Driftwood Beach

Driftwood Beach is a wild remote beach with difficult access on the ocean side of Tomales Point in Point Reyes National Seashore. Only adventurous and experienced scramblers should attempt to reach this beach from above which requires route finding and climbing skills.

Driftwood Beach is below the Tomales Point Trail and just north of McClures Beach which is a similar beach with safe access. At a minus tide it might be possible to get to Driftwood Beach from McClures by climbing over rocks in the surf (be careful and don’t get trapped if you attempt this).

You’ll find the Tomales Point trailhead parking lot at the end of Pierce Point Road next to the decommissioned Pierce Point Ranch buildings. As you walk north on the trail look for elk herds as you will be inside the Tule Elk Reserve. Binoculars help as the herds can be off in the distance. The National Park Service recommends staying on established trails only (Tomales Point Trail). Note that cliffs are crumbly and unstable in this area.

The USGS has labeled Driftwood Beach on their maps for years, but most reports about it are related to boats and dead whales washing up on shore. Don’t get trapped or require a rescue at Driftwood Beach or you’ll be the next news story about this place.

If you are crazy enough to seek out this beach, check weather forecasts and tide tables to take advantage of a low tide, good conditions, and visibility. Ticks, some of which carry Lyme Disease, are commonly found on Point Reyes vegetation so be prepared, especially if you hike off trail.

Address

Pierce Point Rd
Inverness, CA 94937

Park Name

Point Reyes National Seashore, Tule Elk Reserve, Phillip Burton Wilderness

Owner

National Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on trail

Fees

Free parking at trailhead

Activities

Beach Exploration, Hiking, Wildlife Watching

Amenities

Trails, Elk Herds, No Facilities

Links

Topo Map of Driftwood Beach
Aerial View of Driftwood Beach
Tide Chart
Water Temps