Last updated: April 18, 2024
Place
Historic Point Reyes Lifeboat Station
NPS Photo / A. Kopshever
Quick Facts
Location:
Point Reyes National Seashore's Historic Lifeboat Station is located 0.4 miles (0.6 km) east of the Chimney Rock Parking Lot, Inverness, California. Geographic Coordinates: 37.9941, -122.9737
Significance:
The Point Reyes Lifeboat Station is the only surviving station on the Pacific Coast to possess an intact marine railway.
Designation:
National Historic Landmark (1990)
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Picnic Table
The historic Chimney Rock Lifeboat Station offers a glimpse into the harrowing jobs of rescuing crew and passengers from ships that ran aground along this rugged coastline.
Life Saving at Point Reyes
The historic Point Reyes Lifeboat Station stands near the eastern tip of the Point Reyes Headlands, extending into the famed Drakes Bay. The first U.S. Life-saving Service station at Point Reyes was built in 1889 along the unprotected Point Reyes Beach to aid ships that were stranded or wrecked along the shores of this peninsula that stretches 10 miles (16 km) into the Pacific Ocean. In 1927, operations were relocated to the new lifeboat station on the more protected Drakes Bay near Chimney Rock. From 1927 to 1968, the Pacific Area U.S. Coast Guard officers and crew members used motorized lifeboats to aid ships. However, during the World Wars, with the militarization efforts of the West Coast, the primary operations of the life-saving station shifted to coastal defense and harbor patrol.
In 1968, the property was transferred to the National Park Service and Point Reyes National Seashore, which used the lifeboat station for park housing until it was restored in 1976. As a result of further restoration to the historic district, Point Reyes possesses the only surviving lifeboat station on the Pacific Coast with an intact marine railway.
Visit the park's Lifeboat Station History at Point Reyes page for more information.
Park Regulations
- Vehicles over 24 feet (7.3 meters) in length and vehicles pulling trailers with a combined length in excess of 24 feet (7.3 meters) are prohibited on Chimney Rock Road.
- Take only pictures; leave only footprints: Almost everything one finds at Point Reyes is protected by law, including shells, rocks, fossils, flowers, and artifacts.
- Please only travel on authorized trails, respect posted signs, and practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the park.
- Pets are not permitted on any of the paths, trails, or driveways in the Chimney Rock area. Visit our Pets page to learn where pets are permitted at Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Drones are not permitted anywhere in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Chimney Rock Road
Chimney Rock Road is only about ten feet (3 meters) wide, but serves as a two-way road. Please observe the speed limit and look ahead to keep watch for oncoming traffic. If you do notice a vehicle heading your way, pull into the next turnout until the other vehicle has had a chance to pass.
Parking
The Chimney Rock Parking Lot is approximately 45 minutes by car from the Bear Valley Visitor Center. The parking lot at the Chimney Rock Trailhead can only accommodate twenty vehicles. Parking space availability is very limited, particularly on weekend afternoons.
Directions to Bear Valley
Directions from Bear Valley to the Chimney Rock Parking Lot
The Lifeboat Station is a short 0.6-mile (1-km) walk from the Chimney Rock parking area. From the parking lot, follow "Boathouse" signs that direct you down the driveway. At the Y, follow the paved path/driveway to the right. The first white building on your right is the original Officer-in-charge Quarters. Section of the pathway to the boathouse involve steep descents.
During weekends and holidays from late December through early April, docents may staff the lifeboat station's boathouse and would be available to answer questions and offer tours of the station.