April 2014 day hike: Bear Valley trail to Arch Rock, Pt. Reyes
Post date: Apr 10, 2014 4:49:00 AM
Join us this Sunday for one of the most popular day hikes outside of SF: the Bear Valley trail to Arch Rock at the coastline.
This time of year we should see lots of wildflowers and maybe even some migrating whales!
The short version of this hike is 3.3 miles roundtrip, turning around at Divide Meadow before we reach the coast. The full hike is 8.8 miles round-trip, the longest distance our pack will have hiked.
This is an out-and-back hike, so you can actually turn around at any time. There is a lot to see at the trailhead if you decide to return before the others.
The first few miles to the coast are on a wide gently-sloping fire road suitable for strollers and those of limited mobility. The final mile is on a narrow single-track trail.
Meet at the entrance to the Bear Valley Vistors' Center at 12:15pm. We will head out at 12:30pm. It'll take about an hour to get there from West Portal, so I recommend leaving home about 11:00am to be safe. Since we will be traveling over lunch and hiking soon after, it is strongly recommended that you bring a lunch to eat either at the trailhead or on the trail.
Though the hike is nice in the fog, if we decide it's too foggy we can instead explore Kule Loklo, a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian village, and do a short hike on the Earthquake Trail which tells the story of the 1906 earthquake. Those who wish can then continue 45 minutes down the road to the spectacular Pt. Reyes Lighthouse.
IMPORTANT -- WHAT TO BRING
If somebody twists an ankle on this hike we may easily be out there after dark. Also, we can't predict whether the weather will be sunny & hot, or foggy & cold.
Please bring twice as much water as you think you need, a jacket, a flashlight, lunch for the trailhead, and a heavy snack or light food.
More info here:
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QUICK FACTS
Date: Sunday, Apr 13, 2014
Time: 12:30pm to 3pm for short hike, 12:30pm to 6:30pm for best hike
Location: Bear Valley Visitor Center, Pt. Reyes, Marin
Cost: Free
Parking: Abundant free parking around start of hike
Attire: Class B uniform (pack T-shirts) or Class A if you do not have a T-shirt yet, comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for hot and cold weather
Bring: SEE NOTE ABOVE. Backpack, extra water, flashlight, lunch plus a big snack, sunscreen, hat, first-aid supplies for your family.
Optional: journal and pencil, binoculars, magnifying glass, compass, small bag/bowl for collecting, Swiss Army knife for older Cubs
Award: hiking miles added to Cubs total
Contact on day of hike: Dallas Wisehaupt,
415-608-5944 (but cell service is spotty out there)