Woodward Valley Loop | The Enchanted Forest Hike

Without a doubt, the Woodward Valley Loop is one of our all-time favorite hikes, through Point Reyes. Over the course of 13-miles, this route journeys through so many different terrains and weather patterns, all within a 6-hour stretch of time.

During this hike you’ll get to traverse through foggy forests, bright, open meadows, and then climb down into wild and remote secret beaches. Woodward Valley is a dreamy walking meditation, providing an embodied experience of aliveness and joy! Wendy and I use this hike to escape the concrete, urban jungle, and get back in touch with nature in all of her pulsating splendor! Pure Pachamama Medicine!

ROUTE

Bear Valley > Mt Wittenberg > Sky Trail > Woodward Valley > Coast Trail > Sculptured Beach > Coast Trail > Bear Valley

STATS & FACTS

Distance: 13.1 Miles
Hike Style: Loop
Elevation at Peak: 1,407 ft
Elevation Climb: 1,300 ft
Hike Level: Moderate/Strenuous due to length
Point Reyes Trail Guide website
Point Reyes National Seashore map

Trail Notes

Begin at Bear Valley Trailhead
Start at the Bear Valley Trailhead and begin walking away from the parking lot. Turn right onto the Mt. Wittenberg Trail. This turn happens shortly after the Phillip Burton sign, and a beautiful, mature oak tree — decked out in gently swaying Spanish Moss!

Mount. Wittenberg Trail
May as well just get the heart pumping, right away! Almost immediately, you will be climbing a steep 1,300 feet towards the highest point in the park – 1,407 feet, at the summit. The trail passes through a mixed Douglas fir and oak forest, as well as several open meadows.

The good news is, that this is the toughest part of the trail. It’s all literally a joy ride after this. Well done!

Take Note: This is a forested summit, meaning there are no panoramic views, as you might expect. Head back down from the summit the same way you came, back to the 5-way junction at Sky Trail.

Sky Trail
This portion of trail is narrow, so single file! Also be aware of all the poison oak to either side of you— walk with arms up, if need be. The path journeys through exposed sections as well as shady, forest-y bits.

Woodward Valley
From Sky Trail, continue to Woodward Valley — one of the lushest, greenest trails in the park! We were lucky enough to be hiking this amidst fog – making for a very mystical and ecstatic walk. Wet, Enchanted, & Thoroughly Bejeweled!

And if that wasn’t fabulous enough, then came the spectacular views of the seashore.

Take Woodward all the way down to Coast Trail. Turn left, to head towards Sculptured Beach.

Coast Trail
As you’d expect, on the Coast Trail you’ll enjoy amazing, open ocean views to the right of you. Stay on Coast Trail to get to the the Bear Valley Trail.

Sculptured Beach & Kelham Beach
Great spot for lunch and adventure! Beach access is marked along your way to both Sculptured Beach and Kelham Beach. Both are remote beaches that are well worth climbing down to.

Though marked, if you marching along you could easily pass these lovely spots. Needless to say, since the coast is to the right of you, both exits are…to the right!

Sculptured is marked by a hitch. Once you see the horse hitch, you will also see the marker sign. If you get to a bridge, you’ve gone too far. Down at the beach, towards your left, clamber on up to the rocks to watch the crashing waves as you munch on your lunch. Photo ops of waves, arches, dripping caves, sea creatures and other magical things, surround you 360! Stop and allow yourself to feel alive and fascinated. Be aware of the tide situation, and play safe.

Kelham is marked by a huge, truly magnificent Eucalyptus. Once you stare up at the tree and then look around, you’ll see the sign leading you to the beach.

Coast Trail > Bear Valley Trail
At the Coast-Bear Valley Trail junction, follow Bear Valley Trail along a gentle, wide, mostly paved path through beautiful buckeyes, oaks, and Douglas firs back to the Bear Valley Visitor Center. This 4-mile stretch back to the parking lot is a great time to chill, and reflect on all of the beauty you have experienced. Hold that sense of peace within you, for as long as possible.