Swimming

About Swimming

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  Swimming at Point Reyes

  Point Reyes National Seashore

  What comes to mind when you think about the beach? Surf, sand, sun, and swimming are a few associations...however, swimming is not recommended at most of the beaches in Point Reyes!!! The pounding surf, rip currents, and severe undertow are treacherous, especially at McClures Beach , Kehoe Beach , and Point Reyes Beaches North and South . Visit our Beach Safety page to learn more. While getting close to the water's edge—much less swimming—is strongly discouraged at the beaches listed above, there are a few beaches along the more sheltered Drakes Bay and the even more protected Tomales Bay at which it is relatively safe to swim. Be aware that there are no lifeguards at any of these beaches and one swims at one's own risk. Swimming in Drakes Bay Limantour and Drakes Beach provide the easiest beaches to reach and relatively safe places at which to swim—so long as there are no beach hazard statements or high surf advisories or warnings in effect. Be forewarned: the ocean temperatures tend to range from 50°F to 60°F (10–16°C) year-round. Swimming in Tomales Bay The water is shallower, warmer, and safer in Tomales Bay. Several beaches maintained by California State Parks and Marin County Parks offer swimming opportunities. Tomales Bay State Park This day-use park (fee required) features multiple gently sloping, surf-free beaches, protected from winds by Inverness Ridge, the backbone of the Point Reyes Peninsula. Tomales Bay State Park is composed of 3 distinct use areas: Heart's Desire - The Heart's Desire area is the heart of Tomales Bay State Park. Here you will find the park's Ranger Station, Heart's Desire Beach, the Vista Point Picnic Area, and hiking trails to Indian Beach, Pebble Beach, and Shell Beach. Dogs are not permitted on any beaches or trails in this area. Shell Beach - Shell Beach offers two small beaches with access to the Johnstone trail which connects to Heart's Desire. The beaches are only accessible by hiking trail from the parking lot and spaces in the lot are very limited. Dogs are not permitted on any beaches or trails in this area. Millerton Point - Millerton Point sits on the inland side of the bay and features Alan Sieroty Beach along with a loop trail. Dogs are not permitted on the beach, but are allowed on the loop trail while on leash. Chicken Ranch Beach Chicken Ranch Beach is a Marin County park that offers calm waters that warm up…

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  Splash in Medano Creek

  Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

  Medano Creek is a popular seasonal stream enjoyed by all ages. On this page you'll learn what to expect month-by-month in an average year, and how the rare phenomon 'surge flow' works. You can also link to current and forecast creek conditions, and a video about the creek showing surge flow waves. Medano Creek Month-by-Month in an Average Year April is the second snowiest month of the year at Great Sand Dunes, but there are also some sunny days with highs in the 60s. Spring is the windy season throughout the southwestern United States, especially afternoons, though mornings are usually calm. The creek begins to trickle down as the snow on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains melts. By late April the creek may be a few inches deep. Cottonwood trees and willows along the creek are not yet leafed out. Late May is near the peak of Medano Creek's annual flow. While it is still springtime and winds may arise, especially in the afternoon, May temperatures are generally moderate, with highs in the 60s-70s F. However, snow is still possible at this elevation in May! Trees and bushes along the creek leaf out. There may be some "no-see-ums" (tiny biting gnats), but mosquitoes are rarely out in May. Late May and early June are the best opportunity to experience "surge flow", where waves up to about 20 inches (50 cm) high flow down across the sand. In wet years with good peak runoff, children can float down the waves on flat inflatable toys. Water comes out of the mountains cold, but warms up significantly when the sun shines on it for a few hours as it spreads across the sand. Because of the creek's popularity, late May and early June weekends are extremely crowded, with long lines of traffic, overflowing parking lots, a crowded beach, and full campgrounds. If possible, plan your visit on a weekday this time of year. June brings warmer temperatures for water play and generally pleasant conditions the first week of June. But as the creek becomes much lower and warmer around the second week of June, mosquitoes emerge in large numbers. Move away from vegetation, to the far side of the creek to avoid the worst of the mosquitoes: they don't like open sand, but prefer to be near shady bushes and trees. By late June, the water level will be fairly low, only 1 or 2 inches (1-5cm). Because of the creek's popularity, late May and early June weekends are extremely crowded, with long lin…

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