Hike to McClures Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California

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A moderately-steep and sandy creek-side trail (0.4 miles [~600m] one-way) descends from the parking lot to McClures Beach. In spring and early summer, the trail is dotted with brightly colored wildflowers: wild radish, iris, gumplant, and more. McClures Beach is an isolated and beautiful cove that is exposed to the Pacific Ocean surf. Thundering and unforgiving waves crash on shore. Swimming is not recommended on this beach. WARNING: Never turn your back to the ocean. Due to the frequently large surf, this is not a beach at which it is safe to play close to the water's edge, much less to go for a swim. The ocean water may be as low as 50°F (10°C). Hypothermia, sneaker waves, and rip currents are just a few beach hazards of which visitors should be aware while visiting Point Reyes Beaches. Take caution when exploring the rocky headlands to the south and north. Unknowing visitors have been trapped by an incoming high tide and some have died, either due to hypothermia or from being struck hard by sneaker waves. The south end of the beach and the adjacent beach through a gap at the south end of McClures Beach have good tide pooling at the lowest tides. This area should only be explored at a low or outgoing tide. Tide Predictions for Point Reyes may be found on NOAA's Tides and Currents site. Camping on McClures Beach is prohibited. Parking your vehicle overnight at the McClures Beach or Tomales Point parking lots is prohibited. Visit our Backcountry Camping page for more information on camping at Point Reyes. Fishing is permitted at McClures Beach. Please visit our Fishing page for more information and regulations. Directions to Tomales Point Trailhead, Pierce Ranch, and McClures Beach: Allow 35 minutes for the drive from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. From the Bear Valley Visitor Center, head north 0.2 miles (0.3 km) to Bear Valley Road. Turn left and follow Bear Valley Road 1.75 miles (2.8 km) northwest to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Turn left and follow Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 5.6 miles (9 km) northwest to Pierce Point Road. Tip: Follow road signs for "Lighthouse" until you see a sign for "Pierce Point Ranch." Turn right and follow Pierce Point Road 9 miles (14.4 km) north to the Tomales Point Trailhead at the Pierce Ranch parking lot. To get to the McClures Beach parking lot, turn left and descend the hill 100 yards (90 meters) to the west.

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