Point Reyes National Seashore

Flooding is the defining hazard at Point Reyes National Seashore, with 13 recorded flood events in the data period making it far and away the park's most frequent danger. The seashore's low-lying coastal valleys and stream corridors can fill rapidly during Pacific storms, cutting off trails and campsites with little warning. Marin County's violent crime rate of 526.5 per 100,000 adds a secondary layer of concern worth noting for those camping near trailhead parking areas.

Before your trip, check the NWS Bay Area flood watch feed and download the park's offline trail map so you can identify high-ground alternate routes if creek crossings become impassable. Pack waterproof stuff sacks for sleeping bags and electronics, since sustained heavy rain can saturate even rain-fly-covered tents at exposed sites like Coast Camp. At trailhead lots, use a steering-wheel lock and keep valuables out of sight to reduce the risk of vehicle break-ins.