Park Adventures

Item Description

Point Reyes National Seashore Association is delighted to partner with the National Park Service at Point Reyes for an outdoor hiking trails excursion with Trails Supervisor Shawn Maloney for up to 7 people. All ages encouraged.

Plus, enjoy a tour, tasting and lunch for 4 people at Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station - and take home an autographed copy of the "Cowgirl Creamery Cooks" cookbook - and make yourself at home for two nights in an exquisitely located private Inverness home atop a meadow overlooking Tomales Bay. Sleeps 4.

First, revel in an intimate history of America's favorite national seashore from a park trail guy who, for the last 31 summers, has been enjoying this gift from the past to the future generations called Point Reyes National Seashore. Learn about the park's trail history, its past, present and future, as you hike 5.5 miles mostly downhill. 

Hear about several secret water falls lost in time and the rugged landscape, and if you're physically able and prepared, you, too, may visit one of the secret or seldom seen water falls in the park. 

After a relatively short ride in 4x4 truck, we will hike from Fir Top to the Pacific Ocean, starting on Green Picker Trail, switching to Ridge Trail and then Alamea Trail, heading down the Old Out Road to Coast Trail and south past the Ocean Lake Loop Trail, over the bridge at Alamere Creek, up one last hill, and down Alamere Falls Trail to the top of the Alamere Falls.   

Rest and enjoy your self-provided picnic lunch while overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the lower Alamere Falls. If timed correctly with the tide, we'll return along the beach to the truck at Wildcat Camp, or we're not able to synchronize with the tide we'll return via Coast Trail and Ocean Lake Loop Trail, back to Wildcat Camp. 

Your two nights on Inverness Ridge in the two bedroom, one bathroom Whitney House feature a 120 degree view of Tomales Bay, Elephant Mountain, Mount Tamalpais, and your own two acre sunny meadow, all while relaxing in front of the fire in the Bernardi-designed redwood and glass living room.(Each bedroom has a bay view as well.)

Enjoy a 375 milliliter bottle of Mendelson Pinot Gris, courtesy of our friends at Mendelson Wines, a new world version of the Russian Czar's favorite wine. Their Pinot Gris grapes are grown in the Napa Valley and fermented in small French oak barrels and fortified with alambic pot distilled brandy, the perfect accompaniment for a wide variety of foods -- fruit-based, nut-based, salty and spicy.

Walk down the Whitney House meadow to a magical stairway in the woods that leads to the shore and private dock. Feel free to bring your own watercraft to fully enjoy this remarkable location. Or just dive off the float for a refreshing swim. Chicken Ranch Beach is two minutes to the south and Shell Beach five minutes to the north; and the beaches and lighthouse of Point Reyes National Seashore are just 15 minutes by car.

The original Cowgirl Creamery and cheese shop is located at Tomales Bay Foods, a former hay barn we restored in picturesque Point Reyes Station. Say howdy to the cheesemongers behind the counter, who will help you find, taste, pair and purchase to-die-for cheeses from America and Europe. Take a gander around the barn and you'll find The Cowgirl Cantina, a take-away deli offering delightful local breads, wines, sandwiches and salads. 

Growing up in Marin County in 1980s, Shawn Maloney volunteered a young 'tween at Kule Loklo, a Coast Miwok cultural exhibit. In high school he joined the Youth Conservation Corps at Point Reyes National Seashore for two summers, and later returned to the park as a National Park Service Summer Trail Maintenance Ranger while completing school and trying out various apprenticeships between summer seasons. 

Following extra college classes, California State trails management certifications, and several years of work experience, Shawn was named trail crew project manager at Point Reyes. He has designed and overseen construction of trail reroutes, road-to-trail conversions, and such trail structures as bridges, boardwalks, and causeways.  In 2013 he was selected as Trails Supervisor, in which post he has been able to develop the skills of employees, Adopt-A-Trail volunteers, and Youth Conservation Corps participants; he even continues to be involved with maintenance at Kule Loklo.      

Point Reyes National Seashore Association Bookstore will also provide the winning bidder a professionally produced hiking map of the park.

Hike the trails, sample fresh local cheese and luxuriate like a local, bid today!

Item Special Note

This package includes: 

(1) A guided hiking tour of Point Reyes National Seashore with NPS Staff Shawn Maloney for ten. Dates and times must be mutually agreed upon. All ages encouraged and participants must be able to walk 11 miles roundtrip.

(1) Point Reyes National Seashore hiking map.

(1) Tour, tasting and lunch for four at Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station.

(1) Copy of "Cowgirl Creamery Cooks."

(1) 375 milliliter bottle of Mendelson Wines Pinot Gris.

(2) Nights at Whitney House, Inverness, excluding holidays, expires October of 2018 and limited to 4 people. Check in is 4pm and check out is noon. Dogs and other pets are not permitted. After a reservation is made the winning bidder will be provided a confirmation letter and contract which must be completed and returned prior to arrival.

We contact you with details following auction close.

Park tour and Whitney House accommodations expire September 30, 2018. 

Visit our donors at:

Whitney House

Mendelson Wines

PRNSA Bookstores