This loop features panoramic views of the Bay. You’ll appreciate the fact that it’s open space as you learn about Marincello, a city of 18,000 ( the exact number may vary depending on the source you consult about the history of the development) that was planned for this area! 

We may see hawks like the Northern harrier, brush rabbits, and even a coyote. (Click here for a recap of a hike on 10/27/09). 
Directions to trailhead:  Take the Stinson Beach exit from Highway101. Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end.
Time: 40 minutes from College of Marin. Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Park & Ride lot between 9:00-9:15 am. Portables at trailhead. 
One section can be very muddy, so waterproof your hiking boots if we’ve had any rain!  Hiking poles can be helpful, particularly on one steep downhill stretch of the trail.
Weather forecast:  As of Friday, October 29, the National Weather Service forecast for the area of our hike is sunny with a high near 66.  (Click here for an updated forecast).
More on this hike:  You won't find this hike described in either the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, or Tracy Salcedo-Chourre's Exploring Point Reyes Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  Look instead at the GGNRA Marin Headlands trail map.  We'll head up the Marincello and Bobcat Trails, do a sharp turn and head down the Alta and Oakwood Valley Trails, then cross Tennessee Valley Road and walk west on the Rhubarb Trail until we get back to the parking lot.


(Theresa Fisher created the following NPS map of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area overlaid with the route of our hike).

Fall 2 2017 Hike Schedule

Fall 2 is a go!

FALL 2  TUESDAYS INSTRUCTOR:  Wendy Dreskin TIME: 9:45 AM until 1:45 PM     

WHAT TO BRING:  Water, lunch, warm layer, hat, sunscreen. Optional equipment: hiking poles, binoculars. Walks go rain or shine, so wear raingear when appropriate. State park pass or $8 cash for parking at East Peak. MMWD pass or credit card for parking at Lake Lagunitas.     

OCTOBER 24 EAST PEAK, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK      This lovely loop takes us by California torreya trees with their nutmeg-like nuts, past scenic Inspiration Point, to beautiful Collier Springs where we lunch under the redwoods. We’ll take Northside Trail to International Trail after lunch.     Take the Stinson Beach/Hway 1 exit off Hway 101. Go west through Tam Valley and up onto the ridge. Turn right onto Panoramic Hway and follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais.  Keep going up the Mountain, turn right at Rock Spring, and keep going until the road ends at the East Peak parking lot. Restrooms at trailhead. 1 hour from COM.   

OCTOBER 31  TENNESSEE VALLEY, GGNRA This loop features panoramic views of the Bay. You’ll appreciate the fact that it’s open space as you learn about Marincello, a city of 18,000 that was planned for this area! We may see hawks like the Northern harrier, brush rabbits, and even a coyote.      Take the Stinson Beach exit from 101.  Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end.      Time: 40 minutes from College of Marin. Portables at trailhead.      

NOVEMBER 7  INDIAN TREE OPEN SPACE       We hike pretty loop  trail with views and a grove of old redwoods that escaped logging. If there has been rain you may want boots for this hike, or be prepared to rock hop a few streams.      Take 101 north.  Exit at DeLong Ave, which becomes Diablo Ave for a short stretch.  Go west on Novato Blvd.  Turn left (south) on Wilson Ave, right (west) on Vineyard Ave. The trail starts where the paved road turns into a dirt road.  35 minutes from College of Marin.                    

NOVEMBER 14  DIPSEA TO BEN JOHNSON       Instead of racing up the Dipsea, we’ll stop to admire ancient redwoods, beautiful views, and - I hope! - early mushrooms!      From Hwy 101 take the Stinson Beach exit, turn left (west) on Shoreline Hwy, right on Panoramic Hwy and left on Muir Woods Rd. Meet at Muir Woods Parking Lot #2.               Time:  35 minutes from College of Marin. Restrooms at trailhead.      

NOVEMBER 21 BAHIA OPEN SPACE, NOVATO       This is a wonderful birding area! I’ll bring a spotting scope, but bring binoculars if you have them.  (If you don’t have any, I have extras I can loan you.)  We usually see at least eight species of ducks, as well as swans, grebes, and shorebirds.      Take 101 and exit on Atherton Ave. in Novato. Go east, until Bugia splits left and Atherton goes right. Take Bugia, which becomes Bahia and park at the end of the street.      Driving time from College of Marin: 35 minutes. No restrooms.    

