A coast redwood ‘floating’ in midair
onCoast redwood literally floating in the air on Mt. Tam.
Indian Tree Open Space Preserve
on242-acre preserve west of Novato with massive redwoods clustered along ridge. Trails traverse forests of oak, madrone and California laurel.
French Ranch Open Space Preserve
on403-acre preserve links with Gary Giacomini and Roy’s Redwoods Preserves to protect much of the Lagunitas Creek area, critical habitat of wild coho salmon. Deep forests of redwood, Douglas fir, oak and tanoak that are rich in wildlife. Rare “serpentine endemic” plants, including Tiburon buckwheat, Tamalpais lessingia and serpentine reedgrass.
Blithedale Summit Open Space Preserve
onLargest of the linked preserves that protect the north ridge of Mount Tamalpais. 639 acres encompass diverse habitats, from thick forest to chaparral. Dramatic views along the ridge and spectacular spring wildflower displays.
Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve
onJust west of Larkspur, Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve lies at the headwaters of Larkspur Creek. It encompasses a mixed hardwood and second-growth redwood forest that shelters one of the prettiest canyons in the San Francisco Bay Area. Any trip to the preserve demands a visit to Dawn Falls, a beautiful 25-foot cascade. The falls are a dramatic torrent of whitewater after a storm, and flow throughout the year.
Marin Municipal Water District
on21,000 acres of woodlands and grasslands on Mount Tamalpais and the hills of western Marin County. The Lake Lagunitas Loop is an easy hike on wide trails, traversing redwood groves , oak woodlands and meadows thick with wildflowers in the spring.
Gary Giacomini Open Space Preserve
onWindswept Marin County ridge. Dwarf Sargent cypress, rare Marin manzanita. Rock gardens with jewel-like flowers. Fire roads link to many other public lands.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park
onA town called Taylorville grew up around his mill, which devoured a lush stand of redwoods. But some groves were spared, and you can see them today in 2,800-acre Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Redwoods and firs grow along Lagunitas Creek and its north-facing slopes, while chaparral and grassy meadows dominate the south-facing side of the canyon.
Roy’s Redwoods Open Space Preserve
onHalfway between San Rafael and Point Reyes, Roy’s Redwoods is a small, county-run preserve with lots to admire. It’s easy to get to, right off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in western Marin County. It has old-growth redwoods without the crowds of a place like Muir Woods.
Muir Woods National Monument
onEleven miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Monument is a redwood sanctuary near San Francisco. Its coast redwoods are more than 250 feet high and 400 to 800 years old.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
onWinter is the time to see the waterfalls of Webb Creek along Mount Tam’s Steep Ravine Trail, a magical, redwood-lined path. If you want company, the Friends of Mount Tam hosts several hikes on the mountain each month, even moonlight hikes!
