Marin Headlands
5.0 miles
This hike is pretty monotonous but then surprises you with a grove of eucalyptus trees wrapped in ivy.
Loop
Jepson Trail to Pebble Beach Loop
Tomales Bay State Park
2.6 miles
This hike in an oft-overlooked state park takes you up and down a hill, to quiet Pebble Beach, and then along the bay to more popular Heart’s Desire Beach.
Bootjack to Ben Johnson Loop
Muir Woods National Monument
6.5 miles
This challenging hike out of Muir Woods into Mount Tam State Park carries you along Redwood Creek, then winds through redwood forests back down into the valley.
Miwok Trail to Pirates Cove Loop
Marin Headlands
7.0 miles
This hike has some serious climbing up and down hills, but the views from Pirates Cove Trail draw real crowds.
Loop Around Lake Lagunitas
Marin Municipal Water District
1.8 miles
This short loop around the lake is easy, mostly shaded, and comes with surprise redwoods!
Hiking Finland’s Siikaneva Wetlands Preserve
Last summer, I made my annual trip to Finland and had the opportunity to explore a new hiking trail, this time across the mires of Siikaneva.
Susan Alexander Trail Loop
Indian Valley Open Space Preserve
2.1 miles
This short loop is actually quite tricky in some spots due to the lack of grip on the dirt inclines, but it is pretty.
Rush Creek Marsh Wildlife Area Loop
Rush Creek Preserve
3.2 miles
This flat loop begins in the Atherton neighborhood, then takes you along Rush Creek Marsh, where you can find an abundance of water birds.
Hiking’s Finland’s Helvetinkolu (Hell’s Gap)
In the summer of 2022, my family took me to Helvetinjärvi National Park for a hike to see a narrow gorge.
Roy’s Redwoods Loop Trail
Roy’s Redwoods Open Space Preserve
2.4 miles
This loop, with an optional inner loop at the hilltop, is lovely regardless of season, with some open trail but mostly redwoods.