About
Length (round trip)2.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain12 ft up
Typical time15 min
TrailheadMarshall Beach Trailhead
ParkingThe Marshall Beach Trailhead is reached by vehicle via L Ranch Road, which is a 2.6-mile-long (4.2-kilometer-long) gravel road. Marshall Beach is a 400-foot-long (366-meter-long) beach on the west side of Tomales Bay in the northern part of the national seashore. Directions to Bear Valley Directions from Bear Valley to MarshallBeach Trailhead
SurfaceGravel
Best season<h2>Winter</h2> <p>The heaviest rainfall occurs in the winter months. Come prepared for rain and drizzle to possibly last for several days. In between winter rains, it is often sunny, calm, and coo...
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe Marshall Beach Trail follows the route of an old ranch road, which is now used once a day or so by NPS staff in park vehicles to service the vault toilets at the beach. So, the trail is fairly wide for its entire length. The first 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) of the trail is relatively flat, but the last 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), gets progressively steeper and more rutted.
What you'll see 🚲 Bikes

Distance: 2.4 mi. (3.8 km) roundtrip Marshall Beach is a 400-foot-long (366-meter-long) beach on the west side of Tomales Bay in the northern part of the national seashore. Most visitors to this beach arrive via water (i.e., by kayak ), but visitors may also hike (or ride their bicycles or horses ) to Marshall Beach via the 1.2-mile-long (1.9-kilometer-long) Marshall Beach Trail. The Marshall Beach Trailhead is reached by vehicle via L Ranch Road, which is a 2.6-mile-long (4.2-kilometer-long) gravel road. The Marshall Beach Trail follows the route of an old ranch road, which is now used once a day or so by NPS staff in park vehicles to service the vault toilets at the beach.The first half of the Marshall Beach Trail is mostly level, passingthrough pasture land alonga fence line. After 0.4 miles (0.7 km), the trail passes through a gate in the fence and continues along the fence's eastern side for another 0.2 km (0.3 km) before bending away to the northwest, leaving the pastures behind for coastal scrub. The trail begins to descend gradually at first, but then loses ~300 feet (90 meters) in elevation over the last 0.4 miles (0.7) as the trail hooks to the southeast. The trail enters a grove of pine trees for the final 650 feet (200 meters)before reaching the beach. Vault toilets are located to the right as one approaches the beach. Return via the same trail. This route description alone is not a substitute for a trail map. Print out the park's North Districttrail map (3,409 KB PDF) before your visit, or pick one up at a visitor center on your way. Always check current conditions before heading out into the park and familiarize yourself with park regulations . Please practice Leave No Trace principles. Visit the park's Hiking at Point Reyes National Seashore page for hiking tips and information about trail etiquette and safety. Visit the park's Trail Advisories and Closures page for current information about closed trails, trails blocked by trees, or other temporary hazards or advisories.

Tips
Point Reyes National Seashore is open for day-hiking from 6 am to midnight. Overnight parking at Marshall Beach is prohibited. Pets are prohibited on the Marshall Beach Trail. Visit the park's Pets page to learn where pets are welcome at Point Reyes National Seashore. All ages.
Location

Marshall Beach Trailhead

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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.