Kelham Beach

Kelham Beach is one of the more remote beaches at Point Reyes, reached only after hiking five miles.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Kelham Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore. Geo-coordinates: 37.9969, -122.8213

Amenities

2 listed

Beach/Water Access, Scenic View/Photo Spot

Kelham Beach is a 0.9-mile-long (1.5-kilometer-long) beach deep within the Phillip Burton Wilderness in the central part of the national seashore. The only safe location to access Kelham Beach is via Kelham Beach Trail, which is 5-miles (8-kilometers) from the nearest trailhead. The closest place to park is the Bear Valley Trailhead. Visit the park's Hike to Kelham Beach page for details on how to hike to the beach.

Beach Safety

Visitors should use caution when visiting Kelham beach. High tides frequently cover much of the beach. Tide Predictions for Point Reyes may be found on NOAA's Tides and Currents site.

Hypothermia (the ocean water may be as low as 50°F [10°C]), sneaker waves, and rip currents are just a few beach hazards of which visitors should be aware while visiting Point Reyes Beaches. Please visit our Safety Issues Associated with Beaches page for more information.

Park Regulations

• Glass: Glass containers are prohibited on all Point Reyes Beaches.
• Take only pictures; leave only footprints: Almost everything one finds at Point Reyes' beaches is protected by law, including shells, rocks, fossils, flowers, and artifacts.
• Wildlife: Do not chase or feed the gulls (or any other birds) and keep your distance from seals and sea lions.
• Drones: Launching, landing, or operating a drone from or on lands and waters within the boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore is prohibited.
• Metal-detectors: Metal-detectors are prohibited throughout the National Seashore.
• Pets: Pets are not permitted on Kelham Beach, nor on any of the trails leading to Kelham Beach. Visit our Pets page for more information.
• Horses: Horses are not permitted on Kelham Beach Trail nor on Kelham Beach. Visit our Horse Riding page for more information.
• Camping: Camping on Kelham Beach is prohibited. Visit our Backcountry Camping page for more information on camping at Point Reyes.
• Wood fires: A permit is required to have a wood fire at any beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. Visit our Beach Fires page for more information.
• Fishing: Fishing is permitted at Kelham Beach. Please visit our Fishing page for more information and regulations.

Visit the park's Beaches of Point Reyes page for more details.

Help Keep Your Beaches Clean!

Follow Leave No Trace Principles to reduce our impact on the places we love. The closest vault toilets are located 3.4 miles (5.4 km) away, either at Divide Meadow along Bear Valley Trail and at Coast Campground. Please help protect marine life and keep your park beaches clean by disposing of trash in the garbage cans located at Divide Meadow, Coast Campground, or the trailhead. If you build any driftwood structures during your visit, please disassemble them before you leave.