Last updated: Thursday, January 14, 2021
Areas closed to all visitors due to the Woodward Fire.On Monday, August 17, 2020, lightning started a wildfire, which was named the 4-5 Fire, north of the junction of Woodward Valley Trail and the Coast Trail. On Tuesday, August 18, a second fire, initially named the 4-6 Fire and later renamed the Woodward Fire, was found nearby and, aided by gusty winds, quickly grew in size. By Friday, October 9, the Woodward Fire was 100% contained at 4,929 acres in size. Ecologists consider the Woodward Fire to be ecologically beneficial because it had a mix of burn severity. That means it burned with high intensity in some places, and other places it burned lightly. This type of burn is in contrast with some of our larger, hotter fires that consume everything in its path. We expect that fuels in the interior area of the fire will continue to burn until the park receives substantial rainfall. The fuels that continue to burn are large tree trunks, stump holes, and other areas with smoldering fuels that are very difficult to access. These areas may occasionally produce light smoke, but are of no threat to the containment lines. The park has closed areas that are within and close to the fire footprint. There are several reasons why this area is closed. First, the area has yet to be thoroughly assessed for hazard trees. These are trees that have been burned and pose a falling threat to hikers. Second, trails have yet to be completely cleared of debris. Third, the park is waiting until there are several soaking rains that will aid in extinguishing the fire. The park remains hopeful that the closed area will be opened to the public this spring. That is, if the area receives enough rain that fire experts consider the fire out and if hazard trees have been removed and the hiking trails are safe for travel. Safety reminder: Park visitors and area residents are asked to be mindful of park closures described below that remain in effect. While it might not look dangerous, if you were to go into a closed area, and something were to happen to you and you required assistance, everyone entering the area to assist you might be put in harm's way. Thank you for your continued patience during this extraordinary time! 
The area and all trails south of Limantour Road* and Bear Valley Road, west of Bear Valley Access Road and Rift Zone Trail, and north of Stewart Trail are closed to all visitor access until further notice. These areas include, but are not limited to:
Exceptions* The exception to this closure is that visitors are welcome to walk southeast on Limantour Beach. Keep in mind that all areas above the vegetation line from Limantour Beach's southern parking lot to Wildcat Campground are closed to all access until further notice, including Sculptured Beach Trail, Kelham Beach Trail, and Kelham Beach. Reopened AreasAs of Friday, October 23, 2020, the Bear Valley parking lot, Bear Valley Picnic Area, the Earthquake Trail, and the Rift Zone Trail are open. Respect the ClosuresFire-related activity continues. Hazardous conditions exist. Conditions can change rapidly. Please visit these areas of Point Reyes National Seashore at a later, safer time in the future. MapsDownload a map indicating the areas and trails closed until further notice due to the Woodward Fire. (3,615 KB PDF) Visit our Woodward Fire - August 2020 page for more information. Temporary facilities closures are in effect until further notice.In addition to the areas listed above, the following areas, buildings, and roads are closed until further notice:
More information and details may be found below. 
Most roadways and parking lots at Point Reyes National Seashore are now open to motor vehicle access following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health officials, except:
Download a map indicating the area closed due to the Woodward Fire and roads that are closed or undergoing roadwork. (9,130 KB PDF) Status of frequently used visitor facilities and services
Travel AdvisoryOn November 13, 2020, the California Department of Public Health issued a Travel Advisory for Non-Essential Travel, which includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, should practice self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. These persons should limit their interactions to their immediate household. Californians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries. Avoiding travel can reduce the risk of virus transmission and bringing the virus back to California. Marin County is within the Bay Area Region, which also includes the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma. If you do decide to visit Point ReyesPlease practice caution in deciding when to leave your home and for what purpose. The virus is present in our community, and even people without symptoms can have COVID-19 and give it to others. We can all help protect the people we live, work, and interact with so they don't get the virus. If you are feeling sick, please stay home. When coming to the park:
Visit our Recreate Responsibly page for guidelines for responsible recreation in the outdoors at Point Reyes and other park lands during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Updates will be posted to this park website and social media channels. For more information, please see Marin County's current public health orders and Frequently Asked Questions and California's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response website. Carry out what you carry in.Please help us protect public health by taking your trash home. Leave No Trace. Park RoadsThe following roads are closed to motorized access until further notice:
Download a map indicating the area closed due to the Woodward Fire and roads that are closed or undergoing roadwork. (9,130 KB PDF) Bridge ClosureThe Old Tocaloma/Platform Bridge is closed to all vehicular traffic until further notice. The Old Tocaloma/Platform Bridge is the old concrete bridge paralleling Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near its junction with Platform Bridge Road ~two miles east of Olema. The bridge is being closed to vehicular traffic due to structural deficiencies that make the weight of a vehicle unsafe to cross over the bridge. 
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Road WorkOn Monday, April 20, 2020, contractors began work on a major two-year road improvement project in Point Reyes National Seashore. To better ensure the safety of road crew and visitors, time-limited delays and some road and/or area closures are expected through the duration of the project. As of May 17, 2020, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard southwest of its junction with Drake Beach Road is closed to motorized traffic until further notice. As a result, the Chimney Rock, Lighthouse, and South Beach areas are closed to motorized access. Visit our Road Closures page for more information. Visitors traveling along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west of its junction with Pierce Point Road should expect to encounter delays due to the road work. The delays should last no more than 30 minutes. As of September 10, 2020, almost all of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard's pavement had been removed and the road is essentially a gravel road. Drivers are urged to drive slowly through the work zone for the safety of the work crews, and to reduce the risk of damaging vehicles—especially those with low clearance—due to potholes, loose rocks, or other loose materials. Visit our Road Closures page for more information. 
