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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