Fall 2017 Hiking Schedule

FALL 1 TUESDAYS

AUGUST 29 MOUNTAIN HOME INN, MT TAMALPAIS
    Today we’ll hike down to Muir Woods and learn how it became a National Monument. Lunch at Camp Eastwood where you’ll hear the fascinating life story of intrepid botanist Alice Eastwood.      
    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. Drive about 4 miles. When you reach Mountain Home Inn on your right, park on your left in the parking lot across the road.
    Driving time from College of Marin: 50 minutes   Outhouse at trailhead.

SEPTEMBER  5  TOMALES POINT, POINT REYES
    On this hike we'll look for the tule elk, once at the brink of extinction and now making a heartening comeback.  You'll also learn about the history of the Pierce family that owned this ranch. Tomales Point is also special for its views.  
    Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Turn right at Olema and make an immediate left onto Bear Valley Rd.  Continue until you pick up SF Drake again. Go through Inverness.  Where the road veers left to Drake's Beach and the lighthouse, go straight.  This puts you on Pierce Point Rd.  Follow it to the parking lot at the end of the road.  Do not turn down to McClure's Beach (unless you want to use the rest rooms there before the hike knowing there are none en route).
    Time:  1 hour 20 minutes from College of Marin.


SEPTEMBER 12 MOUNTAIN HOME INN, MT TAMALPAIS 
    This hike takes us through redwood forest, over Fern Creek, into chaparral, and finally to lunch at Bootjack. The return is fairly level and shady.
    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. Drive about 4 miles. When you reach Mountain Home Inn on your right, park on your left in the parking lot across the road. 
    Time: 45 minutes from College of Marin. Restrooms at trailhead and Bootjack.


SEPTEMBER 19 SAMUEL P TAYLOR STATE PARK
    Today we explore the redwood habitat, visit the Pioneer Tree that is over 500 years old, and learn some history of the area at the mill site.  We’re doing two separate loops, so you can leave your lunch in the car.  We'll have a civilized lunch today with picnic tables and rest rooms!
           Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. all the way to the entrance of the park.  
          Time: 35 minutes from College of Marin. Restrooms at trailhead.

SEPTEMBER 26  BOOTJACK, MOUNT TAMALPAIS STATE PARK 
    A mostly shady trail takes us up to the Mountain Theater where you’ll learn the history of its construction and the tradition of drama on the Mountain. Lunch at the historic West Point Inn.   
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.  Park in Bootjack lot. Restrooms at trailhead and lunch stop.  

OCTOBER 3  ESTERO  TRAIL, POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
    This is not a loop, but there are marvelous views!  
    Take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Turn right at Olema and make an immediate left onto Bear Valley Rd.  Continue until you pick up SF Drake again. Go through Inverness.  After the turn off to Pierce Point Road you'll pass Mt. Vision Road on your left, and then in one mile you'll come to the road to Estero Trail.  Take this road to the parking lot at the trailhead. 
Time: 1 hour from College of Marin. Restrooms at the trailhead


OCTOBER 10  TENNESSEE VALLEY.  FINAL EXAM!  
    This loop features panoramic views of the Bay.  We often see raptors here including Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, White-Tailed Kites, Red-Shouldered Hawks and Red-Tailed Hawks. When we're lucky we've seen bobcats! Remember to bring your contribution to our gourmet "Final Exam" feast, plate, utensils, and cup. 
     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.  Outhouses in parking lot and on the trail back.




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