Pirates Cove is located 2.4 miles from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead off the Coastal Trail between Tennessee Beach and Muir Beach. This small, rocky cove is notable for turbulent waters and picturesque sea stacks just off shore. Visitors will enjoy miles of open coastal valleys, bluffs, and ocean views en route to Pirates Cove.

The Coastal Trail crests over Pirates Cove before making a rugged descent into it

The Tennessee Valley Trail passes through coastal wetlands, a critical fresh water source and refuge for mammals and shore birds

California poppy, the state flower, are ubiquitous on the trail, and may appear all year long

The trail narrows through heavy brush en route to the Pirates Cove spur

Sea spray on Pirates Cove

Elk and antelope occupied Tennessee Valley prior to European development

It's difficult to stay dry at Pirates Cove

Wildflowers peak in April and May in Marin County

Sneaker waves are unusually large and powerful waves that reach much higher up the shore than normal waves; Pirates Cove offers little space to avoid large waves

The Coastal Trail runs 17 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fairfax-Bolinas Road

Pirates Cove is best left for low tides on calm days