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    Indian Tree Preserve

    4.7 (14 reviews)

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    Anita V.

    It was absolutely beautiful. The trails were all cleared off very well lots of trees, outstanding view. Dogs and horses are welcome. It was my first time here and they do have a map at the beginning but I would've liked a few more signs along the way or trail markings. Not a lot of people so probably obvious good to bring someone with you. Great hike can't wait to go again!

    Ann L.

    I went on a hike w/ Greenbelt Alliance to Indian Tree OSP in Novato. First time there and I really enjoyed it. It's about 1hr10min from Fremont. No water so bring your own. No toilets - there is a grocery store and Starbucks off the freeway that is convenient. No bikes allowed I think because it's mostly single track trails and horses are on the trail along with hikers. Dogs allowed on leash. Limited roadside parking on Vineyard Rd. We started on the Upper Meadow Trail - Big Trees Trail, lots of gradual uphill on switchbacks - had lunch with a nice view near the Big Trees - then we took the Deer Camp Trail & Deer Camp Cutoff back to Upper Meadow Trail and the cars. I think it was about 5-6 miles total. We saw a snake, not much else. Worth a day trip if in the area or wanting to explore something new.

    Pacific hound's tongue
    Dana B.

    It's a real shame mountain biking isn't allowed. This area attracts only a handful of hikers and equestrians--it is sure beautiful. The grade couldn't be lovelier, it's always interesting with diverse flora: irises, ferns, Oak, California Bay, Buckeye, Redwood. Loop is about 2.5 hours hike. Midway up you hit chaparral with manzanita, madrone, and a view south, it's breathtaking. The coast redwood at the summit is a specimen that will leave you in awe every time.

    Salamander
    Jaylena P.

    To get to this trail you must exit city life as you know it, then cross over to the dirt road. The preserve features a path which meanders through Oak and Redwood trees, a diversity of ferns and moss. After walking a little ways on the trail, you'll come upon a sign post. One direction says 'trail' the other says 'Big Trees'. I wanted to see what the Big Trees looked like so I took this path. I'd say it's a good 5-6 mile hike. It's not loop so you come back the way you came. There is a fire road that continues the trail, making it a 10 mile hike start to finish. After speaking with local hikers at the end of my hike, that I found I should have continued on this road. But it is at this junction where the Big Trees live. Like something out of a movie where upon exiting the forrest you step out to a verdant clearing, then BAMM! a group of gargantuan redwoods are in your sight. Not many people on this trail, in fact it was probably every 30 minutes before I saw other hikers. So your company are the Ravens, the Gray Squirrels, Salamanders and the trees. At one point you're fully surrounded by Oak, then the floor turns a bright red from the leaves of the Redwood, then you're with the Oaks again. Surrounding the preserve are rolling hills, which when not in drought would undoubtedly be lush with tall grass. This is a very easy hike with lots of switchbacks. Only at the very end is there a push in elevation, no doubt easily accomplished by anyone with a few extra deep breaths. Once you make it to the top you will be rewarding with an amazing view of Novato, San Pablo Bay and Petaluma off in the distance.

    View as you begin the hike.

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    Review Highlights - Indian Tree Preserve

    “The beginning of the hike on Vineyard Road was covered and relatively easy with minor changes in elevation.”

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    Indian Valley Open Space Preserve - Early wildflowers in February

    Indian Valley Open Space Preserve

    4.6(47 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Great trail with smaller off shoots. Go when it's not hot,…read moreas this area can be warm with little shade. Go after rains to see the waterfall gushing! But really, go anytime as the area is beautiful, and it's a peaceful, serene area. Lots of newts, frogs, raptors, birds, and other wildlife. Dog friendly trails are marked as such. We've come twice now and each time it looked gorgeous, and different due to various water levels. Leave no trace =)

    Indian Valley Open Soace is a quaint local park. Seems to be a great locals spot with a variety of…read moresingle track and wider fire roads. The terrains is varied between interesting woodland and open hillsides. It's all about the journey with no sweep vistas but a nice variety of wildflowers, mushrooms and a small waterfall (seasonal.) There's a large lot at the college in Novato, with an $8 parking fee. From the lot, you walk behind the ball fields and will get to the trail entrance..There's a park map and well signed trail. I opted to go left on Paheco Pond trail which eventually connects to the waterfall trail.. That wound up some gentle switchbacks through quiet woodland. The waterfall itself wasn't much to see after a dry January but the forest was still a pretty hike. From there, I took the Susan Alexander and Wixel trail down to the Indian Valley Fire road to complete the look. While there's a few short steep climbs, most of the loop was pretty mild and I really enjoyed exploring here. Seems like a great local park and if I lived nearby, I'd be a regular. Beautiful park.

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    Indian Valley Open Space Preserve
    Indian Valley Open Space Preserve
    Indian Valley Open Space Preserve

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    Olompali State Historic Park - A handsome vulture - he was less than 5 feet from me - overlooking his domain on the Loop Trail.

