Spring wildflowers carpet the outer bluffs of Point Reyes while elephant seals reclaim the beaches. Enjoy both during a Chimney Rock hike!
About this event
Join us to explore and learn about the colorful spring kaleidoscope that blooms in great profusion along the bluffs of Point Reyes. This will be a day to treat the senses! We will spend the day examining and identifying the many species of flowers found here, and learning about their native American uses, the butterflies that use them as host plants, and the botanists who introduced them to Western science.
From the Elephant Seal Overlook, you’ll also have a chance to observe the elephant seals and learn about their comeback from the brink of extinction, the amazing adaptations that allow them to dive to depths of over a mile, the separate male and female migration routes, and how they meet “same time next year” at Point Reyes to breed.
While the focus is on flora and elephant seals, be prepared to stop for any surprises along the way. In past years we’ve seen migrating grey whales, coast garter snakes, river otters, coastal green hairstreaks, and peregrine falcons.
Meet at the Chimney Rock parking lot. Please carpool if possible, as parking is very limited. Be sure to be on time (or early!) as the lot fills up. Hike is approximately 3 miles.
Wendy Dreskin has been teaching the popular class Meandering in Marin at College of Marin since 1998 and Point Reyes Field Seminars since 2005. In recognition of her work inspiring both children and adults, she was awarded the Terwilliger Environmental Award and inducted into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame.