Did you know there are elephant seals at Point Reyes National Seashore?! I wrote a science report on elephant seals when I was in primary school so I am probably more excited than most. The idea of a seal having an elephant-like nose just tickled me, and I was finally going to see one in real life. Better yet, I was going to be able to share this experience with my daughter who is also an animal lover.
Northern elephant seals are the second largest elephant seals in the world. The southern elephant seals takes first place as the largest. However, the northern elephant seal male can grow up to 16 feet in length and weigh up to 5,000lbs and that is still very impressive!
How much does it cost?
Free! There is no fee to access Point Reyes National Seashore.
Are pets allowed on the trail?
No, pets are not allowed on this trail.
How do I get there?
It will take you about 45 minutes to drive from the Bear Valley Visitor center to the Chimney Rock Trail Head.
Directions from Bear Valley Visitor Center:
- Turn left on Bear Valley Road and follow the road northwest.
- Turn left at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and continue to drive northwest.
- You will pass by some restaurants and places to stay. You should see Tomales Bay on your right side.
- Keep left at the fork to stay on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
- Take a left at Chimney Rock Road.
- Park in the parking lot for Chimney Rock. Toilets and trash bins are here.
- Follow the sign to Elephant Seal Overlook Trail (on your left).
What to Bring
Remember to check the National Park Service for current conditions, closures, etc. It is often cold and windy here, but it can also be foggy and rainy. The overlook is a short walk from the parking lot, but you will still want to wear layers.
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Trail Map (We did not have cell service at Point Reyes and the Visitor Center is currently closed)
- Jacket with hood (or a beanie with a pair of ear muffs)
- Long sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Socks
- Walking shoes
- Gloves
- Snacks and fluids to keep the little one happy
Make it Educational
Make this trip educational by using these free resources:
- Elephant Seals Resource Newsletter by National Park Service – This 8 page newsletter is a mini report about elephant seals and is filled with photos, maps and infographics. It also has fun activities for kids like connect-the-dots worksheet, writing prompt, coloring page, word search and crossword puzzle.
- Elephant Seal Cartoon Video by Friends of the Elephant Seal – This video is on their “Kid Zone” area where they also have other fun facts and plenty of photos.
- Elephant Seal Information and Videos by National Park Service – More information and videos on elephant seals.
Other Kid Friendly Hikes at Point Reyes Seashore
Abbotts Lagoon
See a serene lagoon, go bird-watching, explore sand dunes, and have a picnic on a beautiful, secluded beach. [Read More…]
McClures Beach
Check out tidepools at low tide, play in the sand and have a picnic on this small but secluded beach. [Read More…]
Get Inspired
Sources
- Friends of the Elephant Seal, accessed July 23, 2021, https://elephantseal.org/
- Elephant Seals, National Park Service, accessed July 23, 2021, https://www.nps.gov/pore/learn/nature/elephant_seals.htm
- Point Reyes, National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/pore
