McClures Beach Trail

McClures Beach Trail is a 0.8-mile out-and-back from the trailhead to McClures Beach and back, about 0.4 mile each way. It drops from the end of Pierce Point Road through a broad ravine to a small cove facing the Pacific, ringed by rocky headlands and offshore sea stacks. The coast is the reward, and the walk is short enough to fit between stops elsewhere in Point Reyes. But the mileage can fool you: the descent is moderately steep and sandy, so the way back is a steady climb. Allow about 45 minutes for the hike and closer to an hour if you want to spend time on the beach.

The upper path crosses loose sand on old dune material; lower down, it changes to decomposed granite and winds beside a creek through the ravine. Spring and early summer bring wild radish, iris and gumplant along its banks. The trail ends at an isolated cove open to Pacific surf, with sea stacks offshore and rocky headlands to either side. The main beach is the turnaround. A narrow passage leads toward small sea caves at the south end, but that stretch is tide-dependent and needs low or outgoing water; it is an optional shoreline wander, not part of the trail distance. For a photo, crouch near the mussel-covered rocks and keep the offshore stacks in view behind them.

Start at the paved McClures Beach Trailhead lot at the end of Pierce Point Road, west of historic Pierce Ranch. It holds about 25 vehicles and can fill by 10 a.m. on busy weekends and holidays; a vault toilet is there. Buses and RVs are difficult to turn around. No food or drinking water is listed at the trailhead, so bring what you need. Pets are not permitted on the trail or beach. The surf is powerful and swimming is not recommended. Keep clear of the waterline in rough surf, and do not continue around the rocky headlands unless the tide is low or outgoing.