McClures Beach

Overview

About McClures Beach

Why stop

Rocky cove and tide pools
Spring and early-summer wildflowers

Heads up

Unforgiving surf and sneaker waves
Steep sandy return climb

An isolated cove sits between rocky headlands, fully exposed to Pacific surf. Visitors repeatedly describe the spot as quiet and secluded, with rocky cliffs, tide pools and scenic views, and they call the short walk worthwhile.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy Stop

Map

Where it is

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Full map

BeachMcClures Beach38.18736, -122.96514

Keep this map with you offline in the Parkwolf app

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to go

Time your visit around a low or outgoing tide for the tide pools and safer footing near the headlands.
Spring and early summer bring wildflowers along the trail.
Leave enough daylight for the uphill walk back. Camping and overnight vehicle parking are not allowed.

Rules to Know

No bicycles and no pets on the approach or the beach.
Glass containers, metal detectors and drones are prohibited.

4 active Point Reyes alerts

ClosureOld Tocaloma/Platform Bridge closed to vehiclesDo not drive across the Old Tocaloma/Platform Bridge; it is closed to all vehicular traffic until further notice.Official details
ClosurePalomarin Beach Trail closedPalomarin Beach Trail is closed to all visitors, employees, and residents until further notice; do not use the trail. - The trail is closed because unstable and failing sections have made it unsafe.Official details

See all 4 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Point Reyes Tour Guide

Your drive to McClures Beach, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Point Reyes National Seashore. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

Recorded for this place

McClures Beach Cove

0:00 / 0:33

“You're approaching the McClures Beach trailhead; the beach is a steep, sandy four-tenths of a mile below. The path follows a creek through a ravine, where iris and other flowers bloom in spring and early summer.”

Plays as you drive up to McClures Beach in the Parkwolf Point Reyes Tour Guide.

More about McClures Beach

The ApproachAbout 0.4 miles (600 meters) one way, downhill to the sand and uphill on the return.

About 0.4 miles (600 meters) one way, downhill to the sand and uphill on the return.
The route is moderately steep and sandy, following a creek from the parking lot.
In spring and early summer, look for wild radish, iris and gumplant along the way.

What to See and DoWalk the cove and take in the surrounding headlands and cliffs.

Walk the cove and take in the surrounding headlands and cliffs.
Explore the tide pools at the south end of the beach and on the adjacent beach.
Fishing is permitted, subject to park rules.

Tides and Surf SafetyLarge surf is frequent, and sneaker waves, rip currents and hypothermia are real hazards.

Large surf is frequent, and sneaker waves, rip currents and hypothermia are real hazards.
Swimming is not recommended. Never turn your back to the ocean.
Explore tide pools only on a low or outgoing tide.
The rocky headlands can trap visitors on an incoming high tide, so watch the water and plan your exit.

Practical PackingBring your own water. There is no potable water at Tomales Point.

Bring your own water. There is no potable water at Tomales Point.
Bring food. There is no food service west of Inverness.
Layer up for wind, cool temperatures, fog and rain, all common here.
Download maps in advance, since cell service is minimal to nonexistent.
A vault toilet and garbage cans are at the trailhead, not down at the beach.

Honest DrawbacksThe return climb is steep and sandy, and there are no restrooms or trash cans once you reach…

The return climb is steep and sandy, and there are no restrooms or trash cans once you reach the beach.
Wind, fog, cool air and rain are durable features of this coast rather than occasional inconveniences.
The ocean here is for looking, not swimming, and the tide dictates how much of the cove and its pools you can safely reach.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Point Reyes

All Point Reyes wildlife maps

2,552 sightingsNorthern Elephant SealMost seen around 11 AMSighting map

127 sightingsGrey WhaleMost seen around noonSighting map

109 sightingsHumpback WhaleMost seen around 10 AMSighting map

29 sightingsSteller Sea LionMost seen around noonSighting map

203 sightingsCalifornia Sea LionMost seen around noonSighting map

352 sightingsHarbor SealMost seen around 7 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Point Reyes. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.