GORGEOUS. The views were simply amazing at sunset!…read more The Verna Dunshee loop is 0.7 miles and completely flat (under 20 minutes) while the East Peak trail is 0.3 miles and ~300 feet of elevation gain (around 30 minutes up-and-down). The East Peak trail was pretty challenging with uneven ground and steep elevation, but it's doable for most people as long as you take it slow. The east peak parking lot is $8 to park but super easy to access and plenty of spots available. You can scan a QR code at the entrance to the trails to pay, and wi-fi is provided.

The Verna Dunchee loop is actually what brought us here. It is paved and flat and less than a mile…read moremaking it an easy enjoyable peaceful walk, I did it in my fuzzy boots. When we finished my husband looked up at the fire look out and then back at me and said "you wanna?". So I returned to our vehicle put on tennis shoes and started up. The first part is wooden and easy but then all the easy stops. I am going to go ahead and call it a beginners rock scramble since you must use your hands some of the time. The views are stunning! Makes you stop and appreciate nature and all its miracles. Totally worth it but I will admit it was harder than I anticipated. The loss of the star is 8$ parking. Oh and the bathrooms were clean! Dog friendly.

I just hiked most of this trail yesterday, and it was lit…read more I hiked the section from Pantoll Ranger Station to Dipsea, and to Stinson Beach from there. I looped back up on the Matt Davis Trail. Steep Ravine is famous, or at least locally famous, for its ladder up the side of a waterfall. On this occasion, it was slippery and wet, and was missing two of its rungs. Last time, I went up, but this time, I went down, which I think was way scarier. I would definitely not want to do this in the rain. As it was, I clung to the ladder with my whole body, and still felt like I was gonna slip. I became covered in mud, as a warning to all the other hikers passing in the other direction of what was to come. There are so many gorgeous little waterfalls on Webb Creek on this trail. Hiking through this forest almost feels like traveling back in time. It's so beautiful. I thought a heard a few fish splashing up the creek, but didn't see any. It looks like a salmon paradise, with hundreds of shallow pools connected by tiny cascades. Very hard but very rewarding trail. Make sure to bring food and water, since there isn't any water on the trail, and the only food is in Stinson Beach.

This was my first hike in almost 2 years. I went through the steep ravine trail first and really…read moreliked it. It zig zags Downward right away when starting the trail then it's more space out between curves and etc. The dipsea trail was a bit more changing in my opinion because once you hit the bridge that connects steep ravine to dipsea it's immediately up hill but lots of shade. Once going towards the end of the trail there's a large area free of trees to view the ocean before arriving at cardiac hill and taking old mine trail back to the parking lot.

I had forgotten just how gorgeous this hike is--the scenery is incredible the entire way. Be…read moreprepared for a steady climb through most of the route, with plenty of wooden stairs, gnarly roots, and rock steps, but the stunning views make every bit of effort worth it. There are many great spots to stop for photos, take a break, or enjoy a picnic--we did all three. Thanks to the recent rain, there was still plenty of water flowing, which made the trail even more beautiful. The picnic area at Laurel Dell is especially serene, with a babbling brook nearby. There's even an outhouse, which is always a welcome sight. I actually found climbing up much easier than descending as one has to really pay attention to their footing. We were happy seeing Alpine Lake again knowing we were close to end of hike.

A scenic trail, the winding uphill drive to reach the trail sets the mood and makes one start…read morefeeling the adventure even before one gets on the trail. The Cataract trail is medium difficulty level so one must be geared up well especially wearing the right shoes. It's along the stream of water and is quite narrow, has nice views. We were there before the sunset and the colors around looked so pretty! Quite close to the Fairfax downtown. There was no parking near the trail so people mostly park along the road.

An awesome place to hike! This open space has good trails featuring views of the Civic Center and…read moreMt. Tam. Some of the trails connect to China Camp State Park and Harry Barbier Park. The preserve is pretty heavily forested by oaks, bays, madrones, and a few redwoods, which keeps it nice and cool while you're working up a sweat. The trails are not heavily trafficked in my experience, and dogs (on leash) and horses are allowed on trails and the fire roads. Bikes are not permitted on some of the trails, but it's not uncommon for mountain bikers to come bombing down the hill with no warning, on trails where they're not supposed to be. Other than that occasional surprise, hiking here can be quite peaceful. If you're looking for a good workout out in nature, San Pedro Ridge is a nice option. I wouldn't recommend hiking here for absolute beginners, as some of the trails can be a little challenging even for experienced hikers.

Outdoors lovers like me look at that big hill west of 101 in the Dominican area of San Rafael, and…read morethink "I wonder what is up there." Thankfully, you can find out. Why? Because it's there. When I lived in San Rafael, I did find out. I started at the trailhead near Dominican University, and did the slow incline up the fire road. It's a dense wooded forest of oaks, very shady. If I remember right, I made it to the top a few times. The big surprise: I looked down the hill, and saw the remains of a car that didn't quite get the curve right, and now it's rusting 40 feet down from the fire road! I don't know if it's there anymore, but it was in the last millennium. Today, I found out more. This time, I started at a trailhead near the Civic Center. Now there is manzanita along with the oaks, alternating between shade and open space. And views, first of the Terra Linda area, then of the neighborhood west of downtown SR and also Mt. Tam. Names of parkland, depending on where you are: Harry Barbier Memorial Park, City of San Rafael; San Pedro Mountain, Marin Open Space; China Camp State Park, Land of Fruits and Nuts. You don't just happen upon the trailheads, you need to know how to get to them. This is not an easy place to hike. If you get winded on hills, you'll have trouble on these trails. It's enough of a challenge to give experienced hikers a good workout. Dogs love it too. Several single-track trails, and mountain bikes are allowed on them. NO WATER. San Pedro Ridge is not a unique place, but it is a very nice getaway when you're tired of being cooped up in your too-expensive Marin shack. The big thing about San Pedro Ridge is not the destination, but the journey. And what a good little journey it is.

