FEBRUARY!

Spring at Point Reyes National Seashore

Spring arrives quietly along the coast of Point Reyes National Seashore, unfolding in layers of misty mornings, emerald hillsides, and the steady rhythm of the Pacific. After the winter rains, the peninsula transforms. Grasses grow lush across the coastal bluffs, seasonal creeks run clear toward the ocean, and wildflowers begin to appear in bright patches across the landscape.

For hikers, spring is one of the most rewarding seasons to explore the trails that wind through the park. Paths along Tomales Point Trail offer sweeping views of the coastline, where tule elk graze among the green hills. Inland, shaded routes through Bear Valley Trail follow quiet creeks and fern-lined forest, eventually opening to the expansive shoreline at Arch Rock.

Wildlife activity also begins to increase during this season. Harbor seals can often be seen resting on offshore sandbars, while migratory birds pass through the area on their journey along the Pacific Flyway. Gray whales may still be spotted offshore in early spring as they complete their annual migration past the dramatic cliffs near Point Reyes Lighthouse.

The air in spring carries the scent of salt and wild sage, and fog still drifts in from the Pacific, softening the horizon. It’s a season that invites slow exploration—pausing along the bluff trails, listening to waves below, or simply watching clouds move across the open sky.



Spring at Point Reyes National Seashore feels both vibrant and peaceful. The crowds of summer have yet to arrive, and the landscape feels freshly awakened. Whether walking along windswept beaches, wandering through blooming coastal meadows, or enjoying the cool ocean breeze, spring offers one of the most beautiful and tranquil times to experience this remarkable stretch of the California coast.