Bear Valley Loop, Point Reyes CA
• 3-star hike
• 13.6 mile loop
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,660 feet
• Point Reyes, CA | San Francisco Bay Area
• Driving directions: Trailhead
Can't decide whether to hit the hills or the beach this weekend? This route into the Point Reyes National Seashore might be the perfect solution for you.
The wide Bear Valley Trail leading toward the Pacific coastline and away from the visitors center might be one of the busiest trails in the park, but just a mile and a half later you'll leaving the crowds and heading up the Old Pine Trail and into the forested hills. The two mile grade of Old Pine Trail always maintains a respectably gentle hill climb, before switching onto the Woodward Valley Trail and an equally pleasant two mile descent heading towards sweeping ocean views.
Bear Valley Loop Bear Valley Loop 3★13.6 mi, Loop, Medium, Gain 1,660 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
If you have the time, consider checking out the Earthquake Trail, a short interpretive route which explores the geology of the San Andreas Fault Zone on which the Bear Valley visitor center rests. Or see the lighthouse on Point Reyes' peninsula. The first leg of the return journey follows the Coastal Trail southward, with side-trips to the beaches below, before returning along Bear Valley trail which traces the route of Coast Creek back into the hills.
Route Summary:
• Bear Valley > Old Pine > Woodward Way > Coast > Bear Valley
After this hike, check out the Point Reyes lighthouse.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
San Francisco's Best Hikes
For great Bay Area trails check out Trailspotting's Best Hikes of the San Francisco Bay.
For great Bay Area trails check out Trailspotting's Best Hikes of the San Francisco Bay.