We
return to the MMWD watershed for our final hike of the Fall 2012 "2"
session. Here's what we'll be doing: "We make a partial circle around
the lake, looking for ring-neck ducks, mergansers, grebes and other
birds, and then make a loop past Pilot Knob, returning on Southern Marin
Line. We usually see newts and some mushroom on this hike."Bring your contribution to our gourmet feast, plus a plate, utensils, and a cup." (Click here for a recap of our December 2009 "Final Exam" hike at this location).
Directions to trailhead: Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard into Fairfax. Jog left and make an immediate right in front of the movie theater. The first left puts you on Bolinas Avenue. Follow this until you see the sign on your left for Lake Bon Tempe and Lake Lagunitas. Follow the road to the toll booth by Sky Oaks Ranger Station. Then continue past to toll booth until you reach the end of the road.
(Click here for the MMWD map and directions. Or click here for a MapQuest map showing the trailhead location; click on "Get Directions" at the top left side of the map and enter your location to get driving directions and estimated travel time from your location).
The day use fee is $8. You can use $1, $5, or $10 bills and coins at the automated pay station, or a Visa or Mastercard.
Annual entrance passes are normally $60 ($30 for those 62 and older), but after September 1st you can buy one for half of those prices and the pass will be valid through January 31, 2014. (You can pay the annual pass fee at the automated pay station. Keep one part of the receipt which is a temporary pass good for two weeks, then: 1) stop at the Sky Oaks Ranger Station on the way out and ask them to send the other half of your receipt to the main office in Corte Madera which will issue the permanent pass and mail it to you, or 2) send or take the receipt to the main office yourself).
Time: 30 minutes from College of Marin. Outhouse in parking lot.
Carpoolers can meet at St. Rita's Church at 9:20 a.m. (Click here for a MapQuest map showing the St. Rita's, and directions and estimated driving time to the trailhead.)
Weather forecast: As of Thursday December 5th, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was mostly sunny, with a high near 61. (Click here for an updated National Weather service forecast).
More on this hike: Hike "C16 - Lakeview FR to Pilot Knob" in the Martin's book, Hiking Marin, sets out a shorter hike than we'll be doing; instead of following the Pilot Knob trail back to the parking lot, we'll take a longer route back by continuing eastward and then looping back the west, picking up the Southern Marin Line Road (called the Filter Plant Road on the Martin's map). (Click here to view, zoom in on, and print a map of the MMWD watershed lands).
Although this is the final hike of the College of Marin Fall 2 session, we'll do the first "Winterim" hike on December 17 up Sky Trail to Bear Valley.
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