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.

This is a beautiful little park, nestled in the heart of Novato perfect for a picnic or a stroll…read more My friend and I often visit to play tennis where we can find a court in the middle of the day without a wait. It's also got a historic cemetery on the hill, which is kind of neat. And there's a kids playground for the young ones. Parking is good at least on the weekdays with a big lot with wide spaces for all you giant truck lovers.

The new park is finally open. What a big upgrade. I cant get my son to leave lol. Thanks to…read morewhomever made this possible.

Beautiful Pond with ducks, geese, freshwater pelicans, Ingrids, and more beautiful birds. Great…read moreplace we walk your dog.

Tucked away near the freeway is a little pond with the walking park. There is an amazing number of…read morebirds and wildlife that use the pond. I drive by most days and I've found dozens of pelicans, swans, ducks, and smaller birds. I like having nature so close. I can't imagine what it was like before the wetland was developed - before the freeway and before the mall across highway 101. I am happy the City of Novato has cultivated this little park and hope it stays healthy for many years to come.

My daughter and I brought food from MH Bread here and ate at a picnic table. She played on the…read moreplayground happily for a very long time. This is an excellent park for kids under 10. It is decently shaded in the picnic area and playground and has maintained bathrooms.

Such a fun park for kids! We brought our 15 month old and my friends brought their 2 year old. The…read morepark has an area for younger kids (2 years and up) and an area for older kids. My daughter was too young for either area, but she really enjoyed watching the dogs on the open field running around. I was only in town visiting, but would definitely recommend this park for any parents wanting to get outside and let their kids get their energy out!

We have lived in Novato for 41 years and have enjoyed Miwok park for all of them…read more Our daughter's birthday parties and barbecues. The Tot Lot toddler park on the San Miguel side. BBQ's, picnic tables, real bathrooms. Grassy areas, play structures, the creek! Bocce pits! It always smells like a forest. Plenty of parking. Ample trash cans and room to run!

This park is beautiful and unique! It has a playground that's great for 5-12 year olds, swings, and…read morea sandbox for all ages. There's an American Indian museum that you can walk through, and such friendly staff! Clean bathrooms, and lots of tables and seating to bring your own lunch, snacks and enjoy. There's a stream/creek that is surrounded by trees and so peaceful to sit and watch. Lots of trails to walk, some folks bike riding, parking lot and just an overall forest vibe.

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!

Really incredible view, wish it was still maintained but still worth the hike up thereread more

What a little hiking and fresh air gem! This is literally in my backyard, and I just went to check…read moreit out for the first time. There are Spring wildflowers, grass and native Oaks. It looks like it is connected to another green area as well, behind the Cowbarn Apartments. It also has a paved road going up from Leafwood Heights, with some small parking lots. There must have been plans for this park at one time. With the road closed off, you need to hike in.

Lovely atmosphere. Clean restrooms. Would poop again. Possibly the largest gathering of Nannie's in…read moreNovato

I've had several birthday celebrations at this park, and I can say that the kids truly had a…read morewonderful time. It's such a great spot for picnics and other special gatherings. I love seeing everyone enjoy themselves in such a lovely setting!

A great family park, with a beach, pier to check out views or to fish from…read more Swimming pool. BBQ and picnic areas. Wildlife such as the turkeys I took pictures of. Deer, and many other furry friends. Great for walking or jogging. There's plenty of open space for the kids to run around and play. Parking is free. Many portable toilets.

Heads up for anyone planning a pool day during this heat wave -- I called McNears Beach Park ahead…read moreof time and the pool is currently closed and won't be opening until June. Really appreciated that the park rangers answered right away and gave clear information -- it saved us a trip, especially with the limited parking in the area. Sharing in case it helps someone else plan their day.

This park is so fun! I like that you can control the water yourself - I was concerned it would only…read morefunction during certain hours. The playground above is better suited for older kids (3+) but it is a beautiful space to hang. Nice lush grass, too!

Playground is nice enough, but small and probably best suited for elementary school age kids not…read moretoddlers.