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.