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Art Galleries,
Beaches, Biking, Bird Watching,
Day Trips, Fishing, Hang-Gliding,
Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Marin Headlands,
Massage, Murder Mystery Weekends, Muir Woods, Music, Point Reyes Lighthouse,
Reading, Samuel P. Taylor State Park,
Waterfalls, Whale Watching, Wildflowers, Wildlife.
Art Galleries
Point Reyes' inspiring beauty has brought many artists
to the area. Some display their work permanently such as Marty Knapp
Photography . Another permanent display in Point Reyes
Station is the revolving display at Gallery Route
One. Other artiststheir homes twice a year in theStudio weekends. For details of this event you can email Marty
Knapp at mknapp.
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Beaches
The Seashore offers two diverse beach types. The rugged Pacific
beaches to the west park amaze the visit with their natural beauty.
The vast expanse of Limantour just eight miles from Olema is a perfect
place to see the sunset. For those taking the road to Abbott's Lagoon
or the long dramatic beach at Kehoe there may be elk at the side of the
road. The road to the Lighthouse winds passed more magnificent beaches.
These offer drama and miles of easy walking listening to the waves
crashing on the sand. Tide-pooling is a popular activity at low tide.
The Bay beaches are gentler with sunnier weather.
At Tomales Bay State Park, Heart's Desire Beach is
perfect for swimming. The beaches along the Bay have easy access
for kayakers.
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Biking 
There are many different cycling venues either on or off
road. Sir Francis Drake, Bear Valley Road and Limantour Roads take the
cyclist to beaches and bakeries. To hire bikes and get maps in
Olema contact Dave at Cycle
Point Reyes. Some of the mountain bike trails are listed
below:
·
The shady Bear Valley Trail is
suitable for beginners with a steady climb to Divide Meadows (a good
picnic spot with restrooms). After four miles bikes have to be locked
at the rack provided and the last part of the trail to the ocean and
Arch Rock made by foot.
·
Inverness Ridge is an exciting single
track recommended for more experienced riders. It descends from Mount
Vision parking lot to the Bayview Trail and Limantour Road. The steep
narrow trail winds through forest with occasional views of Drakes
Estero.
·
The Cross Marin Trail in Samuel P.
Taylor Park, starting just minutes from An English Oak at Ridgetop, is
a part paved and dirt trail on the former railway line through the
redwoods. This trail is suitable for beginners. For a more
ambitious ride bikers can climb up on to the Olema/Bolinas Ridge
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Bird Watching
Point Reyes
National Seashore is an excellent location for bird lovers.
Situated under the Pacific Flyway,
both land and seabirds shelter in this protected environment.
Tomales
Bay is one of the most productive and varied wildlife habitats on
the Pacific Flyway. Many of the trails offer superb opportunities
to watch birds in their natural habitats. The Woodpecker Trail
from the Visitor Center has information boards highlighting the things
that can be seen and heard in this woodland setting. The trails
leading to the Estero or Limantour Beach give birdwatchers a chance to
see wading birds.
The Audubon Canyon Ranch
allows bird watcher to view courtship, nesting and mating egrets and
herons as well as raising their young. The birds return to this area
every spring and can be viewed from the Preserve Overlook.Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays 10am - 4pm .
The Point
Reyes Bird Observatory at Palomarin offers a chance to see birds
ringed and fed. The PRBO's Palomarin Field Station and nature
trails areto the public dawn to dusk seven days a week. It
is located at the southern end of the Park. Both it and the PRBO's
Fallon Island Field Station located 28 miles west of the Golden Gate
are recognized as two of the premier field biology training programs in
the United States. Call for information on bird walks,
mist-netting/banding demonstrations and other environmental education
activities . All walks are led by PRBO biologists.
All ages are welcome. $5 donation requested.
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Day Trips
An English Oak at Ridgetop can be a hub for several day
trips. San Francisco is just one hour away. It can be
reached by driving the spectacular Highway One to the Golden Gate
Bridge or, for those not wanting to bother with finding parking, by the
ferry from
Larkspur Landing.
A wonderful day out which explores the towns and coast
to the north loops up to Tomales,
Bodega Bay,
and Jenner.
It passes Marshall with
its working boatyard and great seafood restaurant at Tony's. Take in
the picturesque town of Tomales. Bodega Bay has been made famous by its
inclusion in the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds. Jenner is the mouth
of the Russian River. It’s neighbor Duncan Mills
has a museum and converted station buildings paying homage to its
railroad history. Following the river where you catch glimpses of
rafters tackling the waters, the road turns south through the forests
at Occidental. This historic
town was settled by Italians decades ago and the restaurants are still
a testament to this.
Just an hour’s drive to the east lays the wine-growing
valleys of Sonoma and Napa.
French chateaus, Bavarian castles, and Scottish hunting lodges stand at
the side of these meandering roads. Many have wine tasting rooms and
guided tours of the grounds and wine making process. The old mission
town of Sonoma makes a perfect rest stop for a lunch.
