While You’re Here

“Wonderful weather, incredible scenery, comfortable inn, gracious hosts! A perfect retreat. Thanks.”

–Sally and Jim, Sacramento

The Bear Valley Cottage is located on the corner of Bear Valley Road and Highway One in the town of Olema. This location will allow you quick access to trails in the National Seashore as well as walking distance to two restaurants (The Sir and Star and Due West) (Due West is currently closed). We are within walking distance of the Olema RV Resort and Campground. Our location is also served by the West Marin Stagecoach.

If you use Google Maps you will find us, but due to the fact that Bear Valley Road is not on all of the base maps used in mapping and GPS systems, some of them are wrong.

Please use the physical address with care

88 Bear Valley Road, Olema, CA 94950

Map

Driving Directions

Download PDF

Bicycle & Alternative Transit

Many of our guests walk or bicycle to the inn. Walkabout California is a great guide that explains how you can travel to Olema by foot and return to your starting point using transit.

There is secure bicycle parking for anyone who rides or brings bicycles to the inn and a full service bike shop, Black Mountain Cycles just up the road in Point Reyes Station.

Discounts are extended to anyone who bicycles, walks or takes transit to the inn. See Policies and Specials.

Marin County Bicycle Map – Download PDF

Public transit: West Marin Stagecoach

Marin County Transit District will continue to provide Saturday service all winter between San Rafael, Pt Reyes National Seashore and other West Marin locations on the North Route of the West Marin Stage. Four morning and four afternoon trips run between San Rafael Transit Center and Inverness. There are no trips on the North Route on Sundays.
Get schedule information here  or call (415) 526-3239.

Also, a great way to plan trips is to use the 511 – SF Bay Area web site for linking bicycles to transit. Check this out or call the Bear Valley Inn for assistance.

GPS CoordinatesKayak

38.042152,-122.789518

 

 Things To Do

Bear Valley Inn Guide

“How exciting to be able to sit at the table and see so many birds – such a variety…even a turkey! Amanda and Ken are friends of birds. Cozy room. Thank you for starting our days with coffee (freshly ground) and OJ. You have a gold mine here – spread the word to the birders!”

-Elaine and Jeff, Houston, TX

There is a lot to do in West Marin. The many villages host fine dining, casual eateries, museums, nearby hikes and more. You will not go hungry, or get bored. While cruising around, tune in to KWMR, West Marin Community Radio. You can even stream the station from your home as you prepare for your visit.

The Point Reyes National Seashore – and more

  • Walk to the Bear Valley Visitor Center and ask the rangers for the seasonal highlights (1/2 mile W on Bear Valley Road).
  • See how the area was transformed in the 1906 earthquake. Whose fault was it anyway? San Andreas’ I believe! Don’t miss the “Fault on the Earthquake Trail” at the Visitor Center (1/4 mile W on SFD). Geology on the Point Reyes Peninsula is amazing.
  • Visit the Kule Loklo Miwok Indian Village at the Visitor Center (1/2 mile W on Bear Valley Road).

Museums

Visit the Jack Mason Museum in Inverness, the Tomales History Center in Tomales or the Bolinas Museum in Bolinas.

Nature & Wildlife

BirdWatcher

  • Find and photograph the most elusive wildlife in the park with an expert guide from Point Reyes Safaris.
  • Look for elk at Tomales Point (20 miles W then N).
  • Smell the wild flowers at Chimney Rock (20 miles W on SFD).
  • Borrow Bear Valley Inn’s binoculars and see the birds at Whitehouse pool (2 Miles N on Hwy 1).
  • Spot a whale swimming past the point at Point Reyes (20 miles W on SFD).
  • Go to Duxbury Reef or Agate Beach to view some fantastic tide pools at low tide. Wave at the Starfish in their multicolor display! (15 miles).
  • Say “Hi!” to the sea lions at Sea Lion Overlook by the Point Reyes Lighthouse (20 miles W on SFD).

