Steep Ravine - Dipsea (2/20/18)

We usually see Giant Wake Robin, Redwood Evergreen Violets, Star Lilies, Smith’s Fairy Bells, Fetid Adder’s Tongue and Calypso Orchids during the favorite February hike.

We’ll go up Steep Ravine since some of us find the ladder is easier to go up than down. Lunch at Pantoll.  (Click here for a recap of our 2010 hike).

Directions to the trailhead: Please note construction on Highway 1. You cannot reach Steep Ravine from the south. Highway 1 (State Route 1) is still closed between Muir Beach and Stinson Beach due to storm damage. Access to Steep Ravine is allowed past the barricades on the north (Stinson Beach) side of the closure.

From Highway 101, take Highway 1 north to Panoramic Highway back to Highway 1 in Stinson Beach. Go left at the T intersection onto southbound Highway 1 and Steep Ravine will be on your right after the barricades.

If you are coming from the north on Highway 1, simply continue south on Highway 1 through Stinson Beach and Steep Ravine will be on your right after the barricades. The barricades are near the intersection and will have a sign which reads "Local Traffic Only". You can go around them to proceed to Steep Ravine.

There is parking on the east side of Highway 1. Click here for a MapQuest map that shows the location Steep Ravine Trailhead and parking area on Highway 1; click on #1 to get driving directions and time from your location.

Time: 1 hour 5 minutes from College of Marin.

Carpoolers can meet at the Greenbrae Park & Ride lot at 8:50 a.m.(Click here for a MapQuest map showing the parking lot; click on #1 to get driving time and directions from your location.)

Weather forecast: As of Saturday, February 187h, the forecast for the hike was sunny with a high near 48. (Click here for an updated forecast.)

More on this hike: If you have the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, look at their hike "B14 Dipsea - Steep Ravine Trails" which starts at Pantoll, goes down the Dipsea, up Steep Ravine, and ends back at Pantoll.

Since we're beginning and ending our outing down on Highway 1, our hike will be slightly longer, but basically the reverse of the Martins' hike. (Page 6 of the Mt. Tam State Park brochure has a park map that you can "zoom in" on to see these trails).