Dare to tread the San Andreas Fault where the earth's crust shifted and moved 5 meters (16 feet) in 1906!

Meet a Point Reyes National Seashore ranger at the start of the Earthquake Trail for this easy one-kilometer (0.6 miles) walk.

Join a Park Ranger for a lesiurely 1.3-kilometer (0.8-mile) tour and introduction to the history and culture of the Coast Miwok people.

The walk ends at Kule Loklo (meaning "Bear Valley"), a replica Miwok village.

Hunted to the brink of extinction at the turn of the 20th century, the northern elephant seal has made a strong comeback in the past 100 years, thanks in part to both government restrictions on hunting and their own secluded, deep-sea lifestyle.

For just a few months each year, these unique creatures come ashore, returning to various spots along the California coast to compete, mate, and give birth. It’s a powerful ecological pageant that only plays out from mid-December through March/April.

The Point Reyes National Seashore offers a specific overlook near Chimney Rock, above Drakes Bay, where visitors can observe a colony of elephant seals through scopes and binoculars. On weekends from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., docents are on hand at the overlook to answer questions.

In addition, a special 30-minute slide program about elephant seals may be offered at the Historic Lifeboat Station, depending on staffing availability. Ask at a visitor center for more information.

Engaging in the longest migration of any mammal, the California gray whale swims 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) each year, spending about one-third of its life migrating from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Alaska, to the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California. Along the way, these incredible animals can often be seen from the shores of Point Reyes.

On weekends and holidays from late December through April, you can watch the whales through binoculars and scopes from the Point Reyes Lighthouse observation deck. Volunteer docents will be on hand to answer questions about these majestic mammals.

In addition, you can learn about the gray whales' habits and adaptations during the ranger-led "Journey of the Whales" program, held on weekends and holidays from 1:30 - 2 p.m.

Before the establishment of life-saving and lifeboat stations, the remains of vessels littered the beaches and the rocks along the United States coastline. Horrified spectators witnessed the drowning of passengers and crew, helpless to do anything.

It was not until 1871 that a coordinated government agency was established to aid distressed mariners. The United States Life-Saving Service (USLSS) provided hope for those whose fate was once sealed by pounding ocean waves and foreboding coastlines.

At the historic lifeboat station at Chimney Rock, you can visit a site where heroes of the California coast were housed. See the historic lifeboat, view exhibits, and experience 80 years of lifesaving history at Point Reyes. Hands-on interactive activities allow both children and adults to learn about seal and whale adaptations, and a special 30-minute slide program about elephant seals may be available, depending on staffing.

Housed in a restored barn in Point Reyes Station, the Cowgirl Creamery has been making handcrafted, farmstead cheese in small batches since 1997. Nationally recognized for its artisan quality, the Creamery offers tours of its ecologically conscious facilities on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

Foodies and dairy junkies won't want to miss the chance to go behind the scenes, where the Creamery makes about 3,000 pounds of cheese per week. Peek through a viewing window and watch how they make the goods, and learn about the cheese-making process in a 25-minute presentation. The tour ends with a tasting of Cowgirl Creamery cheeses.

Afterwards, peruse the cheese counter to sample cheeses from more than 200 of America's and Europe's most prized producers, or check out the selection of local produce and other goodies.

Reservations for the tour are strongly recommended; call (415) 663-9335 or book your tour online.

Join members of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory on their monthly bird walk through the National Seashore.

On March 6, the group heads to Chimney Rock to see elephant seals finishing their breeding season, seabirds beginning theirs, and migrating grey whales.

Housed in a restored barn in Point Reyes Station, the Cowgirl Creamery has been making handcrafted, farmstead cheese in small batches since 1997. Nationally recognized for its artisan quality, the Creamery offers cheese-making demonstration and tasting at its ecologically conscious facilities on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and Fridays at 11:30 a.m.

Foodies and dairy junkies won't want to miss the chance to go behind the scenes, where the Creamery makes about 3,000 pounds of cheese per week. Peek through a viewing window and watch how they make the goods, and learn about the cheese-making process in a 60-minute presentation. The class ends with a tasting of Cowgirl Creamery cheeses.

Afterwards, peruse the cheese counter to which features more than 200 of America's and Europe's most prized producers, or check out the selection of local produce and other goodies.

Reservations for the class is strongly recommended; call (415) 663-9335 or book your tour online.

Join members of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory on their monthly bird walk through the National Seashore.

On April 3, search for wood ducks, woodpeckers, and spring's first migrants.