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Fishing
Ocean beach fishing and fishing from boats in Tomales
Bay and the ocean are popular pursuits. Fresh water fishing in the Park
has been curtailed in an effort to re establish native fish populations
such as steelhead and salmon. For more information contact www.nps.gov
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Hang-Gliding
San Francisco Hang gliding Center specializes in Tandem
Hang Gliding, Paragliding, and Aqua Gliding. Fly in a glider beside an
USHGA certified instructor from the top of Mt. Tamalpais down to
Stinson Beach, after only 5 minutes of instruction. Or fly in our
Ultralight "Aqua-glider" over the San Francisco Bay! Look down on
Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge from the air. Just 10
miles from San Francisco! Transportation available. Call
or www.sfhanggliding.com
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Hiking
The Point
Reyes National Seashore offers 140
miles of maintained trails with a variety of terrains to choose
from. Below is a suggested sample.
If you only have one hour, the Visitor
Center contains several ecological and historical exhibits, along
with a seismograph, weather station and auditorium for enjoying videos
and educational programmes. A short path from the center leads to Kule
Loko a replica of a Coastal Miwok Indian Village. Interpretive signs
briefly describe the Coastal Miwok culture, history and the structures
in the village.
For a walk in the woods the Woodpecker
Trail explores local forest and meadows with interpretive signs
describing some plants and animals you may see along the way.
The popular Earthquake
Trail is a short flat paved loop that explores the San Andreas
Fault Zone. Interpretive signs describe the geology of the area. The
trail entrance is located across the parking lot from the visitor
center.
For those with more time the Bear Valley Trail
follows a creek and extends out to the ocean. After four miles
the tree covered trails out to reward the hiker with views of the
Pacific and Arch Rock. The return trip can be back along the same trail
or up along the ridge trails.
A strenuous three-hour hike from the Visitor Center
climbs Mt
Wittenburg. The steep 1300' climb to the highest point in the park
is not for the faint hearted but provides the adventurer with panoramic
views of the seashore and Olema Valley at its peak.
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Horseback Riding
With so much beauty to see in the Point Reyes National
Seashore why not cover some of it on horseback? There are several
options for those wanting to rent a horse or bring their own.
Five
Brooks Stables is a public riding stables within the Point Reyes
National Seashore on Highway One. It offers 1,2,3 & 6 hour guided
trail rides. For family fun there are hay-rides.
If riding a horse along a sandy beach with waves
crashing at your feet is your dream then try Chanslor Ranch.
Located at Bodega Bay, this working western horse ranch offers a
variety of experiences for individuals or groups.
For those wishing to bring their own horse to the area,
horse and other pack animals are permitted on most established trails
and beaches at the Point Reyes National Seashore. The Visitor
Center on Bear Valley Road offers a free map
and information.
For overnight stays Stewart Horse Camp is a privately
owned and managed camp on Highway One. Many bed and breakfasts are just
5 - 15 minutes away so both horse and rider can have a comfortable
night. Call for reservations or visit www.nps.gov/pore/activ_horse.htm
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Kayaking
Kayaking or canoeing on the waters of Tomales Bay and
the Estero provide incredible opportunities to witness wildlife, or to
relax and let your problems drift away. Winter or Summer is a
perfect time to paddle. Early mornings and late
afternoons are best times for Summer outings. The
skies are clear, the water calm and the waterfowl abound. Kayaking
offers quiet communication with nature, invigorating physical exercise,
the camaraderie of a shared adventure, freedom to explore hidden
backwaters and the thrill ofcoast touring.
The guides at Tamal Saka/Blue Waters will assist you in
having a safe and enjoyable experience. The company provides part or
whole day tours and lessons. For more information visit www.bwkayak.com or www.tamalsaka.com
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Marin Headlands
An hour south of Olema is the Marin Headlands Visitors
Center. The interactive exhibits on the human and natural history of
the are isdaily 9.30am - 4.30pm
The Marine
Mammal Center is also located at the Marin Headlands, just north
of the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can learn about this conservation
facility and visit seal and seal lion patients at this hospital.daily 10am - 4pm
The Point Bonita Lighthouse is still in operation and
can be viewed at weekends. The half mile trail to the lighthouse is
steep so sturdy shoes are recommended. Call for details.
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Massage
After a day exploring the wonderful Point Reyes Area,
why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage? The proprietor at
An English Oak is a qualified massage therapist and brings the table to
your room. A one-hour massage is $60. One-and-half-hour is
$80. Please call or email
Sharyn before your stay so we can set up a time.
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Murder Mystery Weekends
An English Oak offers you and your friends a chance to
solve an old fashioned English crime. The event takes place over
a weekend. Six to nine people are assigned a character. Prior to
the date, information is mailed to participants outlining their
character and image they present to the outside world. The themed
settings could be an old English Manor House, a European hotel or
Egyptian Nile steamer. The periods usually range from 1900 to
1930 and guests are encouraged to dress in character to help set the
mood.
