Wildcat Beach in Point Reyes Station, CA

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About Wildcat Beach in Point Reyes Station, California

Wildcat Beach is a long west-facing beach backed by steep bluffs along the Point Reyes National Seashore. It requires a hike of over five miles through Phillip Burton Wilderness to get there, but Wildcat Campground makes it worth the trek by allowing for an overnight stay.

The shortest hiking access is via the Coast Trail from the Palomarin Trailhead or via the Bear Valley Trail from the Bear Valley Visitor Center in Olema. Both options are between 5 and 6 miles of remote trail hiking. On the Palomarin hike you can stop at Bass Lake and view Wildcat Lake from the trail. On the Bear Valley hike there are several ways to go as you get closer to the shore so get a map from the visitor center.

The fastest route to Wildcat Beach is by mountain biking the Stewart Trail from the Five Brooks Trailhead parking area. Mountain biking for a day-trip to Wildcat Beach works well if you don’t want to camp or if the campground is full.

No matter which way you go to get to Wildcat Beach, the only safe access is at the campground as all other spots along the shore are steep crumbly cliffs.

After you get to Wildcat Beach you can walk on the sand for over a mile in either direction. Walking south on the beach for about a mile leads to Alamere Falls which pours out onto the beach from the bluffs near Double Point.

Contact Point Reyes National Seashore for reservations if you plan to camp. Permits are required for backpacking and camping is limited to one night. Day-hiking and mountain biking for the day do not require special permits. Dogs are not allowed on the trails or the beach.

Address: 1 Bear Valley Rd
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Phone: 415-464-5100
Park Name: Point Reyes National Seashore, Phillip Burton Wilderness
Other Names: Wildcat Lake, Alamere Creek, Bass Lake, Double Point, Stormy Stack, Coast Creek
Owner: National Park
Pet Details: No dogs allowed on beach or trails
Fees: Free parking at trailhead
Activities: Hiking, Beachcombing, Mountain Biking, Backpacking, Camping, Toilets (at the camp)
Amenities: Trails, Lakes, Beach Waterfall, Backcountry Campground
Links: Tide Chart
Water Temps
Aerial View of Wildcat Beach