Point Reyes National Seashore (Tomales Point and Chimney Rock Trails, 9.5 miles)

Historic Pierce Point Ranch, one of many established in the far western part of the Point
Reyes Peninsula in the mid-1800s

In April, the beginning of the Tomales Point Trail is a dense carpet of wallflower

This closeup highlights the wallflower's many pastel shades

The trail starts by skirting the ranch outbuildings (now an historic park)

Other wildflowers in full bloom now include the more uncommon yellow bush lupine

McClures Beach is a lovely crescent beach near the Tomales Point trailhead

A good view of the bush lupine

Driftwood Beach (not accessible from the trail)

Tomales Bay is always present to the east, and very popular with kayakers

Tule Elk herds were nearly obliterated in the 1850s due to excessive hunting, but were
successfully reintroduced in 1978 to this part of the seashore (a second herd has been
established centrally, near Limantour Beach)
 

Low growing Blue-eyed grass carpets much of the coastal bluffs
 

Poppies, Wallflower, and Lupine are prolific in the spring

The view to the end of Tomales Point, with Bodega Head in the background

The out-and-back route is never boring with constant views like this

Chimney Rock Trail (located near the Point Reyes Lighthouse):

The trailhead offers a stunning view of Drake's Bay (named after Sir Francis Drake, who it is commonly
believed mistook this spot for his intended destination, San Francisco Bay)

The afternoon was calm and beautiful for the few fishing boats on the bay

A harbor seal's version of the Costa del Sol

The short trails around Chimney Rock offer beautiful views in every direction

Chimney Rock is especially noted for profuse displays of spring wildflowers; we are a bit
late for the peak bloom, but there is still much to enjoy

The Hairy Star Tulip (lavender/cream flower in the foreground) is less common
 

The following few shots highlight the beauty of Chimney Rock, which juts into Drake's Bay
 

One of several grey whales we spotted this afternoon (look for the spray as it blew!)