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Post by bluefish on Nov 20, 2016 13:26:56 GMT -8
My wife and I have decided to visit Point Reyes in early April. We plan to do about 4-5 days of backpacking. I explored the area 40 years ago when many of the trails didn't exist. Any high points, places of interest, favorite trails, best campsites or advice is appreciated. Want to plan and get reservations in ASAP. Also plan to fly fish the surf, so any tips on fishing for more than the usual surf perch would be welcomed. Thanks!
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 20, 2016 14:44:20 GMT -8
Let's see...there are 4 campgrounds (you have to camp in the designated spots), which would allow for a pleasant and fairly easy loop, with reasonable layovers at one or two. I might consider something like this:
Day 1: Hike to Glen Camp, 4.5 miles, or more ambitiously, to Wildcat Camp (6.3 miles). I haven't camped at either, so can't speak to a preference except logistically.
Day 2: day hike to Alamere Falls. From wildcat, that's only about 4.5 miles RT; from Glen it's more like 9 1/2.
Day 3: Hike to Coast Camp, with a stop to check out Sculptured Beach (you can drop to the beach at that point and walk the rest of the way on the beach, in fact). That's 7-8 miles from either Wildcat or Glen.
You could stay an extra day here to fish, or fit in the fishing here or from Wildcat after the short dayhike to the falls.
Day 4: Hike to Sky Camp. There are two routes there, but I'd definitely choose the one up Woodward Valley and Inverness Ridge. This camp is your spot for sunsets and more expansive views.
Day 5: it's less than 3 miles back to Bear Valley.
Plan a half day also to drive to the lighthouse and do the tour; that's 20+ miles each way from the Bear Valley VC.
Hmm...I just saw a note on our map saying campers can stay only one night at each camp. If that's still true, you could still do much the same thing but shift between Wildcat and Glen after the hike to the falls.
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Post by bluefish on Nov 21, 2016 4:07:35 GMT -8
Thanks Rebecca, that was an excellent bunch of info. We'll incorporate quite a bit into our plans. From the maps, I thought about starting from Palomarin, as I started in from Bolinas, decades ago. One of my fondest memories is climbing down and back up Alamere Falls, something I shall not repeat. We'll likely start from the BVVC this time. Much appreciated, thanks again for the response.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 21, 2016 11:56:55 GMT -8
I thought about starting from Palomarin, but that doesn't seem too practical if you want to hit all the camps and see more of the area.
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Post by bluefish on Nov 28, 2016 17:24:31 GMT -8
Plans and reservations all done. One last question: Any place to pick up a fuel canister near Pt. Reyes? We fly into SFO and will spend a night at Samuel P Taylor before heading in from Palomarin. Can do a cat can if we have to, but would rather use the trusty micro-rocket. Thanks.
Edit: Found a supplier on the Presidio.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 11, 2016 20:44:18 GMT -8
Sorry I missed this. There is also an REI in San Rafael--right along the freeway, and you'll go right past it, unless you drive the coast the whole way (on reflection, you should plan on taking Hwy 1 one direction or the other).
BTW, I'm not far from SFO and can offer help if needed.
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Post by bluefish on Dec 12, 2016 12:22:58 GMT -8
THANKS, Rebecca. I talked to a fellow in the store which specializes in bike rentals and he said sure we have them, but I don't think he knew a fuel canister from a handlebar. It's a possibility they have them, but they're also 4-5 blocks from the 101. We got our reservations set, and will get to spend a night in every camp. I imagine we'll do quite a bit of the trails. If I have anything else come up to query about, I'll pm you. Vastly appreciated. I got the directions to REI San Rafael printed out.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 12, 2016 17:38:33 GMT -8
BTW, unless you really want to go through/by downtown SF, you'll do better to take 19th Avenue straight through the western part of the city, or even take the scenic route--out to the Great Highway and then back to Park Presidio or follow smaller roads on around to the Bridge. 101 isn't a freeway through town, and it's usually a mess.
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Post by bluefish on Dec 12, 2016 18:09:07 GMT -8
I may have to start running a tab! Though I have very fond memories of playing on the street in Frisco in my early 20's, I'd really prefer to just blow through to Marin. Not much of a cosmopolite these days. I'll plan a route and run it by you, if you'd be so kind.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 12, 2016 20:14:08 GMT -8
Do you use Mapmyride.com? I could just share my biking route out of town--it's the most scenic, if not quite the most direct  |
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Post by bluefish on Dec 15, 2016 5:05:03 GMT -8
Do you use Mapmyride.com? I could just share my biking route out of town--it's the most scenic, if not quite the most direct No, still using compass and maps. Of course, last time I tried to use the compass we were near some iron mines and it kind of went haywire. Would 280 be a quicker out? We should have our car around 1 pm , so I was hoping to get out to Sam Taylor and get a hike in before dark. |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 15, 2016 8:44:14 GMT -8
Yes, 280, but leave it at Daly City and take 19th straight north. I'm going to see if I can draw a route on the map and share it as a picture. If you can leave SFO by 1 on a weekday, you should be able to get to Sam Taylor before 2:30, or I might have to direct you to some of the best hikes up on Mt. Tam |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 15, 2016 8:51:05 GMT -8
Here you go. You can see how you could also cut west and drive up the coast through SF, which is sometimes faster if Hwy1/19th Ave is backed up. It's more scenic all the time.  |
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Post by bluefish on Dec 15, 2016 11:47:39 GMT -8
I had a dream about Mt. Tam many year ago. It was actually a flying dream, and those are suppose to be an indicator of serenity and happiness. Going back wouldn't be the worst thing..... I can't thank you enough, Rebecca.
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Post by bluefish on Apr 25, 2017 15:59:17 GMT -8
We went and had a wonderful trip. Saw 2 Grey whales, a herd of Tules, tons of coastal blacktails, endless flowers, stayed in all 4 backcountry camps and went though one hell of a storm with 50+ winds and horizontal rain off the ocean. So, I'll heartily thank Rebecca once again. We went to the REI in Corte Madera (the first one we've ever been in). Point Reyes is a gem.
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