Fort Cronkhite

View looking north showing the ocean coastline and historical military buildings at Fort Cronkhite.

NPS/Kirke Wrench

 

Located in the Marin Headlands, Fort Cronkhite is a former World War II military post that stands at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Fort Cronkhite today is one of the few preserved examples of these World War II "mobilization posts" remaining in the country. The fort's barracks, mess halls, supply buildings, and other structures are preserved to tell the story of the soldiers who waited here for an enemy that never came.

To learn more about the park's historic World War II army post, visit the Fort Cronkhite history page.

Tips and Highlights

• Look for the Marin Headlands Visitor Center's red spire at Bunker and Field roads. Explore exhibits on the natural and historical resources of Rodeo Valley and the Marin Headlands. Ask park rangers about trails and camping.
• Spend an afternoon relaxing on Rodeo Beach or surfing its waves.
• Explore the miles of backcountry trails that meander through coastal hills, and observe birds, butterflies, and bobcats.
• Visit the Marine Mammal Center to learn about the many fascinating mammalian species that reside in nearby waters.
• Volunteer with the Conservancy's Marin Headlands Native Plant Nursery and grow plants for vital park restoration projects.

Nature

Beaches and Basalt
Rodeo Beach at Fort Cronkhite is a great place to marvel at the pretty green and dark-red pebbles that come from pillow basalts and chert-rocks formed on the seafloor and scraped off on the Headlands by plate tectonics.

Fort Cronkhite is also the location of Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo Beach. Trail heads that lead up into the Marin Headlands coast line and Battery Townsley begin here.

Fort Cronkhite is also home to many park partners, including the Marine Mammal Center, The Headlands Institute, the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory and others.

Visiting the Marin Headlands

From the North

• Take Hwy 101 southbound.
• Exit at second Sausalito exit, just before the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Bear right onto Alexander Avenue; proceed back under the freeway.
• Follow Alexander Avenue 0.2-miles; turn left onto Bunker Road.

From the South

• Take Hwy 101 northbound across the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Exit Alexander Avenue; bear right.
• Follow Alexander Avenue 0.2-miles; turn left onto Bunker Road.

Directions to Fort Cronkhite

• On Bunker Road, pass through one way Baker-BarryTunnel.
• Follow Bunker Road 3-miles and continue pass Rodeo Lagoon. Head toward the ocean and Fort Cronkhite will be on your right-hand side

For more information

Marin Headlands Visitor Center
Fort Barry, Building 948
Sausalito, CA 94965

[phone]