Hidden Coast near Elephant Cave

Overview

This gets my vote for the most spectacular hike in the Bay Area. It starts at McClures Beach and passes through 4 promontories. Each seems impassable until you get close. To pass each, you go through a notch, then the Elephant Cave, then the short tunnel of the central keyhole, and finally squeeze through the final keyhole to reach to the rocks at the north end of Kehoe Beach. The tide pools between the two keyholes are the richest I've seen. There is a good seasonal waterfall.<br><br>The hike is not technically difficult. I've taken adults who rarely hike, but it is would be dangerous without an experienced leader who understands tides and the timing required to get everyone through before the tide returns. You must reach Kehoe Beach before the tide comes back in. If you are running behind schedule, turn around before the central keyhole.<br><br>Sand shifts from year to year. I've gone through the central keyhole when it was dry, and when it required ankle-deep or thigh-deep wading. However, on my last trip I had to wade about 15 yards through chest deep water. Be prepared for deep wading. Start at McClures because on rare occasions, the exit hole from the Elephant Cave is plugged with sand. If you discovered this while coming from Kehoe Beach, there would not be enough time to return <br><br>Heading south from McClure's, cross the first promontory by heading through a V-shaped notch between the main cliffs on the left and the rocky promontory on the right. Work your way across the rocky beach and ledges. The entrance to Elephant Cave appears as you approach the next promontory. This is the largest cave in the area, with two large ocean side exits providing views of Elephant Rock, and a small exit at the back, which leads to the next beach. This long beach consists of sand and boulder fields. The best view of Elephant Rock is from about where you reach the sand. A little farther is a 50-foot waterfall.<br><br>Again, just before you reach the next promontory, you'll spot the central keyhole. At low tide, the sur

Trail Stats

Photos

I count over 70 starfish on the section of this rock, but it's hard to be sure because they are on top of each other and blend with the rocks.

I count over 70 starfish on the section of this rock, but it's hard to be sure because they are on top of each other and blend with the rocks.

Wind on the dunes of Kehoe Beach

Wind on the dunes of Kehoe Beach

Entrace to McClure's Beach

Entrace to McClure's Beach

Dead whale carcass

Dead whale carcass

Windy Kehoe Beach

Windy Kehoe Beach

Last keyhole before Kehoe Beach. You have to squeeze through and climb over a big rock that fell there 5-10 years ago.ago.

Last keyhole before Kehoe Beach. You have to squeeze through and climb over a big rock that fell there 5-10 years ago.ago.

McClure Beach, Point Reyes.

McClure Beach, Point Reyes.

Big Keyhole. Depth of sand changes from year to year. Here the far side was dry, but in 2019 the water was about 4 feet deep. Prepare to get wet.

Big Keyhole. Depth of sand changes from year to year. Here the far side was dry, but in 2019 the water was about 4 feet deep. Prepare to get wet.

Elephant Rock from one of the ocean side opening in Elephant Cave.

Elephant Rock from one of the ocean side opening in Elephant Cave.

Elephant Rock

Elephant Rock

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