Point Reyes National Seashore Information & History

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Size

About 71,000 acres

Ecosystems

The unique mix of high and low altitude, open and protected, beach and forest land at Point Reyes National Seashore creates a diverse range of habitat zones within the park. The San Andreas Fault divides the peninsula from the California mainland and helps isolate the park's geologic features. With breezes blowing in off the Pacific Ocean, the climate of the park can resemble that of the Mediterranean. When exploring the park, be sure to visit the unique ecosystems of the faults, ocean beaches, intertidal and subtidal zones, Douglas Fir and Bishop Pine Forests,

Wildlife

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Almost half of the bird species found in North America can be found here (490 species sighted within the park), as well as 80 mammal species, 85 fish species, 29 species of reptiles and amphibians, and thousands of invertebrates. Of these, more than 50 species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals living in the park are federally listed as threatened, rare, or endangered, so this area is especially important to conserve and appreciate as a wildlife resource. Some interesting mammals to see are Tule Elk, Elephant Seals, Harbor Seals, Mountain Beaver, Long-tailed weasels, bobcats, sea lions, whales, and porpoises. Fascinating birds at the park include the Spotted Owl, Snowy Plover, Common Murre, loons, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, warblers, eagles, and storks. Also look for key amphibian and reptile species such as the California Red-Legged Frog, Rough-skinned Newt, California giant salamander, California Red-sided Gartersnake, turtles, and lizards.

Plants

With its wide range of landscapes, from sandy dunes and rocky cliffs to wooded forests, wetlands and lakes, this park supports over 900 species of vascular plants, 61 of which are endemic to the area, meaning they are found nowhere else. Of these, over 50 species are listed as rare, threatened, or endangered. One of the biggest threats to the native plant species of the park is the invasion of non-natives which take over critical habitat areas.

Cultural History

The Coast Miwok Indians were the first humans to inhabit the area, settling on the peninsula around 5,000 years ago. Throughout the park, there are over 120 archaeological sites of historical villages. Kule Loklo (translated as "Bear Valley") is a recreated village for educating visitors about the traditional Coast Miwok culture. In the 1950s Congress gave law enforcement of California reservations over to state and county agencies and the federal government terminated the recognition of the Coast Miwok people as an official tribe. However, in 2000, they regained federal recognition as well as their rights and privileges as a tribe.

Point Reyes National Seashore
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