Mt Wittenberg - Point Reyes' highest point - rises unassumingly from the Inverness Ridge, a topographical demarcation between coastal and inland facing-slopes that influences local weather patterns and ecological compositions. Visitors will enjoy commanding views of Drakes Bay, Olema Valley and miles of coastal headlands from its open, rounded summit. The shortest (albeit steepest) route begins at the Bear Valley Visitor Center and ventures off on a challenging push up the Mt Wittenberg Trail. 

A pair of black tailed deer feed near the Bear Valley Trailhead in Point Reyes National Seashore

The Mt Wittenberg Trail winds through lush, dense forest complemented by a fern dominated understory

Views from the trail are few and far between - some of the best occur at the summit trail junction

The Mt Wittenberg Trail ascends aggressively through healthy pine forests

Black Tailed Deer are one of two natural species in CA - the Fallow Deer was brought here by Europeans

At .2 miles before the summit, the trail opens up to a broad meadow - great for wildlife viewing

There is no shortage of unusual tree growth along the Mt Wittenberg Trail

Banana slugs are commonly seen in early mornings at the lower elevations of Mt Wittenberg

The unimpressive summit of Mt Wittenberg - there are no views from the tree encased summit

Views east towards Olema Valley from the Mt Wittenberg Trail