Jepson-Johnstone Trail, Point Reyes

Join Carolyn Longstreth, Doreen Smith & Tom Gaman along these lesser-known trails which drop from Pierce Point Road down to the bay through a mixed forest of bishop pine, coast live oak and a thick understory of huckleberry and other shrubs, ferns, grasses, and forbs. Some wet seeps add to the habitat diversity. Listed plants include California harebell, Point Reyes manzanita, and California bottlebrush grass. Tom will explain the ecology of this forest and the pathogens that are affecting it.

To get to the trailhead from Central Marin (or from further afield), take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. west through Marin County. Go past Fairfax, the San Geronimo Valley, Olema, and several miles past Inverness (on the west side of Tomales Bay). Shortly after entering the national park, you will come to a fork in the road; bear right onto Pierce Point Rd. Continue about 1.5 miles to an unmarked pullout on the right where a chain link fence and gate lead to a private road. If you reach the turnoff for Heart’s Desire Beach, you’ve gone too far.