In the process of removing suspicion from yourself, you
question or point to other guests with motive and opportunity. Maps and
plans need to be examined and alibis dissected. Everything is light
hearted with plenty of scope for laughter. The schedule may be
modified to fit your desired itinerary. Call or email Sharyn to find out
about becoming the next Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple. .
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Muir Woods
The Visitor Center at Muir Woods has displays of the natural history of
these magnificent trees and ancient redwood forest. Paved trails wind
through the trees and passed creeks where salmon can be spotted.8am- sunset daily.
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Music
Several of the restaurants have live music at
weekends. The Olema Inn
a neighbor to An English Oak at Ridgetop has background music to
accompany the fine dining and historic setting. The Station House Cafe has
live music on Friday and Saturday in the bar area. For music and
dancing, Rancho Nicasio
has a fantastic venue for listening or kicking your heels up.
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Point Reyes Lighthouse
Few sights can compare to the Point Reyes
Lighthouse perched hundreds of feet above the dramatic Pacific
Ocean. This western most point of the contiguous United States has
always been a treacherous obstacle for mariners at sea. Built in
1870 the lighthouse was in service for 105 years before being relived
by a new automated light beacon below the lighthouse. The
National Park Service now maintains the historic lighthouse for the 2.5
million visitors who come each year. The lighthouse is in excellent
working condition. The 300 steps leading down to it aredaily
except Tuesday and Wednesday weather permitting.
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Reading
There are plenty of good books
about the Point Reyes area. We recommend, “Point Reyes
National Seashore A Hiking and Nature Guide” by Don and Kay
Martin; “The Natural History of Point Reyes” by Jules
Evans, and “Saving the Marin- Sonoma Coast” by L Martin Griffin.
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Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Samuel P. Taylor State Park is 7 miles east on
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The park features hillside trails for
hikers, equestrians and bicyclists as well as charming picnic areas.
There are also creeks,grassland, and redwood canyons in the park.
For more information call .
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Waterfalls
Alamere
Falls is a dramatic waterfall dropping onto the rocky beach.
It is reached from the Palomarin Trail on the southern part of the
Park. The trail winds through native forest and coastal plain
bringing the hiker past a chain of coastal lakes to a 50' cliff-side
waterfall. It drops onto Palomarin Beach. Surf crashes up
to meet the falls on this exposed western facing coast. The trail is a
fire road for most of the walk and the terrain is gently hilly.
Arriving on a low tide it is possible to reach the beach and view it
from below.
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Whale Watching
Gray whales, the endangered Humpback, Blue whales, Minke
and Orca whales can all be seen in the waters of Point Reyes.
The Lighthouse and Point Reyes headlands areas are
excellent places to watch the gray whale migration from mid January
through March each year. Late April and early May afford the
opportunity to see mothers and calves close to shore. Point Reyes is
rich in marine wildlife. For the
lucky observer it is possible to see finback whales, blue whales pilot
whales, dolphins, seals and elephant seals.
The California Gray Whale can be seen migrating south
from prominent coastal between November and February. In March
the northward migration from Baja California's lagoon begins. Whales
can be spotted from the cliff tops or from boat tours.
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Wildflowers
Over 60 species of wildflowers
have been counted on the coastal plateaus of Point Reyes. Few areas in
North America have the variety of habitats found within the 110 square
miles of the Point Reyes peninsula. Spring displays in March,
April and May of wild iris, lupine tidy tips buttercup and poppies make
it hard to believe these have not been planted by a gardener.
Great places to see the carpets of color are:
·
Chimney Rock Trail 1.6 miles 100' elevation
in late April - huge variety
·
Tomales Point Trail 9.4 miles 1000' elevation
- stunning display of iris
·
Kehoe Beach Trail 1.2 miles 100' elevation
·
Abbots Lagoon Trail 3 miles 100' elevation
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Wildlife
As wildlife habitat is lost elsewhere in California, the
relevance of the Point Reyes Peninsula increases as a protected
area with a notable rich biological diversity. Over 45% of North
American avian species and nearly 18% of California's plant species are
found in the park due to the variety habitat and uniqueness of the
geology. Twenty-three threatened and endangered species exist with the
Seashore.
A drive through the windswept Bishop pines, a hike up Mt
Wittenburg under the towering Douglas firs or a walk along Bear Valley
Trail through mixed woodlands to the exposed coastal scrub near the
ocean offers a chance to see how the place works and why plants grow in
certain areas.
Their placement began with ancient geologic forces that
created the bedrock and soils. Particular characteristics in
these soils determine which types of plants can survive in different
locations.
Wildlife abounds throughout the Seashore. Along
the coast there are mammals such as whales, seals and seal lions.
Birdlife is in abundance along the tide lines. Back in the forest a
glimpse of a bobcat, coyote, raccoon, skunk deer and elk are frequent.
Northern Elephant Seals can be seen off Chimney Rock the
north and South Beaches and Drakes Beach from December to April.
Californian Seal Lions can be seen at Seal Lion Cove near the
lighthouse. Harbor Seals can be observed at sandy beaches like
Drakes Estero and Bolinas Lagoon from April to July.
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