a small slender animal with beautiful reddish fur and a white mask around the eyes. It looks like a little bandito.
Be sure to bring binoculars for viewing both the seals and the wildflowers. Binoculars can serve as a microscope for looking at the details of flower parts if you look through your binoculars backwards and place the eyepiece up close to the flowers. This technique is excellent for keying out flowers. The Chimney Rock area is very popular and can be busy. On some weekends the parking area fills, and the park runs shuttles from an overflow parking area. Be prepared and bring a backpack for your gear.
Directions and details can be found in the book Hiking Marin: 141 Great Hikes in Marin County
The main reason for our journey to Chimney Rock was to see amazing wild flower diversity unmatched in Marin County. The California Native Plant Society has identified over 200 different species of wildflowers at Chimney Rock. In most cases, these are not fields of flowers, but the intermixing of the different species, providing a beautiful tapestry of color. We were lucky enough to have Katie Martin, coauthor of Hiking Marin and native plant expert, join us for the hike. She pointed out some of the more interesting flowers including Pussy Ears, Footsteps of Spring, and Marin Checker Lily. Although the flowers are beautiful, one often has to peer closely at the ground to see them. Weather conditions can be harsh out on this unprotected point with strong winds. Plants grow low to the ground to avoid being damaged by the strong sea breezes. Native lilacs (Ceanothus sp.) that grow into large shrubs elsewhere, are prostrate at Chimney Rock. They creep across the ground to send up clusters of small blue flowers between the grasses.
Located at the southern tip of the head of Point Reyes, Chimney Rock is a long drive from town. However, the passing countryside is very scenic with rolling grassland and low shrubs. Old farmhouses and barns dot the landscape. These are active and historic dairies that have been on Point Reyes for generations. Calves can be seen with their mothers, and in the spring, some are only days old. When you get close to the end of the Sir Francis Drake Blvd., be sure to make a left turn to take the road that leads to the Chimney Rock parking area. The hike out to the point is an easy stroll and can work well for young kids. Just be sure to stay away from cliff edges. There are no trees, except at the parking area, thus no shelter from the sun or wind. Be prepared with sunscreen and windbreakers.
Another other exciting feature in the area is a large herd of Elephant Seals that hauls out on the beach at the western end of Drakes Bay. With over 200 seals just a few minutes walk from the parking area, it is a must-do. Baby seals, mothers, and a few large males fighting over space and females, fill the available beach. Other wildlife we saw on our trip were shore birds, and raptors feeding on the bluffs and around the water. Owls roost in the cypress trees around the buildings near the parking area. We had a rare experience during our trip - we saw a Long Tailed Weasel run out onto the path. The weasel is a small slender animal with beautiful reddish fur and a white mask around the eyes. It looks like a little bandito.
Be sure to bring binoculars for viewing both the seals and the wildflowers. Binoculars can serve as a microscope for looking at the details of flower parts if you look through your binoculars backwards and place the eyepiece up close to the flowers. This technique is excellent for keying out flowers. The Chimney Rock area is very popular and can be busy. On some weekends the parking area fills, and the park runs shuttles from an overflow parking area. Be prepared and bring a backpack for your gear.
Directions and details can be found in the book Hiking Marin: 141 Great Hikes in Marin County
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