Definitely a hidden gem in Tiburon! The entrance is at the end of a residential area. There are a…read morefew spots to park on the side of the streets. It's a bit of an uphill walk towards the tree but once you get up there, it's to your left. We were there on a Saturday afternoon and it was empty so we got to enjoy the views and swings to ourselves. Check the weather prior before going because it can be cloudy and the view won't be as great.

Another stunning day at Hippie Tree! Such a beautiful spot that offers spectacular views. A very…read moreshort walk from the road. On this occasion, there were three swings and thankfully one of them was low enough to the ground. I could get my 70-year-old body up on it. Too fun!

This Open Space Preserve is part of the Marin County Park system. You can easily access this…read morepreserve from the Camino Alto preserve which is immediately southeast of this part. I found that the trails and roads were in pretty good shape, but keep in mind that some of them are pretty steep. Also note on the map which ones are good for bikes and which ones are not suitable for bikes. On My Le summer bike ride through this preserve, I happen to encounter a volunteer. This nice gentleman goes through the parks and make sure that everything is safe and in good shape. I suggested that they have maps at the entrance, rather than just a board

Somebody's gonna get killed here. Or somebody's dog is gonna get killed here. Or both. It's yelp…read morecliche to say "I really wanted to like this place..." . It's not cliche to add "but I really enjoy remaining alive". So first things first: * Keep yourself and your dog - and anything else you cherish - close and hug the mountain. If you're heading up, stay far to the right and as close to the mountain as possible. If you're headed down, continue to stay there, even if it feels like you're walking in the wrong "lane". * Pray that the mountain bikers racing down the mountain stay in the outside "lane", have excellent brakes, vigilance, and a conscience. I wish there were signs that explained these rules but there aren't. Don't learn the hard way. There's a lot of options here. After street parking on West Blithedale, I hiked about 45 minutes up to a great viewpoint with a bench. At this point, there's an auto barrier which allows walk-ins and bike-ins. I went no further but was told that continuing on leads to a paved road then another fire road leading to many additional trails. (To get to this place, I took the path on the left when there was an option. Path on the left but keep hugging the mountain). To this point, the hike isn't difficult. The incline is gradual but the wide path is rocky so wear sturdy shoes. Others have reported this trail as sunny and hot but I experienced normal Mill Valley weather (cool and overcast). My dog and I generally enjoy a hike that doesn't entail fearing for our lives. By that measure, this isn't really a great place. I did like the ease of access and the long, gentle slope of the trail (at least the part I hiked) and for that I'd make a return visit. There's probably a law against even thinking this in Marin, but this would be a 4-star hike for me if we could ban the mountain bikers. Until then, no.

Secret Trail! This…read moreis one of my favorite areas for mountain biking. All of the lakes are are incredibly beautiful. You should know, however, that the parking is a real problem at Greene Park.. Even if you get there at 7 a.m. there are only a few spots left. Today, when I arrived promptly at 7 am, there were only two spots left. They were gone in a few minutes. The Coffin families have a great history in this area. If you get a chance you can research. It's a very interesting story. I recently discovered something unique about the Watershed. There is a secret way from this Watershed into the Cascade waterfall! Here's the secret way--please don't tell anyone else. Up above Concrete Pipe path, you can access Pine Mountain Tunnel Road. From there, there's a secret path--completely legal, to go to the Cascade Falls. There's one hitch however. You can't take your bike through Carey Camp Trail. You have to leave it there and hike in to go see the waterfall. Plan on an hour round-trip.

Great place to come on a bright sunny day. The parking lot is small but it didn't take long to find…read morea spot. Most of the hike is pretty exposed so if you are looking for a more shaded hike this is not the one. Still it's a great beginners hike made even more enjoyable by the lake which you can follow the trails around. The views are beautiful but as Janell mentioned, not so many high elevation views.

Great family friendly hike (the main Tennessee Valley trail) with a nice beach at the turnaround…read morepoint. You have the option to take a flatter lower route or get more views and exercise by going up some mild hills on the route. Our 6 year old made the 4 mile trek no problem. An off road stroller could be easily used or you can carry a toddler in a pack (heavy but no dangerous moments).

You might get a foggy gray day, you might get a sunny day. Better vivid colors on a sunny day but…read moreyou can't plan that. You get what you get and enjoy it anyway Many trails, though I thought it was slightly confusing. Make sure to take a pic of the map at the trailhead to keep with you. Keep you on track as you come to a few forks Going up the hill on Fox trail was pretty good exercise and a nice challenge. Take it easy and slow. The beach was nice surprise, pebble beach and then becomes sand when you get closer to the ocean. Can only get here by hike. Careful of rip tides and as tempting as it is, don't go too close to the water! Watch your kids I saw deer, rabbits, birds, lots of dead fish scattered along the trails (dropped by birds from the sky) Parking is tough, get here by 9am weekend for one of the last spots. Around 1pm people are done and leaving