Cypress Tree Tunnel In Point Reyes National Seashore, California
If you are from around the San Francisco Bay Area or are into photography and have Instagram, you probably have come across this picturesque California tree tunnel.
The Point Reyes Cypress Tree Tunnel is located at the Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California’s Marin County and draws in photographers and Instagrammers from all over. For good reason!
In our post to the Cypress Tree Tunnel, you will find photos and useful information to plan your visit to the Point Reyes Tree Tunnel in California.
Guide To Point Reyes Tree Tunnel
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The Cypress Tree Tunnel
The Point Reyes Cypress Tree Tunnel was planted around 1930 with Monterey cypress trees and is about a quarter-mile long.
The unique and photogenic tunnel of trees in Marin County near San Francisco is an absolute bucket list location to visit in California for photographers and tourists alike.
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Bucket List Places To Visit In California
Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station
At the end of the tree tunnel driveway, you will find a white art deco building. It is the Historic KPH Maritime Radio Receiving Station. Learn more about the World War II communication station at the National Parks Service website.
Cypress Tree Tunnel Location
Where is cypress tree tunnel located?
The picturesque California tree tunnel is located at the North District Operations Center at the Point Reyes National Seashore in Northern California’s Marin County near the town of Inverness.
How To Get To The Cypress Tree Tunnel In Point Reyes?
The best way to get to the Point Reyes Cypress Tree Tunnel is by car.
Coming from Inverness the cypress tunnel is about a third of the way to the Point Reyes Light House along Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Look out for the North District Operations Center sign. If you pay attention, you will already see the tree tunnel from farther away.
San Francisco To Cypress Tree Tunnel
From San Francisco to the Cypress Tree Tunnel it takes about 1,5 hours by car without any traffic. It’s best to avoid rush hour, as you will most likely be stuck around Golden Gate bridge then.
Parking
Once you get there, there is a little unofficial pull-out area along the street right at and across the gate of the tree tunnel. During normal hours of operations, you can park at the end of the drive by the historic Marin Radio Station.
Best Time To Visit Cypress Tree Tunnel
The official hours of operation are from 6 am to 5 pm daily. Outside of those hours the gate may be closed, however, you can walk around the gate visit anytime. You just can’t drive in with your car.
The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is low. However, this is also the busiest time, especially on the weekends.
Cypress Tree Tunnel Photoshoot Tips
Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes is a popular photo location for weddings, engagement photos, and all other occasions you can possibly imagine.
When is the best time to photograph Cypress Tree Tunnel?
If you are into photography and are looking to get those amazing photos of the sunlight coming into the tree tunnel, you want to get there for sunrise or sunset.
Cypress Tree Tunnel Sunrise
Sunrise will be the less busy time to get those iconic shots of the Point Reyes tree tunnel. However, depending on the time of year there could still be too much fog in the morning and you won’t be able to capture those light rays. On the other hand, you could also be very lucky and get really epic shots with a slight layer of fog around the trees.
Since the weather at the California Coast is very unpredictable, you’ll just have to take your chances.
Golden Hour: Cypress Tree Tunnel Sunset
Most of the people capture the cypress tunnel during the golden hour/sunset. This will also be the busiest time of day. So expect to deal with people in your pictures!
If you are serious about taking pictures, avoid the weekends at all costs. Even during the week, we encountered a few photographers / Instagrammers there.
Things To Do Near Point Reyes Cypress Tree Tunnel
The tree tunnel is not the only attraction in the area, there are some more interesting places that you can visit and photograph around the Point Reyes National Seashore.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Point Reyes Shipwrecks
Tomales Bay
Hog Island
Cypress Tree Tunnel Point Reyes
We hope you found our post about the Point Reyes Cypress Tree Tunnel helpful and got inspired to visit and photograph this unique California tree tunnel in Marin County yourself.
