Estero Trail At Point Reyes Hike (May 5) Preview

Although in the recent past we've hiked part of the Estero Trail (pictured at left in this image by Point Reyes area photographer Marty Knapp) near Limantour in Point Reyes National Seashore, this time we'll go farther north in the park and begin our hike off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and head south toward's Drake's Estero. Here's Wendy's description of the hike: "This is not a loop, but there are marvelous views! This hike has provided surprises including the red-sided garter snake, rays, and a Western Pine Elfin butterfly."

Directions to trailhead: Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Turn right at Olema and make an immediate left onto Bear Valley Road. (Use the restrooms at the park's Visitor Center in Bear Valley if you do not want to wait until you reach those at the trailhead). Continue until you pick up Sir Francis Drake again. Go through Inverness. Go past the turn off to the right onto Pierce Point Road, then pass Mt. Vision Road on your left, and then in one mile you'll come to the road to Estero Trail. Take this road to the parking lot at the trailhead. Time: 1 hour from College of Marin. Restrooms at the trailhead. (Carpoolers can meet at St. Rita's around 8:35 - 8:45 am).

Weather forecast: As of Tuesday, April 28th, the National Weather Service forecast for Inverness on Tuesday, May 5, was mostly sunny with a high near 59. (Click here for an updated forecast).

We'll be closer to the coast, so the weather could be cooler, foggier, and windier. (Click here for a forecast for the Point-Reyes Chimney Rock area). Real-time weather reporting for the Point Reyes Lighthouse is also available (click here).

More on this hike: "Hike G11 Estero - Drakes Head Trails" in the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, shows where we'll be hiking, although not necessarily our exact route. Two hikes ("Estero Trail to Sunset Beach" and "Estero Trail to Drakes Head" in Tracy Salcedo-Chourre's book, Exploring Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area also cover this area). The trails are also shown on the park's North District Hiking Trails map. The Google Earth image gives a bird's eye view of this part of the park. (Click on the photo to open a larger image in your Web browser).