So much incredible hiking to do in Marin County! We want to share these beautiful options we have compiled over the years below. These should certainly get you started!!
Tennessee Valley Trailhead
The Tennessee Valley Trailhead, located in Marin Headlands, offers access to the Tennessee Valley Trail, a 1.7-mile hike to Tennessee Beach. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels, with scenic views of the valley and the Pacific Ocean. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the trail. The trailhead is located about a mile down Tennessee Valley Road from its intersection with Marin Headlands Road. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Golden Gate Viewpoint
Marin County offers several prime viewpoints for seeing the Golden Gate Bridge. Notable spots include Battery Spencer and Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands, both offering iconic views with easy access and short hikes. Kirby Cove provides a unique perspective from the beach area, while Slacker Hill offers 360-degree views, including the bridge and San Francisco skyline. The Golden Gate View Point near Highway 101 offers accessible views for travelers. For the best experience, visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds and check the weather for fog or changes.
Point Reyes Hiking Trails
Point Reyes National Seashore offers over 150 miles of hiking trails in Marin County, California. Popular hikes include the Bear Valley Trail, a shaded route leading to the coast; the Tomales Point Trail, known for its coastal views and elk sightings; the Alamere Falls Trail, which leads to a stunning waterfall; the Chimney Rock Trail, offering panoramic ocean views and wildflower displays; and the Earthquake Trail, which features geological insights into the San Andreas Fault. These trails cater to all skill levels and provide diverse landscapes for hikers.
https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/maps.htm
The Ring Mountain Hike
Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve, located in Corte Madera, offers a beautiful 1.76-mile loop trail with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The trail features unique geological formations, including serpentinite rock, and ancient petroglyphs created by the Coast Miwok people. It's a moderate hike with a steady incline, making it suitable for intermediate hikers. The preserve is home to rare plant species like the Tiburon mariposa lily and wildlife such as coyotes and deer. Accessible from multiple points, it's a great spot for nature enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dn5QoF4EKyikbFQW9
https://www.thomashenthorne.com/ring-mountain-hike/
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park, located in Marin County, offers over 6,300 acres of diverse landscapes, including redwood forests and grasslands. It features more than 100 miles of trails with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Ocean. The park's centerpiece is Mount Tamalpais, which reaches 2,571 feet and provides panoramic vistas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park also hosts the historic Mountain Theater, home to the annual Mountain Play. It's an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of recreational activities.
Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls, located near Fairfax in Marin County, is a scenic series of waterfalls accessible via the 2.8-mile Cataract Creek Trail. The trail offers moderate difficulty, with some steep and uneven sections, and provides continuous views of the falls, especially vibrant after rainfall. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear due to muddy conditions and carry water. The falls are best viewed after rain, and weekdays offer a quieter experience. The hike is a serene escape into Marin's natural beauty.
Dipsea Trail
The Dipsea Trail is a 7.4-mile hiking route in Marin County, California, connecting Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Known for its challenging terrain, it features steep ascents, numerous staircases, and varied landscapes, including redwood forests and ocean views. The trail is historically significant as the route for the Dipsea Race, the oldest trail race in America, held annually in June. The hike typically takes 2-3 hours and is rated as difficult. The trail begins in downtown Mill Valley, passes through Muir Woods, and ends at Stinson Beach. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for muddy conditions. Starting early is recommended to avoid crowds. Be aware of seasonal closures, especially in Muir Woods.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wMcEQBWxqgp8HvzL8
Verna Dunshee
The Verna Dunshee Trail is a scenic 0.7-mile loop located at Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California. It offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area and is named after Verna Dunshee, a conservationist who helped preserve open spaces in the region. The trail is accessible to all fitness levels and is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. It was originally built in 1896 as the Racetrack Trail and renamed in 1973. Visitors can enjoy views of landmarks like Mount St. Helena and Point Reyes. It can be accessed from Highway 101 and is a popular spot for hiking, with additional options like the Plank Walk and Gardner Fire Lookout for a longer, more historical hike.
https://modernhiker.com/hike/verna-dunshee-trail-and-gardiner-fire-lookout/
We hope you enjoy getting your steps in while taking in the beauty!!
Sincerely,
Our family- Team Johnson.
