Indian Valley Open Space Hike (3/30) Preview

Two loops combine to make an interesting hike.  We have seen 9 species of butterflies other years!  Last year we heard the first orange crowned warbler, pacific slop flycatcher, warbling vireo, and Wilson's warbler on this hike!  (Click here for a recap of last year's hike).

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 ). 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 Saturday, March 27, the National Weather Service forecast for Novato on Tuesday, March 30 was mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of rain and a high near 59. (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).