Outdoor Activities

Hiker

 

  • Explore the miles of off-road riding or the beautiful roads of Point Reyes on a bicycle.
  • Ship your bicycle to Black Mountain Cycles and have Mike build it up for some amazing riding in West Marin, or stop in and view their extensive collection of older and custom bicycles.
  • Hike or bike to the top of Mount Vision (2 miles from Limantour Road).
  • Forget your clothes at Twin Lakes (aka Hagmaier Ponds) but not the sunscreen! (8 miles S on Hwy. 1).
  • Kayak on a full moon night or beautiful day on Tomales Bay or Drake’s Estero with guides from either Point Reyes Outdoors or with Blue Waters . Kayaks can be rented by the hour at Blue Waters. Point Reyes Outdoors also offers guided nature hikes.
  • Stroll under the magnificent redwoods at Muir Woods (20 miles south on Highway 1).
  • Swim in Tomales Bay at Heart’s Desire or dip in the Ink Wells by Shafter Bridge on a hot day (7 miles W o E on SFD).
  • Hop aboard a sailing adventure on the San Francisco Bay with Captain Kirk Miller. Enjoy a three-hour cruise or other great options including lessons!

Leisure Activities

  • View the many birds in the area out your bedroom window or in the yard.
  • Take the scenic road to the Lighthouse along the spectacular coastline (20 miles W on Sir Francis Drake Road [SFD]).
  • Watch the surfers at Bolinas (10 miles S on Hwy. 1).
  • Take photos in the Bodega Bay area (30 miles N on Hwy. 1).
  • See the sun set on Drakes Beach (10 miles W on SFD).
  • Browse through the amazing collection of books offered at our local book store Point Reyes Books and check out the calendar of events and readings.
  • Check out the etchings and other prints at Ink Paper Plate in Point Reyes Station.
  • Stroll or roll along the old railway line (now a biking and walking trail) in Samuel P. Taylor Park (3-10 miles E on SFD).
  • Pet the Morgan horses at the Visitor Center (1/4 mile W on SFD).
  • Pick up a keepsake at the shops in historic Point Reyes Station (2 miles N on Hwy. 1). Visit the lovely shops in Olema.
  • Peruse the art galleries in Point Reyes Station (2 miles N on Hwy. 1). If you are here Memorial Day weekend or Thanksgiving, check out the Point Reyes Open Studios.
  • Snuggle up to a friend on Heart’s Desire Beach (8 miles W on SFD).

Food & Entertainment

  • Have the most elegant and finest meal around at the Sir and Star  just a short stroll into Olema (YES! You can walk there!).
  • Grab a tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner but be sure not to miss the Sunday live music at the Station House Café (2 miles N on Hwy. 1).
  • Grab some unique and tasty local cuisine with a Northern Italian influence at Osteria Stellina in Point Reyes Station.
  • Enjoy local fare at Side Street Kitchen in Point Reyes Station.
  • Take in the excitement of the city in San Francisco (30 miles S). Why not leave the car behind at Larkspur Landing and take the ferry into the City.
  • Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Tap Room in Inverness Park Thursday – Sunday nights.
  • Buy a picnic lunch from Tomales Bay Foods home of the Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes Station (2 miles N on Hwy. 1).
  • Try the delicious wood oven cooked pizza at Cafe Reyes in Point Reyes Station (2 miles N on Hwy. 1).
  • Cruise up to Marshall and dine at Nick’s Cove, stroll out onto the pier and enjoy the sunset.
  • Take a guided tour of local farms, cheese makers, oyster growers and wine and mead makers with West Marin Farm and Food Tours. Elizabeth knows her stuff and you can visit many places that are not open to the public.
  • After a long hike, enjoy a burger and fries (cooked in bacon fat!) at Marin Sun Farms.
  • Order a burger and watch the game at the Due West (a short walk from the Inn).
  • Treat yourselves to a scone or “sticky bun” at the Bovine Bakery in Point Reyes Station (2 miles N on Hwy. 1).
  • Get a giant soft serve ice cream cone from the deli at the Palace Market in Point Reyes Station.
  • Play pinball or pool at the Western Saloon in Point Reyes Station (2 miles N on Hwy. 1)
  • Listen to live music on the weekends at Rancho Nicasio (8 miles E in Nicasio).

Scrapbook