Hearts Desire to Marshall Beach

Summary: A very pleasant paddle in some of the most pristene scenery in the Bay Area. About 5 miles round trip; less if you paddle north on the ebb, south on the flood.

Level of Difficulty: Generally this is a protected paddle ideally suited for beginners. A perfect place to practise rescues and rolling. Also an ideal place to practise your navigation skills by heading across to Marshall on a compass bearing.

Special Cautions: None really. Watch out for small children when launching and landing at Hearts Desire beach and stay out of the swimmers-only area.

Directions to launch site: First of all, get to Point Reyes Station. If the Bovine Bakery is open, get some pastries for the trip. Then take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west. Drive through Inverness (4.5 miles) and after about a mile the road heads inland. After another mile and a bit take the right fork, then after another mile and a bit turn right into the Tomales Bay State Park. Parking is $5. There are bathrooms at the beach.

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