NOVEMBER 28  SKY OAKS, MMWD      This loop starts out in oak/bay/madrone habitat, but we'll also see redwoods and some grassland.  This is a good mushroom hike with Boletes, Amanitas, Waxy Caps, Milky Caps and more if we've had some rain.        Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. into Fairfax.  Turn left on Pacheco and make an immediate right in front of the movie theater which puts you on Broadway.  The first left puts you on Bolinas Ave.  Follow this until you see the sign on your left for Lake Bon Tempe and Lake Lagunitas. Follow the road to the tollbooth by Sky Oaks Ranger Station.  (Credit card accepted by the machine.)       Time: 25 minutes from College of Marin.    

DECEMBER 5  FINAL EXAM LAKE LAGUNITAS, MMWD           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 interesting mushrooms on this hike. Bring your contribution to our gourmet feast, plus a plate, utensils, and a cup.       As you enter Fairfax on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. jog left on Pacheco when you see the movie theater and make an immediate right.  This puts you on Broadway, the street that parallels SF Drake but is on the other side of the parkade. Make the first left which is Bolinas Ave. Follow the Bolinas-Fairfax Rd. for about 1 mile. Turn left onto Sky Oaks Rd. You'll need to pay at the kiosk. (Credit cards accepted.) Continue to the parking lot at the end of the road.      Driving time from College of Marin 30 minutes. Outhouse in parking lot.           
------------ 
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East Peak Mt. Tam Hike (10/24/17)

FALL 2  TUESDAYS INSTRUCTOR:  Wendy Dreskin TIME: 9:45 AM until 1:45 PM     

WHAT TO BRING:  Water, lunch, warm layer, hat, sunscreen. Optional equipment: hiking poles, binoculars. Walks go rain or shine, so wear raingear when appropriate. State park pass or $8 cash for parking at East Peak. MMWD pass or credit card for parking at Lake Lagunitas.     

We have met the minimum (and reached the maximum, since both are 19) number of students so the class is a go.  I look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday.

   Have a good weekend!
       Wendy 

This week we hike in Mount Tamalpais State Park.

This lovely loop takes us by California torreya trees with their nutmeg-like nuts, past scenic Inspiration Point, to beautiful Colier Spring where we lunch under the redwoods.

We'll take Northside Trail to International Trail after lunch.

(Click here for photos from past hikes.)

Directions to trailhead:  Take the Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit off Highway 101. Go west through Tam Valley and up onto the ridge.

Turn right onto Panoramic Highway and follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais. Keep going up the mountain, and when you get to Pantoll at the crest of Panoramic Highway (beyond Bootjack, where our hike to the Mountain Theater begins), turn to the right and head uphill.

When you top out on this road, turn right and keep going until the road ends at the East Peak parking lot. (Parking costs $8/day unless you have a park pass).  

Click here for a Google Maps map that shows the East Peak Parking lot. Click on the teardrop icon to get driving times and directions from your location. 
  
(Click here for a map of Mt. Tam that you can view and print out).

1 hour from College of Marin.  Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Parking & Ride lot at 8:55 am. Restrooms at trailhead. (Click here for a Google Maps map showing the parking lot on Drakes Landing Road; right click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location.)

Weather forecast: As of Tuesday, October 25th, the National Weather forecast for the hike was sunny with a high near 82. (Click here for an updated forecast).

More on this hike:  Hike "B21 Northside - Colier – Lakeview Trails" in the Martins’ book, Hiking Marin, shows the trails we’ll be taking.  You can also view the trails on page five of the Mount Tamalpais State Park brochure.

The following photo shows the route we'll take.

This version shows the distance we'll hike.

Here's the hike profile showing the elevation changes.

Rescheduled Final Hike -Tennessee Valley (10/17/17)

The Colege of Marin canceled this hike because of poor air quality. Assuming that the air quality has improved, the hike is rescheduled for Tuesday October 17th.

