Trail Description

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Kehoe Beach spans miles of pristine coastline, bound by imposing bluffs and lengthy dune bands. Rivaling Kehoe Beach’s beauty is the biologically rich valley through which you’ll pass to reach it. Drainage networks from the coastal hills above culminate in a coastal thatch grass marsh beneath textured headlands that support a notably wide range of plants and wildlife. The area’s ecological diversity births one of Point Reyes’ best – and perhaps most underrated - spring wildflower displays.

The trail glides gently down the north side of a wide marsh-valley, passes through an old wooden gate and continues on a rolling dune-like path to the beach. Densely vegetated hillsides above hide deer, elk, quail, rabbit and coyote; the tangled marshland beside you deters mammals but attracts innumerable bird species. In the spring bush lupine envelops the area with eye-popping pastels.

The narrowing trail crests a steep dune (.55 miles) and spills dramatically onto Kehoe Beach (.6 miles). North of this entry point are wave-battered sea stacks, while sand dunes stretch endlessly to the south. Travel is restricted in this fragile ecosystem, however visitors may enjoy them from a close distance.

GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

• N38 09.165 W122 56.345 - Kehoe Beach Trailhead

• N38 09.328 W122 56.936 - .6 miles : Kehoe Beach

Worth Noting

• Avoid crowds by distancing yourself from the beach entry point.



• Surfing, swimming and wading are not advised. Strong undertow, currents and Sneaker Waves - disproportionately large coastal waves that form in a wave train without warning - are common at Kehoe Beach.


• Great White Sharks are known to patrol the waters off Kehoe Beach.

Rules and Regulations

• Dogs are allowed on a 6' leash north of where the trail spills onto the beach. Dogs are not permitted south of the trail deposit as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snow plover.



• Wood fires are allowed on Kehoe Beach, below the high tide line, 30' or more from vegetation and other flammable material.



• Mussel Quarantine at Kehoe Beach May 1st – October 31st issued by The California State Board of Health:



• Mussels may contain poison and pose additional unspecified health hazards.


• Do not eat or feed to pets.


• Dark parts of mussels unfit for human consumption.


*Dates and quarantine parameters may change. Check with Park Officials for current conditions.

Contact Information

Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Rd.
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Visitor Information: 415.464.5100 x2 or 415.663.8522 x2

Headquarters: 415.464.5100 x 1

Volunteer Information: 415.464.5145

Education Programs: 415.464.5139

Special Use Permits: 415.464.5111

Fax: 415.663.8132