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.

I realized I have not been on this hike in several years and decided today was the day to revisit…read more I've enjoyed this area in the past and I certainly remembered how pretty it was once we got going. Most of this hiking trail is shaded, which is helpful on the warmer days- however a few parts are out in the open. The trails are very well maintained, which is much appreciated. The views of Stafford Lake on one side of the hill and then looking towards the East Bay & Mount Diablo on the other side are both sensational. Dogs on leash are permitted.

This hiking trail is located pretty far out down Vineyard Road which goes on forever and in an area…read morethat many Novato locals don't even know exists. There is a horse stable at the end of the road and people horseback ride through the trails. Be ready to dodge lots of horse poop. It's very calm and peaceful up here, it's not nearly as busy as many other Marin hiking trails. Parts of the trail look out to views of Mount Burdell and Stafford Lake. The main loop (Upper Meadow with Big Trees) is about 4 miles and takes about 2 hours. It isn't too difficult, but it does have about a 650ft steady elevation gain so you are constantly going uphill until the top where you loop around and descent. Most of it is shaded, but I'd still skip it in the summertime, unless going early in the morning. There are a couple of trails where you can branch out more at the top. I've tried the Ships Mast which ended up on the residential Rebo Drive. I wouldn't recommend that unless you had sturdy boots or hiking poles. When it turns into Indian Tree fire road there are parts that are STEEP. This is actually good if you want something rigorous for your calves on the way up but for the descent there were some parts I thought that were downright dangerous for slipping even with running shoes. There are a couple of trails on the AllTrails app that in person are overgrown and closed with signs saying 'H Ranch keep out'. Still can't figure out who owns H Ranch but I've seen signs like that at the Fairway waterfall and Indian Valley Preserve.

This is a nice walk if looking for things to do while driving along the 1 or for a short hike right…read moreoutside of Point Reyes station. The loop is about 1.5 miles or 30 minutes, but I always take longer because I'm taking in all the scenery. There's a little beach which can get slightly busy on the weekend, but no one is really around on the weekdays. The walk is pretty flat so it's easy. I love the scenery and looking out at Tomales Bay and Mount Vision.

We only made it about 20 minutes out of Point Reyes Station before I hit the brakes and swerved…read moreinto the Millerton Point parking lot because the views here were amazing. Not in a mood for hiking today, we stopped, walked out to the point, looked and took pictures. The views are amazing with Tomales Bay separating the mainland from the peninsula. Absolutely stunning. We were here in the morning. I'll bet the sunsets are intense. There is a small permanent potty here but it does not have running water.

The trail is around a 2-mile loop nestled in Samuel P. Taylor Park…read more Parking is $8 so I think this hike is better if you are already at Samuel P. Taylor Park. Not that many people are here on the weekdays so it might be worth the parking fee for some extreme calm because the trail doesn't get as busy as some other trails in Marin. I felt it was very serene, and you were really away from it all here with just the sounds of the running creek and woodpeckers. Visually it's very shaded with lots of greenery and ferns. I always get a sandwich at Lagunitas Grocery store beforehand and eat it in the park.

When my son suggested I hike the Pioneer Tree Trail he described it as easy and empty; he had never…read morebefore seen anyone on the trail and surmised that bringing my dog, whether permitted or not (he was unsure) would thus be no problem. He had obviously never been on the Pioneer Tree Trail on a summer weekend during a pandemic. Pioneer Tree Trail is a 2.1 mile loop trail that isn't flat but neither is there any significant elevation. It winds around and back and forth through beautiful Redwood groves and it's got a lot of charm. The fact that most people enter the trail from Samuel P. Taylor Park probably accounted for its popularity during my weekend, summertime visit. Children and families and groups who I'll assume were in some sort of Covid-bubble all seemed to be enjoying this hike on a sunny day. And even though she wasn't technically allowed, my dog enjoyed the easy to follow trail as well. If all you're looking for is a mellow stroll, go ahead and enter from the park. If you want more of a challenge though still no elevation, park on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. at Inkwells, cross the bridge on the north side of the road, and follow the flat, bike-friendly Cross Marin Trail to your left. When you cross the second bridge, do a u-turn and you'll encounter the entrance to the Pioneer Tree Trail. I have it on good authority that you can have this trail to yourself at most times, but I'd not rely on it during a summer weekend when people are itching to break out of their homes after months of sheltering in place.

Fun easy hike under shade. Good for young kids. We saw Salmon in December 2023 and all kinds of…read morenature. Good short hike for any time of the year.

