USA Cypress Tree Tunnel, Point Reyes National Seashore
This Cyprus Tree Tunnel, which leads to a weather station, is a must-visit when exploring Point Reyes, located in the north of San Francisco. Make sure to check out the beaches and other roads in this area.
The place is an incredible sight year-round. However, if you wish to capture that iconic light ray shot, sunrise and sunset are the absolute best times to visit. Depending on the season of your visit, you might even get lucky and witness light rays peeping through low fog or capture fabulous photos of wildlife as well.
The place is an incredible sight year-round. However, if you wish to capture that iconic light ray shot, sunrise and sunset are the absolute best times to visit. Depending on the season of your visit, you might even get lucky and witness light rays peeping through low fog or capture fabulous photos of wildlife as well.
Photography Tips
A great time to photograph this spot is on an overcast/cloudy day and in general, it's a great time to get there in Oktober/November in the morning (around 9:30 am) to have shadows and sunlight through the top of the trees. In general, try to come here for sunrise to avoid crowds of people blocking the road views. You also have a great chance to catch some morning fog in case humidity plays into your cards. A tele Lens can be helpful in creating depth of field. Focus stacking and exposure bracketing are also helpful techniques depending on which type of photo you are going for.
Travel Information
The "Tree Tunnel" is located at what is now Point Reyes National Seashore's North District Operations Center. Look for signs for "North District Operations Center" on the road out to the lighthouse. It's a long drive and there are some other good spots nearby at the lighthouse and headlands.
Parking is on the shoulder of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Pull off of the road completely so as not to block traffic and ruin the view of other photographers.
The nearest restroom facilities are located at the Estero Trailhead and at North Beach.
Parking is on the shoulder of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Pull off of the road completely so as not to block traffic and ruin the view of other photographers.
The nearest restroom facilities are located at the Estero Trailhead and at North Beach.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
Just a few people
Best Timing
Sunrise
Sunrise & Sunset
06:46 - 19:32
| current local time: 17:45
Photo Themes
alley
Cypress
Cypress trees
Natural Landscape
Street
tree tunnel
Trees
Tunnel
wildlife
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