    Olompali State Historic Park

    4.3(39 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    Only traveled on the floor level but it is beautiful, historic and calming park. Next to hwy 101,…read morethe freeway really doesn't affect the park settings that much. Plenty of trees for shade, picnic tables, a large fountain (unfortunately not operating) Some buildings & farm houses. Also easy access to restrooms. Will definitely go on the upper paths and hopefully see a view. Take a hike !!!

    Hello everyone! Well this state park has quite a bit of history to be honest but unfortunately, it…read moreis really very rundown. This property at one point was owned by a family that actually played a key role in developing this area of California and they ran cattle amongst other agricultural initiatives on the property. The Grateful Dead actually lived here for a bit in the 60's and held a number of rock rule festivals in the property as well but none of that is evident at this point. The original mansion suffered fire damage and is pretty much condemned. An original Adobe house belonging to a prior Mexican owner is pretty much a ruin at this point but it is protected. There is also a re-creation of an Indian village in the property which is not much to see but it's there. Something that was pretty cool was checking out some of the fountains and remnants of non native flowers and trees that are still on the property in the garden related areas. A shame that the State of California has not properly maintained this park. Not saying you should not check it out. Plan for a cool day so you don't have any issues hiking the trails, which are not bad. Hydrate as well whenever possible and don't leave anything behind except your footprints. Hope you all enjoy your visit!

    Photos
    Olompali State Historic Park - Hippie artifacts in the Visitor Center

    Hippie artifacts in the Visitor Center

    Olompali State Historic Park - Out buildings on the ranch at Olompali dating from the 19th century.

    Out buildings on the ranch at Olompali dating from the 19th century.

    Olompali State Historic Park - A lizard that stopped in front of me.

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    A lizard that stopped in front of me.

    Rush Creek Preserve

    Rush Creek Preserve

    4.4(18 reviews)
    5.4 mi

    Spring and late winter is time to come when everything is nice and green. By May the grass dries up…read moreand looks like straw. The marsh looks out to Mount Burdell and Sonoma County. This is a great place for birdwatching with lots of ducks, geese, swans, herons and others swimming in the marsh. At about a mile and a half in you can turn around and go back the way you came or take a loop taking you along Atherton Boulevard where parts of the path are adorned with irises, oleander, and lavender. Both of these are around 3 miles. For something longer you can add the Bahia loop which is another 4.5 miles. I usually prefer a loop to an out and back hike, however here I rather do out and back since I prefer be closer to the water than a street with cars going by.

    A great mountain bike ride (or hike) that's not too strenuous but plenty of small terrain elevation…read moreto make it fun. Years ago we started at the trailhead alongside Highway 101, now we drive down Atherton and turn on Bugeia Lane (which turns into Bahia Drive). Park at the trail head and take the Bahia Loop trail. There are trails all over the preserve but our favorite is a 6-mile out and back. The first part you drive through the hills fronting the Petaluma River Wetlands. There is some up and down but not extreme, but watch for hikers and horses (we always stop for horses and ask to pass). It's a single track that's fun to ride, beware of poison oak that creeps over the trail in Spring and summer. The 2nd part of the ride is on a fire road - you make your way up and overview the marshlands. We take the fire road and turn around at the wooden bridge. It's very common to see flocks of ducks, egrets and even pelicans here. A fun ride (or hike) out in nature.

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    Rush Creek Preserve
    Rush Creek Preserve - Nice views

    Nice views

    Rush Creek Preserve - Spring is here

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    Spring is here

    Dawn Falls - Dawn Falls Trail

    Dawn Falls

    4.5(48 reviews)
    12.5 mi

    *****pay attention *****…read more Word, to the ignorant drivers who have never been on switchbacks DO NOT come here. As you blast down the very single car lane, not paying attention and laughing away isn't cute. Be mindful of cars and pediatricians. Believe it or not its not all about you! The road to the trail is all kinds of messed up. It's a single lane through a neighborhood with very little turnouts. Believe it or not, there are huge redwoods along this road. If you have never been on a road like this, please park at the bottom of the road!!! PLEASE! Even the folks who were walking up the road to the trail aren't alert. It's sooo fun to be surrounded by people who believe it's all about them yes, im being harsh, but it was that bad!

    Dawn Falls Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Larkspur, California. It's considered to…read morebe a moderately challenging route. It will take about an hour to walk through this beautiful redwoods round trip to the Dawn Falls. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running. The best part of the Dawn Falls trail is that it's not crowded but you may still see a few other people while exploring. This trail is open year round but the best time is from January through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. However, I do see local dogs roaming without their leashes. Only a few parking spots deter many visitors. However, if you will be willing to be patience, there will on a parkingspot for you. This trail is maintained so clean here, so please no littering! Enjoy!

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    Dawn Falls
    Dawn Falls
    Dawn Falls

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    Indian Tree Preserve - hiking - Updated September 2026

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