Secret Beach – Point Reyes

Part III of the Point Reyes photo adventure is Secret Beach, a hidden gem along the remote coastline of the southern district of Point Reyes National Seashore. This marvelous stretch of sand amid rugged cliffs and bluffs is only accessible at low tide (either negative or close to negative). One must walk through a small arch (the “door”) at the south end of Sculptured Beach. This arch is notable in itself with bountiful mussels clinging to its rocks and other sea creatures like anemones and sea stars. While the coastal trail travels in parallel above the beach, the steep cliffs and brush essentially preclude alternative access so be mindful of the tides and plan your entry and exit accordingly. Secret Beach is about one mile long and terminates at the cliffs of Point Resistance to the south. The highlight of the beach is a capacious amphitheater accessed by a narrow tunnel (the “blow hole”) just past the entrance to the beach. This remarkable and unique natural phenomenon is a nearly perfect spherical amphitheater with colossal vertical cliffs and curvature sculpted by erosive processes. The golden cliffs juxtaposed with the shaded floor of this natural bowl is striking. The entry to the amphitheater varies depending on the level of sand and can sometimes be a crawl, but on this day it was fairly wide. Several hawks circled above the bowl adding to its mystique. Other highlights of Secret Beach include a small waterfall bouncing off a cliff and an aesthetic arch extending from Point Resistance into the Ocean at the south end. A few of my favorite photos from Secret Beach and a short video clip of the amphitheater are below with a complete photo album here.

• Part I – Kelham Beach & Arch Rock
• Part II – Sculptured Beach

Complete album here.