Dairy ranches such as this one are a common sight at Point Reyes, the oldest dating back into the 1850s when early settlers realized that the cool, moist Point Reyes climate afforded near-ideal conditions for raising dairy cows. After California became part of the United States and after a long battle in the courts, a San Francisco law firm gained control of over 50,000 acres here, creating a thriving dairy industry whose products were delivered to San Francisco by boat.
Located on the road to McClures Beach, Pierce Ranch was one of the area's most successful, established in 1858. Today, the buildings are restored and you can take a self-guided tour.
