Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes National Seashore is part of a large peninsula (arm of land) extending into the Pacific Ocean. Its broad beaches are backed by tall cliffs and forested hills and valleys.

The shoreline along the California coast was carved by volcanoes and earthquakes, and earthquakes are still common. During the 1906 earthquake that struck San Francisco, the Point Reyes peninsula moved more than16 feet (5 meters) to the northwest. Shifting sands, islands, and steep underwater cliffs are all found in the region.

Wave action is strong and has carved the offshore rocks into rugged shapes. Rip currents and a pounding surf make swimming dangerous in some places. In sheltered areas, quiet bays and lagoons have formed, which are enclosed by sand dunes and grass-covered lowlands.

Sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and other invertebrates live along the shore, and Point Reyes is popular with...