Hazards in the Point Reyes National Seashore Park
Ticks
Ticks that carry Lyme disease are known to occur in this area. Stay on trails and check your clothing frequently. The quicker ticks are removed, the less the chance of transmittal of the organism that causes illness. Wearing light-colored, long pants helps you spot them; tuck your pant legs inside your socks to keep them from crawling up your legs. Always check your body completely at the end of your hike.
Poison Oak and Stinging Nettle
Staying on trails will also help you avoid two plants which can cause annoying skin irritations. Poison oak has three smooth, shiny leaflets and is usually bright green, but often has a red coloration in new shoots and in the dry season. Thoroughly wash any skin that may have come in contact with the plant with cool water and grease-cutting dish soap. Be sure to also wash all clothing before wearing again. Stinging nettle is a tall weedy plant with needle-like projections that inject a chemical into your skin, creating a burning sensation for up to 24 hours. If you are unsure what either of these plants looks like, stop at a visitor center before starting your hike.
Beaches
The National Seashore offers a diversity of beaches to explore. However, if you plan to spend any time near the shoreline stay aware of the movement of the tides. Consult a tide book before going tidepooling. Always keep an eye on the surf and watch for occasional large waves, called sneaker waves, along Pacific Ocean beaches. Also remember, since fire permits are issued for beach fires, hot coals may exist below the surface if fires have not been extinguished properly. Wearing shoes on beaches is recommended.
Mountain Lions
Mountain lions (also called cougars) live in the park and your paths may cross. Sighting a lion is usually considered a rare treat. Generally, there is no need to fear lions. Ironically, the wild animal that causes more human deaths per year than any other is not the mountain lion, but its primary prey -- deer. Visitor centers have information on how to behave in lion habitat and what to do if you should see one in the backcountry.
Giardia
Beware of giardiasis as the cause of water-borne outbreaks of diarrhea. Associated symptoms include chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue and loss of weight. Giardia are carried by humans and some domestic and wild animals. They get into surface water (lakes, streams and rivers) and contaminate water supplies. Carry water from public supplies in canteens or bulk containers.
Note:
Water treatment disinfecting chemicals are not considered as reliable as heat in killing giardia. Use a Giardia-rated filter in place of chemicals or heat disinfecting. Backcountry surface water should be boiled for one minute. The evening meal is an ideal time to boil water for drinking and brushing teeth for the next day's use. (Interim Guidelines National Park Service Washington, D.C. 20240)
Check in with the Bear Valley Visitor Center for an up to date report on the current water conditions in campgrounds. Call (415) 464-5100 seven days a week (except December 25th) between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.