Shell Beach
Trail length: 0.4 miles each way, out and back
Terrain: mixed oak, bay, fir forest, sandy beach
Restroom? Yes, two composting toilets
Parking: small parking lot (where Camino Del Mar dead ends)
Kid friendly? Yes, it's an easy hike on a path and staircase
Favorite plants on this trail:
Favorite spots:
Exploring the banks along the shoreline for shellfish and other critters
Watching the marshy area for birds such as egrets and herons hunting for food
Relaxing in the sand and watching boats and kayaks on Tomales Bay
Shell Beach on Tomales Bay is a short hike (0.4 miles) from the parking lot, at the end of Camino Del Mar in the small neighborhood of Seahaven, to the small beach. Shell Beach is the southern edge of Tomales Bay State Park. It’s a favorite beach with locals. The walk from the parking lot to the beach is a steady descent (meaning, it’s uphill the whole way back!) If you are interested in a longer hike (5.0 miles roundtrip), take the Johnstone Trail to Shell Beach. Full instructions on where to park and how to find the trail (which is mostly unmarked!) is on the Johnstone Trail page.
The beach is divided into two sections and connected by a wooden bridge and trail. There’s a pit toilet on each side. When the tide is low, you can walk between the two sides of the beach. The marsh area behind the beach provides a great opportunity for bird watching.
Dogs and bikes are not allowed.
Volunteer Opportunity: Marine Protected Area (MPA) Watch
“MPAs protect the diversity and abundance of marine life, the habitats they depend on, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. ”
Since August 2017, I've been volunteering with the Marin Marine Protected Area Watch (Marin MPA Watch). Marine Protected Areas are important, vulnerable coastal waters that have been designated for protection under California State Law. Volunteers do a simple survey of activity on the beach and offshore (using binoculars). Volunteers are vitally important to provide this survey information which informs MPA management and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Using iNaturalist to record the diversity of life I encounter on the beach, I tag it to the "MPA Watch Project". This provides a useful snapshot into what's being protected - at least onshore.
It's relaxing, engaging, and it's given me a reason to learn about tides. I've had interesting conversations and always find something that attracts my attention along the way.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Marin MPA Watch, visit the Environmental Action Committee's MPA website.