• The Point Reyes Beach as viewed from the Point Reyes Headlands

    Point Reyes

    National Seashore California

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  • Operational Changes Took Effect on May 1

    The Lighthouse Visitor Center is now only open Fridays through Mondays. The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center will be closed through late December 2013. More »

  • 2013 Harbor Seal Pupping Season Closures

    From March 1 through June 30, the park implements closures of certain Tomales Bay beaches and Drakes Estero to water-based recreation to protect harbor seals during the pupping season. Please avoid disturbing seals to ensure a successful pupping season. More »

Hazardous Surf Conditions for Point Reyes National Seashore

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Date: January 18, 2013
Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135

Dangerous Surf sign reading: Warning: Dangerous surf - enter at your own risk.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory which is in effect from 10 am PST on Saturday, January 19 to 4 pm PST on Sunday, January 20. A beach hazards statement has also been issued. This beach hazards statement for sneaker waves is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. These warnings apply to all beaches within Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Sneaker waves can catch beach goers and fishermen by surprise washing them into the sea. As the seas build, expect excessive run up of waves onto beaches as well as strengthening rip currents. People walking along the beach should never turn their back to the ocean. Fishermen should avoid fishing from rocks and jetties. These precautions should always be taken on any beach.

Large swells, locally in the 8 to 10 foot range, will create a dangerous near shore environment. These conditions will result in strong rip currents and possible sneaker waves. Steeper beaches, particularly northwest facing beaches, will see large breaking waves.

For additional information, visit our website at: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/beaches.htm#beachsafety

-NPS-

Did You Know?

Kule Loklo, a replica of a Coast Miwok village

Coast Miwok people have lived in the Point Reyes vicinity for over 4,000 years. They lived in villages similar to Kule Loklo, which is located near the Bear Valley Visitor Center. More...