RCA / Marconi Wireless Stations:

Guglielmo Marconi sited and commissioned the building of wireless telegraphy transmitting station in Bolinas and receiving station in Marshall, on Tomales Bay, in 1913-14. They formed the foundation for the most successful and powerful ship to shore and land station, known as “KPH”, on the Pacific Rim. The Marshall station was replaced in 1929 by a new Art Deco-designed facility at Point Reyes Beach on the “G” Ranch. Few of the succeeding generations of antennas, arranged in “farms”, remain at the two sites. However, the radio equipment, some of it dating to the World War II-era, remains intact, functional, and used for ceremonial occasions by former RCA key operators. The Monterey cypress “tree tunnel” at the Point Reyes station is a signature landscape feature that evokes some of the prestige that RCA placed in this profitable, historic operation. Studies are underway to ultimately list both National Seashore sites and the Marshall facility, now a California State Parks conference center, together as a multiple property National Historic Landmark.

The park archivist has begun the task of organizing over 200 linear feet of operations records inherited from MCI and coordinating curatorial work related to preserving the historic radio equipment. Volunteers from the Maritime Radio Historical Society logged over 1800 hours in the year 2000 organizing and restoring artifacts and equipment. MRHS volunteers put station KPH back on the air for the annual July 12 commemoration of the last commercial transmission of Morse Code in the U.S.

EARTHQUAKE TRAIL
A short, informative trail with exhibits about the 1906 earthquake and the San Andreas Fault zone. 35 minutes. Closest parking at Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Additional information:
        • 0.7-mile loop wheelchair accessible.

WOODPECKER TRAIL
A rustic trail through fields and trees with exhibits highlighting the flora and fauna of the area. 45 minutes. Closest parking at Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Additional information:
        • 1-mile loop.
        • Trail is steep in places.

MORGAN HORSE RANCH
This working horse ranch has trailside exhibits focusing on the characteristics, breeding and history of Morgan horses. 20-30 minutes. Closest parking at Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Additional information:
        • 0.5 mile round-trip walk.

KULE LOKLO
This replica Coast Miwok village has trailside exhibits that briefly describe the traditional ways of life of the first inhabitants of the Point Reyes peninsula. 1 hour. Closest parking at Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Additional information:
        • 0.8 mile round-trip walk.
        • Some buildings open for public entry.
        • Handicapped parking area available at ranch.

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BEAR VALLEY VISITOR CENTER
Extensive display of plant and animal communities found within the park. Twenty-minute slide show, 22-minute orientation movie, and 11-minute movie about the Point Reyes Lighthouse available for showing in the auditorium upon request. Natural history books, cards and posters are for sale in the bookstore. 45 minutes. Closest parking at Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Additional information:
        • Good rainy day activity.
        • Handicapped accessible.

KEN PATRICK VISITOR CENTER
Located at Drakes Beach, the visitor center focuses on 16th-century exploration and the marine environment. A minke whale skeleton is on display. Summer: Open Friday through Tuesday. Winter: Open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. 20-30 minutes. Drive time from Bear Valley is 30 minutes one way. Closest parking at Drakes Beach.

Additional information:
        • Good rainy day activity.
        • Handicapped accessible.
        • Drakes Beach Cafe next to visitor center.

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POINT REYES LIGHTHOUSE AND VISITOR CENTER
Exhibits on whales, wildflowers and lighthouses. The Lighthouse itself is 300 stairs down the hill. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. High winds close the stairs. 1-2 hours. Drive time from Bear Valley is 45 minutes one way. Closest parking at Lighthouse parking area.

Additional information:
        • 0.4 mile walk from parking lot to Visitor Center.
        • The Visitor Center and stairs are open 10 am -4:30 pm.
        • The Lens Room is open when staffing is available.

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