Per Wendy, "this loop [around Tennessee Valley] features panoramic views of the Bay. We often see Condominium spiders, several species of hawks, and sometimes find a bobcat hunting."

REMEMBER TO BRING PLATE, UTENSILS, AND SOMETHING TO SHARE FOR THE GOURMET FINAL EXAM! (Let’s think green and try to cut down on paper and plastic throw-aways as much as possible). We’ll leave the food in the cars and eat when we get back, but bring your water bottle.

(Click here for a recap of our October 2008 hike. Here's an album of photos from past hikes in this area.).

Directions to trailhead: Take the Stinson Beach exit from Highway 101. Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end.

(Click here for a Google Maps map showing the trailhead. Click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location.)

40 minutes from College of Marin.

Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Park & Ride lot 9:15 am. (Click here for a Google Maps map showing the parking lot on Drakes Landing Road; right click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location.)

Portable toilets at the trailhead and lunch.

Weather forecast: As of Saturday, October 7th, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was sunny, with a high near 72.  (Click here for an updated forecast)..

More information on this hike: Hike A8 Miwok – Coyote Ridge – Coastal Trails in the Martin's book, Hiking Marin, shows our route from Tennessee Valley towards Mill Valley, westward to ocean views, then back east to the parking lot.

Here's the route we'll follow.

Here's the hike profile.

Hike Cancelled for Tuesday, Oct 10 and rescheduled for Oct 17

College of Marin has cancelled the hike scheduled for tomorrow.

This was the announcement:
 
"Your class originally scheduled for Tuesday, Oct 10 has been cancelled due to air quality concerns.
This class has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct 17.
 
Best,
Community Education"

Fall 2 2017 Hike Schedule

Fall 2 2017 Hike Schedule

FALL 2 TUESDAYS

Please note that receiving this itinerary does not mean the class is definitely a go.  We still need three more people to enroll.  If you have a friend who would like to Meander with you, please invite them to join the class!  

FALL 2  TUESDAYS INSTRUCTOR:  Wendy Dreskin TIME: 9:45 AM until 1:45 PM     

WHAT TO BRING:  Water, lunch, warm layer, hat, sunscreen. Optional equipment: hiking poles, binoculars. Walks go rain or shine, so wear raingear when appropriate. State park pass or $8 cash for parking at East Peak. MMWD pass or credit card for parking at Lake Lagunitas.     

OCTOBER 24 EAST PEAK, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK      This lovely loop takes us by California torreya trees with their nutmeg-like nuts, past scenic Inspiration Point, to beautiful Collier Springs where we lunch under the redwoods. We’ll take Northside Trail to International Trail after lunch.     Take the Stinson Beach/Hway 1 exit off Hway 101. Go west through Tam Valley and up onto the ridge. Turn right onto Panoramic Hway and follow signs to Mt. Tamalpais.  Keep going up the Mountain, turn right at Rock Spring, and keep going until the road ends at the East Peak parking lot. Restrooms at trailhead. 1 hour from COM.   

OCTOBER 31  TENNESSEE VALLEY, GGNRA This loop features panoramic views of the Bay. You’ll appreciate the fact that it’s open space as you learn about Marincello, a city of 18,000 that was planned for this area! We may see hawks like the Northern harrier, brush rabbits, and even a coyote.      Take the Stinson Beach exit from 101.  Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end.      Time: 40 minutes from College of Marin. Portables at trailhead.      

NOVEMBER 7  INDIAN TREE OPEN SPACE       We hike pretty loop  trail with views and a grove of old redwoods that escaped logging. If there has been rain you may want boots for this hike, or be prepared to rock hop a few streams.      Take 101 north.  Exit at DeLong Ave, which becomes Diablo Ave for a short stretch.  Go west on Novato Blvd.  Turn left (south) on Wilson Ave, right (west) on Vineyard Ave. The trail starts where the paved road turns into a dirt road.  35 minutes from College of Marin.                    