Fishay, fishay! Stop…read morethe car! I must see the fishies! Even though it was a pretty inconvenient stop to turn around, my driver happily did so at my request. We went back to where the sign had caught my eye "Fish Viewing Area". I didn't know what this place was, but I liked it. It's exactly what it says it is. No tricks. It's an area to view fish! Most specifically, spawning (endangered) coho salmon. Hells yes. From November through February the Lagunitas Creek will see salmon and ask that park visitors be quiet as they view and not make sudden movements. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. West Marin is a beautiful area and this is one of the healthiest creeks for salmon spawning. It's a really great spot to stop, whether or not you see fish. There is a great trail you can walk down under a shaded path along the creek. Marin Municipal Water District has implemented a variety of environmentally friendly habitat improvements to this area. They also maintain a bulletin board in the parking lot with information about the fish, their preservation, and volunteer opportunities related to the same. So glad we turned around and went back to check this out!

We live close by and hike here often. It's beautiful and you can access hundreds of miles of…read moretrails. Some are pretty easy and others are very challenging. Things to consider: there is no water; no rest rooms; regular bikes and off-leash dogs are allowed on fire roads. Some trails allow bikes and some allow dogs. There are signs that alert you to what is allowed. Rangers patrol the area and enforce the rules (warnings and fines). If you have a dog, please pick up after your dog and take the poo bag (tickets for littering are expensive). Also, while not allowed, there are some people on very fast e-bikes who ride in groups, sometimes recklessly, and have hit elderly people. The majority of people are delightful and friendly. It's been my favorite hiking spot for almost 30 years.

What a gorgeous spot for a hike! There were so many options of trails to choose from. Stunning…read moreviews all along the way- Mount Tam in the background & views of the bay. Most trails were wide and I never saw any trash left behind. Looking forward to returning and giving some other trails a try!

Half these reviews are of the wrong place. There's the Tomales Bay Trail and the Tomales Point…read moreTrail which sound very similar so it's easy to get them mixed up but they are completely different places. The Tomales Point Trail is much farther out and the hike is in view of the ocean and features Tule Elk. That place is: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tomales-point-trail-tule-elk-preserve-inverness?osq=tomales+trail The Tomales Bay Trail is right outside of Point Reyes Station off the Shoreline freeway. The trail is about 2.5 miles and takes a little over an hour. Since it's so close to Point Reyes Station it's nice to go here if you are looking for a shorter hike and not wanting to go all the way out to the seashore or do a long Bear Valley trail. The trail is easy passing by two lagoons or ponds and views of the Inverness mountain in the background. Lots of wildflowers in the spring! Lots of birds, not always in eyesight but I could hear them everywhere. I kept seeing a black bird with a bright red markings, not sure what type of bird this is but it was pretty. There is no shade, most of the time this isn't an issue since Point Reyes is naturally cool or foggy but on a sunny day this can really creep up on you.

For years now I've driven by the Tomales Bay Trailhead and been consistent in remarking that "I…read morewant to hike that". I finally did, and when I'd almost fully back-tracked to my car I said "Well, done that. Don't need to do that again". I got home and told my son I'd hiked this nothing-burger trail. At first he didn't know which trail I was talking about then he was struck with a sudden recognition. "You're right" he said, "that's a nothing-burger". There's nothing wrong with his trail aside from there not being much to it. Parking at the trailhead is easy and free in a small lot. After going through numerous gates designed, I believe, to keep the cows in, hikers are presented with attractive views of Tomales Bay and the surrounding wetlands. The trail is neither challenging, steep, nor long but if you want to make it as long as possible head out to the end of the peninsula. Reach the end of that and return the way you came and you'll log a bit under 3.5 miles total. There's no looping here so backtracking is your sole option. Dogs aren't permitted though nobody appears to be checking. If you've also been driving by this trailhead for a long time know that crossing it off your own bucket list won't eat up too much of your day so you might as well. Pretty, easy, and short make this a worthy place to work off a few calories before heading further north for, perhaps, that platter of Hog Island oysters that's got you on this road in the first place.

What's not to love? Wide open nature, fire roads for hiking, off-leash dog walking, cycling, horse…read moreriding, and some great views! There are some single track trail for hiking, some to share with bikes, and some that allow on leash dogs. With a little planning, you can hike or cycle to the coast! Pack water, clean up after your dog, and say to fellow travelers. We have been helped by some amazing people when we needed a hand and we've given water and jackets to those who were caught by early sunsets. Be kind.

I've been to several times for hiking and mountain biking. The trails are generally pretty well…read moremarked, and they're in good shape as well. This is a good place to go if you have a dog that you want to run with or hike or mountain bike. The people on the trail are really friendly and I met lots of really nice folks