Coast Trail - North

Overview

Most people use sections of the Coast Trail - North instead of traveling end to end, but either method it is a delight. With planning and permits Coast Trail - North can be combined with Coast Trail - South for a wonderfully scenic backpack trip. <br><br>From its southern end walking north, you'll surmount the only really taxing part of the trail at the outset. Climb steeply around a hillside ending with the trail's high point at the junction with Coast Glen Spur trail. From here enjoy some flat travel though woods and fields before plunging steeply down an exposed ridge line towards the ocean. <br><br>After nearly reaching the edge of the cliffs overlooking Millers Point, the Coast Trail - North heads sharply inland again to meet the Bear Valley Trail. Continue on the Coast Trail to one of its highlights: Arch Rock. Take either of the signposted short spur trails (called Arch Rock here) down the narrow isthmus to the point. (keep kids away from the cliff edges here). Some adventurous visitors time their visit for very low tide and low water levels in Coast Creek so that they can climb down to the beach and shimmy through Arch Rock's tunnel.<br><br>The next section of Coast Trail - North between the Sky and Woodard Valley Trails is spectacular. It traces the coastline in and out of shallow valleys, staying above the beach on bluffs. The first spur trail (Kelham Beach) on the left next to a huge eucalyptus tree leads to the wide, tan, sand oasis of -you guessed it- Kelham Beach. <br><br>Retrace your steps back to the Coast Trail and keep heading northwest to the turnoff for Sculptured Beach. This appropriately named beach is known for its sandstone formations built by wind and ocean erosion into arches, tunnels and cliffs. Poke around in the creeks than come from inland and in the pools at waterline for starfish and other ocean life often caught on the beach here. The beach and fantastic cliffs to the south have additional rock formations and are accessible only during low tides.<br><br>Back on th

Trail Stats

Photos

Bird watching from the bluffs

Bird watching from the bluffs

Drakes Bay at sunset

Drakes Bay at sunset

Vast wildflower fields along the Coast Trail - North

Vast wildflower fields along the Coast Trail - North

Pirate ship (!) in the distance from the Coast Trail - North

Pirate ship (!) in the distance from the Coast Trail - North

Drakes Bay in the distance- from the Coast Trail - North

Drakes Bay in the distance- from the Coast Trail - North

Wonderful fields of wildflowers on the Coast Trail - North

Wonderful fields of wildflowers on the Coast Trail - North

View of the coastline through the pines

View of the coastline through the pines

Looking inland

Looking inland

Farallones - about 20 miles offshore

Farallones - about 20 miles offshore

Point Reyes National Seashore Coast Trail - North

Point Reyes National Seashore Coast Trail - North

Wildcat Beach from the Coast Trail - North

Wildcat Beach from the Coast Trail - North

Everyone enjoys Kelham Beach

Everyone enjoys Kelham Beach

Coast Trail at the end of Bear Valley Trail. Pt. Reyes, California

Coast Trail at the end of Bear Valley Trail. Pt. Reyes, California

Coastal view near The Arch Rock

Coastal view near The Arch Rock

Near Miller's Point, off the Coast Trail - North

Near Miller's Point, off the Coast Trail - North

Arch Rock

Arch Rock

Looking north from Arch Rock, Point Reyes

Looking north from Arch Rock, Point Reyes

End of Bear Valley Trail at Arch Rock

End of Bear Valley Trail at Arch Rock

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