IVC Open Space Hike (March 24) Preview

We did this hike almost exactly one year ago on March 25th as the opening hike of the Spring College of Marin term. (Click here for a recap of that outing). Here's Wendy's outline for the hike: "Two loops combine to make an interesting hike. Last year we saw the first sky lupine, California pipevine and mist maiden as well as some late mushrooms. "

Directions to trailhead: Take Highway 101 to the Ignacio Boulevard exit. Go west and follow Ignacio Boulevard into the Indian Valley College campus. Our hike starts from parking lot #7 by the athletic field. (Click here for to view and print a map of the campus). Bring a dozen quarters to get a ticket from the parking machines ($3/day unless the rate has gone up since 2008). 25 minutes from College of Marin. Restrooms at trailhead. (Carpoolers can meet at Smith Ranch Park & Ride lot around 9:15-20 am).

Weather forecast: As of Wednesday, March 18, the National Weather Service forecast for Novato on Tuesday, March 24 was sunny with a high near 63. (Click here for an updated forecast).

More on this hike: Two hikes in the Martin's book, Hiking Marin, cover the area that we'll traverse: "E6 Indian Valley FR - Waterfall Trail" and "E7 Schwindt - Wildcat Trails". You can also view and print the map and species list for the Marin County Open Space District's Indian Valley preserve. (For another hike description and more photos of the IVC Open Space, check out this page on the "Bay Area Hiker" Web site). The Google Earth photo below shows this area. (Click on the photo to open a larger image in your Web browser).