This wonder-filled
wildlife adventure launches from Nicks Cove at the
northern end of Tomales Bay. While paddling across
the bay we will visit Hog Island a favorite haul
out for harbor seals and roosting place for brown
pelican. From here we head toward the cliffs of
White's Gulch. Once there we will explore the coastline,
observing the Tule Elk, harbor seal, bat rays and
other wildlife. Midday we will find an inviting
beach and enjoy a wonderful picnic lunch. After
lunch there may be time for a walk on the beach,
a hike in the cove or even a short nap before we
return home.
Time:
10am to 4pm
Price:
$110 per person - Includes picnic lunch
Launch
Site: Nick's Cove (see Directions
for details)
White’s
Gulch and the Tule Elk
White’s
Gulch, named for its beautiful cliffs of Laird’s
sandstone, is the best place for spotting Tule Elk.
This quiet little inlet was once home to Miwok Indians
and at the turn of the century was a thriving fishing
village bristling with wharves and shanties. All
that remains today are the ruins of a small building.
Nature has taken back this beautiful area and created
a perfect grassland habitat for Tule Elk.
For thousands of years Tule Elk roamed the peninsula
freely and in great numbers, but hunting and ranching
decimated them completely by the mid 1800s. In 1979
the Point Reyes National Seashore reintroduced a
small herd of 8 cows and 2 bulls, creating the Tomales
Point Tule Elk reserve of 2600 acres at the tip
of the Point Reyes Peninsula. This reintroduction
has been so successful that the herd now numbers
over 400 head.
The Tule Elk
herd of Tomales Point is an exceptional attraction
of White’s Gulch, but certainly not the only
one. Egrets and heron roost in the trees on the
cove’s northern hillside. The shoreline waters
are forested with eelgrass and marine plants creating
the perfect environment for spotting bat rays, harbor
seals, water fowl and even an occasional river otter.
Paddling along the coastline we experience this
extraordinary area and its inhabitants at a relaxing
and enjoyable pace.
Preparing
for your trip
The success of any journey is often based on well
prepared participants. The most important contribution
you can make is to arrive on time prepared and eager
to enjoy the trip. When getting ready for your trip
please double check that you understand the directions
and allow yourself plenty of travel time. It is
very important to be appropriately dressed to insure
your comfort and enjoyment. Please study and follow
the
Clothing Recommendations
provided.
Food
To complement
this exceptional adventure, PRO provides a wonderfully
catered meal prepared locally using organically
grown produce, home baked breads, local cheeses
and delightful desserts. We are excited and honored
to incorporate the local flavors of Point Reyes
into our tours. Please contact us if you have special
dietary needs.
Your
Guides
PRO takes pride in the quality and skill level of
your guides. Impeccably trained, they bring a wealth
of knowledge and proficiency to each trip. With
expertise in group facilitation, natural history,
wilderness first aid and specialized kayak instruction,
your guides are ready to provide you with a safe,
relaxing and enjoyable experience. As a trip’s
success and safety depends on their judgment we
ask that you respect and support their decisions.
Directions
The following are directions to Nick’s Cove
for our Picnic at White’s Gulch Tour. Have
a safe and enjoyable drive and Please do your best
to be on time!
