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cuwinbs
07-08-2019, 01:59 PM
Will be in San Rafael the next three day's and looking for a day hike in the area. Would like something 4-5 hours with maybe a view of the ocean. Thanks for any help.
pbarry
07-08-2019, 02:39 PM
The Dipsea route is kinda steep, but it's beautiful and ticks the boxes. Leave from downtown Mill Valley.
weaponsgrade
07-08-2019, 02:42 PM
Here's a few:
1) If the weather at the coast is nice, park near Stinson, hike up Dipsea to Pantoll and back down via Matt Davis trail.
2) If the coast is looking foggy, take Railroad Grade to West Point Inn and to East Peak. Another one is to park at the Rock Spring Trail head and hike around the trails on the west side of Ridge Crest. Lots of great views of the Pacific.
Hindmost
07-08-2019, 04:05 PM
Personal favorite: Fort Baker and Marin Headlands. Pretty spectacular all around. Foggy weather might discourage. There's hiking and checking stuff out and access to a beach.
Jellybird3
07-08-2019, 04:18 PM
Starting at Stinson Beach, go up Matt Davis Trail to Pantoll then down Steep Ravine connecting with Dipsea back to Stinson. It's one of the best hikes around - maybe 9 miles. Finish with a dipped cone at Parkside.

Alamere Falls is a nice out-and-back walk to a beach waterfall. Super easy but more traffic.
srcarter
07-08-2019, 04:41 PM
We did the Tomales Point trail (an out and back that is about 8.5 miles) a couple of weeks ago. It is about an hour away from San Rafael. Not a ton of vertical, but has beautiful views most of the way. (The Tomales Point Trailhead is on Google maps).
Look585
07-08-2019, 05:51 PM
We did the Tomales Point trail (an out and back that is about 8.5 miles) a couple of weeks ago. It is about an hour away from San Rafael. Not a ton of vertical, but has beautiful views most of the way. (The Tomales Point Trailhead is on Google maps).

After your hike at Tomales, stop at the Palace Market in Point Reyes for water buffalo gelato. Indisputably the best $2 you will ever spend. It will change your life.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48235963752_cfacc986a8.jpg
Ken Robb
07-08-2019, 06:12 PM
Wherever you decide to hike start the day with pre-dawn carbo loading at Donut Alley in Larkspur. :banana:
joosttx
07-08-2019, 06:17 PM
Wherever you decide to hike start the day with pre-dawn carbo loading at Donut Alley in Larkspur. :banana:

FYI: Cash only. Apple Fritters are to die for which is basically what you are doing when you eat them
Ken Robb
07-08-2019, 09:12 PM
FYI: Cash only. Apple Fritters are to die for which is basically what you are doing when you eat them

Maybe so, but what a way to go!
joosttx
07-08-2019, 09:27 PM
Maybe so, but what a way to go!

truth....

Also if you hike to Stinson ala Dipsea trail or something else you can take a bus back to Mill Valley. Pro tip: there are two bus stops in Stinson:

1) on HWY 1 near the four way stop sign

2) Near the front entrance of the State Beach.

Go to the bus stop #2 because you have a much greater chance of getting a seat on the bus.