Press Kit: Exceptional Park Resources

Natural Resources
  • Over 71,000 acres, including 32,000 acres of wilderness
  • 80 miles of unspoiled and undeveloped coastline
  • 27 threatened and endangered species
  • Over 900 species of flowering plants
  • More than 120 species of trees
  • 480 bird species in North America (over 45%) have been sighted here and the American Bird Conservancy named Point Reyes as one of 100 "globally important bird areas."
  • 65 species of mammals
  • 28 species of reptiles and amphibians
  • 125 species of fish from 45 families
  • The San Andreas Fault separates the Point Reyes Peninsula from the rest of the North American continent


Cultural and Historic Resources

  • The cultural history of Point Reyes extends back some 5,000 years to the Coast Miwok Indians, who were the first known inhabitants of the peninsula.
  • According to many experts, Sir Francis Drake landed here in 1579, the first European to do so.
  • In response to the many shipwrecks in the treacherous coastal waters, key lighthouse and lifesaving stations were established by the United States government in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
  • In the early 1800s, Mexican land grantees established ranchos.
  • American agricultural operations, begun in the late 1800s, continue to this day in the Seashore's pastoral zone.
  • 352 designated historic structures
  • 34 cultural landscapes
  • 124 archeological sites
  • 516,000 objects and documents in the park's museum collection
  • Point Reyes Lifeboat Station, a National Historic Landmark
  • Morgan Horse Ranch


Infrastructure

  • 5 backcountry campgrounds
  • 28 water systems
  • 150 miles of trails
  • approximately 100 miles of roads
  • 310 public and administrative structures
  • 51 wastewater systems
  • 3 visitor centers
  • 1 environmental education center
  • 1 science and learning center
  • 30 restroom complexes
  • 34 housing units

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Last updated: February 28, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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