NOVEMBER 14  DIPSEA TO BEN JOHNSON       Instead of racing up the Dipsea, we’ll stop to admire ancient redwoods, beautiful views, and - I hope! - early mushrooms!      From Hwy 101 take the Stinson Beach exit, turn left (west) on Shoreline Hwy, right on Panoramic Hwy and left on Muir Woods Rd. Meet at Muir Woods Parking Lot #2.               Time:  35 minutes from College of Marin. Restrooms at trailhead.      

NOVEMBER 21 BAHIA OPEN SPACE, NOVATO       This is a wonderful birding area! I’ll bring a spotting scope, but bring binoculars if you have them.  (If you don’t have any, I have extras I can loan you.)  We usually see at least eight species of ducks, as well as swans, grebes, and shorebirds.      Take 101 and exit on Atherton Ave. in Novato. Go east, until Bugia splits left and Atherton goes right. Take Bugia, which becomes Bahia and park at the end of the street.      Driving time from College of Marin: 35 minutes. No restrooms.    

NOVEMBER 28  SKY OAKS, MMWD      This loop starts out in oak/bay/madrone habitat, but we'll also see redwoods and some grassland.  This is a good mushroom hike with Boletes, Amanitas, Waxy Caps, Milky Caps and more if we've had some rain.        Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. into Fairfax.  Turn left on Pacheco and make an immediate right in front of the movie theater which puts you on Broadway.  The first left puts you on Bolinas Ave.  Follow this until you see the sign on your left for Lake Bon Tempe and Lake Lagunitas. Follow the road to the tollbooth by Sky Oaks Ranger Station.  (Credit card accepted by the machine.)       Time: 25 minutes from College of Marin.    

DECEMBER 5  FINAL EXAM LAKE LAGUNITAS, MMWD           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 interesting mushrooms on this hike. Bring your contribution to our gourmet feast, plus a plate, utensils, and a cup.       As you enter Fairfax on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. jog left on Pacheco when you see the movie theater and make an immediate right.  This puts you on Broadway, the street that parallels SF Drake but is on the other side of the parkade. Make the first left which is Bolinas Ave. Follow the Bolinas-Fairfax Rd. for about 1 mile. Turn left onto Sky Oaks Rd. You'll need to pay at the kiosk. (Credit cards accepted.) Continue to the parking lot at the end of the road.      Driving time from College of Marin 30 minutes. Outhouse in parking lot.           
------------ 
You received this e-mail because you are taking a class taught by Wendy Dreskin at College of Marin Community Education. College of Marin Community Education respects your privacy, and does not send unsolicited e-mails, nor do we rent or sell our mailing list to anyone.
To ensure that future messages from us are delivered properly to your inbox (and not your bulk or junk mail folders), add bdreskin@comcast.net to your Address Book or Safe List.

Tennessee Valley "Final Exam" Hike (10/10/17)

Per Wendy, "this loop [around Tennessee Valley] features panoramic views of the Bay. We often see Condominium spiders, several species of hawks, and sometimes find a bobcat hunting."

REMEMBER TO BRING PLATE, UTENSILS, AND SOMETHING TO SHARE FOR THE GOURMET FINAL EXAM! (Let’s think green and try to cut down on paper and plastic throw-aways as much as possible). We’ll leave the food in the cars and eat when we get back, but bring your water bottle. 

(Click here for a recap of our October 2008 hike. Here's an album of photos from past hikes in this area.).

Directions to trailhead: Take the Stinson Beach exit from Highway 101. Follow signs to Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, then turn left on Tennessee Valley Road and take it to the parking lot at the end.

(Click here for a Google Maps map showing the trailhead. Click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location.)

40 minutes from College of Marin.

Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Park & Ride lot 9:15 am. (Click here for a Google Maps map showing the parking lot on Drakes Landing Road; right click on the teardrop icon to get driving time and directions from your location.)

Portable toilets at the trailhead and lunch.

Weather forecast: As of Saturday, October 7th, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was sunny, with a high near 72.  (Click here for an updated forecast)..

More information on this hike: Hike A8 Miwok – Coyote Ridge – Coastal Trails in the Martin's book, Hiking Marin, shows our route from Tennessee Valley towards Mill Valley, westward to ocean views, then back east to the parking lot.

Here's the route we'll follow.

Here's the hike profile.