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Point Reyes National Seashore - Site # 172
One of the best birding areas in the western United States and a site of international ecological significance with over 45% of North American avian species and nearly 18% of California's plant species.
	Premium - the most significant sites, worth visiting if you have limited time. Premium sites have high wildlife values year-round, staff on site, interpretive programs and/or displays, and well-developed facilities.
Background:	Host to 430 bird species. Thirty-eight threatened and endangered species exist within the Seashore. Fir and pine forests border bay, maple and oak woodlands. Meadows, streams, lakes, and lagoons lie near a coastline dotted with beaches, dunes, and tidepools. Two major estuaries attract scores of shorebirds and waterfowl, including sanderlings, greater yellow-legs, northern pintails, Brant and Brown pelicans. Coastal trees are resting stops for migratory birds, some, such as western flycatchers and Anna's hummingbirds, breed here. Tomales Point sustains resident tule elk, black-tailed deer are everywhere. Harbor seals, sea lions, elephant seals and California gray whales pass close to Point Reyes Lighthouse, and the coastal cliffs are a summer nesting site for common murres. At dusk, watch myotis bats flying from the red barn near the entrance.
The Habitat:	The Seashore contains a variety of habitats and unique geology.
The Experience:	Wading birds and gulls are seen year-round. Look for songbirds in fall, with some eastern migrants. Shorebirds are common in fall and winter and waterfowl stay from November thrugh April. Look for nesting ospreys and red-shouldered hawks. Raccoons, skunks, gray foxes, and brush rabbits are active year-round. Bats can be seen from March to May. More than 850 flowering plants. Seals and sealions are present yearround. Elephant Seals and California Grey Whales are visable in December through April.
Wildlife and Where to Find It:	Car, hiking, kayaking and horseback riding (some trails only).
Viewing Tips:	Visitor centers at Bear Valley, Drakes Beach, and Lighthouse. Camping by permit only. BEWARE OF LOOSE ROCK AND STEEP CLIFFS.
Nearby Viewing Sites:	Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Tomales Bay State Park, Audubon Canyon Ranch (Bolinas Lagoon), Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Marin Municipal Water District
Festivals & Events:
Visitor Information:	Marin County Convention & Visitors Bureau - (866) 925-2060 toll free - http://www.visitmarin.org/
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are:
Staff On-site:	Yes
Open:	Everday
Hours:	24 hours
Year Round:	Yes
Road Information:	Paved.  Dirt.
	Roads available year-round.
	Road Hazards:
	Number of Parking Spaces: 1100
	Parking Fee: No
	Proximity to viewing area:0-6 miles
	Pull-Through Parking: Yes
	Parking Notes:
How to Get There:	Located approximately 30 miles north of Sausalito. Take Highway 101 North to Richmond Bridge/San Anselmo exit (#450B). Go west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard 20.9 mi. to Olema. Turn Right on SHORELINE HWY(CA-1) and go 0.1 mi. Turn Left on BEAR VALLEY RD - go 2.2 mi. Turn left after large red barn. Bear Valley Visitor center is 0.2 mi on the right.
Contact Information
Managing Agency:	National Park Service
Agency Site URL:	http://www.nps.gov/pore
Physical Address:	1 Bear Valley Road Point Reyes, CA 94956	Agency 2:	1 Bear Valley Road Point Reyes, CA 94956
Manager Phone:	415-464-5100	Contact Us:	by Email
Site Phone:	(415) 464-5100
County:	Marin
Addition Website: