October 29, 2025

Dear Friend,

Fall is setting in at the Seashore, and while many park operations have ground to a halt as we continue to navigate the government shutdown, we're also reminded that the rhythms of nature march on. Juvenile elephant seals are returning to shore to rest and grow, the fall bird migration is in full swing as raptors, shorebirds, seabirds, and other species head south for the winter, and spouting whales are visible off the coast.

We know the Seashore is a place so many come to find beauty, peace, and soothe a worried mind or heavy heart, and we're pleased to be able to continue offering opportunities for the community to gather in the park, care for the land, and learn together. You'll find these below, along with seasonal highlights and shutdown reminders.

We hope to see you soon. 🧡

Warmly,

Emily Summerlin

Communications Manager

Volunteer Opportunities

Thursday Weeders at Abbotts Lagoon

October 30, November 13, December 4 | 10am-2pm

If you're looking for a way to care for our beloved park during the shutdown, please join us for a few hours of habitat restoration work. Gloves, tools, water, and snacks will be provided. Stay as long as you'd like! Email cristobalcs@ptreyes.org with any questions.

Gather in Community

Pallid bat by Doug Backlund

November Full Moon Hike: Bats!

6-year Anniversary Event

November 2 | 3:30pm-6:30pm

Join us under the full moon at Bear Valley to celebrate community and learn about bats! We'll meet for tea and snacks before a special talk about the importance of bats by Corky Quirk from NorCal Bats. At 5pm, we'll stroll to Divide Meadow. Come for just the bat talk, the walk, or both.

Field Institute Classes

Drawing the Colors

of Autumn

Sat. Nov. 8, 10am-2pm

Explore autumn color through the beauty of changing leaves. Mix, layer, and learn colored pencil techniques to create rich fall colors.

Mushroom Identification

Nov. 23, Dec. 21, Jan 24 10am-4:30pm

Learn the basics of the mushroom identification process and then set out into the nearby woods in search of seasonal fungi.

Creative Composition w/ Camera Phone

Sat. Dec. 13, 10am-3pm

Unlock the full creative potential of the camera in your pocket! Learn inspiring, practical techniques for better, more compelling photos.

Shutdown Reminders

While PRNSA stores in the Bear Valley Visitor Center and at the Lighthouse Visitor Center are currently closed, our Drakes Beach Store will continue to be open on weekends from 11 am – 4 pm. Our retail sales are being greatly impacted by the shutdown, so all visits and purchases are very appreciated and support the park!

Please help us keep visitors, ecosystems, and wildlife safe and healthy by continuing to obey all park rules and trail signs. This includes keeping dogs leashed and only in designated areas. Stay on designated trails, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and use caution when spending time in the park. Call 911 for all emergencies.

Fall at the Seashore

Brown pelicans at Tomales Point by electriceye64

Elephant seals: From mid-September through November, juvenile seals will return to shore for a resting haul out. During this time, juveniles are still growing, and being onshore allows their bones and muscles to develop properly.

Fall migration: Point Reyes is located along the Pacific Flyway, and at this time of year we see an amazing diversity of birds migrating south to warmer regions for the winter—from pelicans, herons, egrets, bald eagles, warblers, swallows, and more.

Tule elk rut: We're nearing the end of the tule elk rut season, which begins in August. Visitors may still hear bull elk bugling and see them attempting to round up harems of females. Tomales Point Trail is a great place to spot the elk.

Whale watching: Humpback whales can be spotted from the coast migrating south, and grey whales will soon join them. Chimney Rock and Tomales Point are great whale watching spots, but we recently saw some right off of North Beach as well!