Starfish Kingdom

It was January 2, 2022 we decided we wanted to visit a beach before heading back home. We were in Point Reyes National Seashore so we decided to visit the beach nearest to the Tomales Point Trailhead we had seen the previous day when we went to see elk. We drove to McClures Beach and parked in the small lot. Once our belongings were ready, we hiked down to the beach a little over half  a mile. 

First view you get of the beach and ocean as you near trails end. 

Once we were on the beach we walked a bit more until we found a spot somewhat secluded, although the beach wasn't overpopulated to start with. We settled into "our spot" and headed towards the ocean water to explore. As we explored, we found rocks and shells as we always do when we go to the beach. We also found a starfish in the tidepools, which we were both very excited about, as well as sea urchins and anemones.  Little did we know we were soon going to be in for a starfish treat. 

Rock formations as you enter beach area. 

Tidepools we explored

After our fair share of exploring we went back to our blanket, had some snacks, took some pictures, enjoyed the view and decided it was probably a good time to head out. Before leaving I asked Phoenix if he wanted to climb through the rocks on our far left or if he just wanted to start heading back because it was soon to be dark and it was getting cold. He opted for one last adventure and I'm glad he did. 

Snacking. The pointy rocks in the distance, to the left of Phoenix, is where you walk through to get to Starfish Kingdom. 

Phoenix got some good captures of me with the binoculars. 

We gathered our stuff, walked towards the rocks on the left, and as we walked onto the beach on the other side of the rocks, we were met with a whole new world. A world filled with starfish and mussels! Everywhere we turned there were mussels and more mussels and starfish and more starfish. It was a starfish kingdom. Really, I have never seen that many starfish in my life, and all in one place. And we would have never discovered this location would we not have walked past those rocks to the left of McClure beach. 

The rocks you walk through to get to "Starfish Kingdom"

The view after you get past the rocks. 

The starfish. This, but everywhere. 

How to Get There:

• Click the location link below this will lead you to the McClures Beach parking lot. 
• Once at the beach, walk towards the left, past the rocks pictured above and you'll end up on a beach next to McClures filled with starfish and mussels.

Tips:

• Keep in mind that if the tide is high, you will not be able to see this many starfish or mussels, so check online for tide charts before going. 
• Be prepared to walk a little over half a mile down to the beach, plus walking across the  beach, and then a little over half a mile back to parking lot. So keep on mind how much you'll be carrying. 
• Do take snacks, water, and layered clothing. 
• There's a vault restroom in the parking lot, other than that you're pooping in the "woods."
• There's a garbage bin outside the restroom so remember to pack in and pack out. 
• We saw a coyote running on the beach and up the steep hillside, so keep an eye out for coyotes. 
• Enjoy the starfish. :)