Limantour Road WorkUntil further notice, visitors traveling along Limantour Road should expect to encounter delays due to road work. The delays should last no more than 15 minutes. Additional Sources for Road ConditionsAfter wind and/or rain storms, many roads to and from and within Point Reyes National Seashore may be blocked due to flooding, mud slides, downed trees, and/or power lines. Reports of closures and re-openings of roads are received too frequently to keep this page up-to-date. For emergency road and weather conditions in West Marin, visit Point Reyes National Seashore's Twitter feed, the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area's Twitter feed, the Marin County Department of Public Works' Twitter feed, the Marin Sheriff Department's Twitter feed, the Marin Fire Department's Twitter feed, the California Highway Patrol: Marin's Twitter feed, or tune in to KWMR, 90.5 FM. For more information on road closures in Marin County and the Bay Area, check the Marin Sheriff Current Emergency Information, the California Department of Transportation's Current Highway Conditions, and CHP Traffic Incident Information (select "Golden Gate" from the "Communication Centers" drop-down menu in the upper left corner, then look for "Marin" in the "Location" and/or "Area" columns) websites. Park TrailsVisit our Trail Advisories and Closures page for the latest trail updates. Notice: Due to the Woodward Fire, all trails south of Limantour Road and Bear Valley Road, west of the Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road and Rift Zone Trail, and north of the Stewart Trail are closed until further notice. Caution: Many trails in the park are overgrown with grass and annuals. The park's trail crew is working to address the trail conditions as quickly as possible, but please anticipate wading through vegetation as you hike, and check yourself for ticks during and after your hike. Warning: Hazardous conditions near north end of the Tomales Point Trail. In January 2017, part of the bluff at the north end of Tomales Point collapsed. The bluff top may be unstable & another collapse could occur. Please don't attempt to reach the northern end of Tomales Point by going off-trail to the east of the collapse. More... Warning: Fissures reported near the Chimney Rock Trail. Cracks were reported on a portion of the bluff near the Chimney Rock Trail on December 21, 2015. These fissures could indicate the possibility of a weakening cliff face in the area. The land may be unstable and a collapse or erosion could occur. Visitors are reminded to stay on designated trails. More... Warning: The Arch Rock trail has been closed until further notice. New hazardous conditions on Arch Rock were reported to the park on Thursday, March 19, 2015. On Saturday, March 21, 2015, a portion of the land at the Arch Rock overlook collapsed into the waters 70 feet below. More... Health and Safety Warnings/AdvisoriesCOVID-19 PandemicA Stay Home (also known as Shelter-In-Place) Order is in place for Marin County until further notice. Please help do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by staying close to home; if you do visit Point Reyes, please maintain at least six feet of physical distance. Individuals engaged in outdoor exercise, such as walking, hiking, running, or bicycling, are not required to wear a face covering, but should carry one with them and must wear a facial covering when interacting with others who are not members of their household in public and private spaces if they cannot practice physical distancing. Visit our Recreate Responsibly page for guidelines for responsible recreation in the outdoors at Point Reyes and other park lands during the COVID-19 Pandemic. WildlifeIn the late autumn and early winter, there are plenty of opportunities to see a wide range of animals. Coho salmon are swimming up area streams to spawn, elephant seals are hauled out on beaches near Chimney Rock, and gray whales begin migrating past the point. Many species of birds are wintering at Point Reyes, and, although the tule elk rut season has ended, they can be seen year-round on Tomales Point. Please visit our Wildlife Viewing page for more information. Closures to Protect Elephant SealsNOTICE: Drakes Beach Elephant Seal Colony - year-round NOTICE: The following areas are closed to all entry in order to better protect nursing elephant seal pups: From December 15 to March 31:
Interactive Map Illustrating the Locations of the Elephant Seal-related Closures Referenced AboveVisitor ServicesFollowing guidance from the CDC and public health officials, and to comply with county-wide public health legal orders, all park visitor centers and bookstores are closed and all ranger programs are cancelled until further notice. Visitor CentersThe Bear Valley Visitor Center and the Lighthouse Visitor Center are usually open throughout the year. The Lighthouse Visitor Center is now, for most of the year, only open Fridays through Mondays; closed Tuesdays through Thursdays. The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center at Drakes Beach is closed seven days a week until further notice. Visit our Operating Hours and Seasons to learn what hours these visitor centers are open. Ranger ProgramsVisitors are invited to join a park ranger to learn more about Point Reyes and its history, wildlife, and/or geology during Ranger's Choice Programs. Bookstores - Closed until further noticeStop by one of the three bookstores within the national seashore, all of which are operated by the Point Reyes National Seashore Association (PRNSA). They offer many educational and convenience items, including books, maps, snacks, and, at Drakes Beach, coffee. The Bear Valley Visitor Center and Lighthouse Visitor Center bookstores share the same hours of operations as the visitor centers. The PRNSA Bookstore at Drakes Beach is open Saturdays and Sundays, some Fridays, and most federal holidays (except for Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day) from 11 am to 4:30 pm; closed Mondays through Thursdays, some Fridays, and on Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Visit our Operating Hours & Seasons page for specific hours. Drakes Beach Café is indefinitely closed. Weather & TidesBefore traveling, check weather forecasts and advisories for Point Reyes at our Weather & Tides page or the National Weather Service. Latest NewsIf you're looking for more information about what is happening at Point Reyes National Seashore, visit our News Releases page, our Facebook page, and/or Twitter feed for the most up-to-date news. |
Last updated: January 14, 2021