Tennessee Valley "Final Exam" Hike (10/13) Preview

Per Wendy, "this loop [around Tennessee Valley] features panoramic views of the Bay. We often see Condominium spiders, and raptors --- including Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, White-Tailed Kites, Red-Shouldered Hawks and Red-Tailed Hawks. When we're lucky we see bobcats!"

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 MapQuest map showing the trailhead. Click on #1 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 MapQuest map showing the parking lot; click on #1 to get driving time and directions from your location.)

Portable toilets at the trailhead and lunch.

Weather forecast: As of Wednesday, October 7th, the National Weather Service forecast for the hike was sunny, with a high near 78.  (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.

Restricted Parking Near Muir Woods

In June, the Meandering blog reviewed a proposed plan to restrict parking near Muir Woods National Monument.

Today's San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Marin County Board of Supervisors has voted to limit parking between the park and Muir Beach. The restrictions will go into effect in 30 days.

A similar story ran in the Marin I-J.

Details on Fall 1 and Fall 2 Hikes Now Online!

Detailed information on all Fall 1 and Fall 2 hikes is now online.

Click here to view and print out the list in PDF format.

China Camp State Park Hike (10/6) Preview

This week we hike on the eastern edge of Marin along San Francisco Bay, this time venturing into China Camp State Park. (Click here to read about our November 2008 hike or here for photos from past hikes in this area.) Here's Wendy's description of the outing that we've usually done from this trailhead:

"Learn about wetland habitats and some of the endangered animals that live there like the tiny salt marsh harvest mouse. Last year we saw lots of mushrooms including oyster mushrooms, chicken-of-the-woods, jack-o-lantern mushrooms, and sulfur tufts. This area is also of historical interest as the site of a once thriving Chinese shrimp fishing village. We'll have lunch by the small museum." (Click here to view and print out the park brochure and map).

Directions to trailhead: Take the San Pedro Road exit from Highway 101 and go east for three miles. PASS the sign that says China Camp State Park and go about 3/4 mile further on San Pedro Road to Miwok Meadows (sign on your right). Park along the road, not inside of the park entrance as Wendy's list of hikes directs.

Click here for a map that shows the parking area along San Pedro Road. Click on #1 to get driving times and directions from your location. 

Time: 30 minutes from College of Marin.

Carpoolers coming from San Rafael or farther north can meet at 9:15 am at the Park & Ride lot on the east side of Highway 101 at Smith Ranch Road in the Terra Linda area north of the Marin Civic Center and downtown San Rafael.

Carpoolers coming from south of San Rafael can meet at Greenbrae Park & Ride lot at 9:15 a.m. (Click here for a MapQuest map showing the parking lot; click on #1 to get driving time and directions from your location.)

No restrooms at trailhead, but you can turn in at the China Camp State Park sign and go past the toll booth (you don't need to pay), past the day use parking area, and to the campground parking area. There are also restrooms at just off the road at Weber Point and Buckeye Point, between the main park entrance and Miwok Meadows.

Weather forecast: As of Saturday, October 3rd, the weather forecast for the hike was sunny, with a high near 75. (Click here for an updated forecast).

More on this hike: Hikes "D13 Miwork - Oak Ridge - Shoreline Trails" and “D14 Bay View Trail – Miwok Fire Trail" in the Martins' book, Hiking Marin show the general area where we will be hiking although our exact route may vary from the ones they describe.