Explore Bolinas on foot - Bolinas

Location: Downtown Bolinas, around town, up to the 'mesa'
Why Go There? Warm up from the windy beach; explore residential streets, take a stroll through town; great views of the coastline from the mesa bluff above downtown. See Bolinas listings for arts/crafts, entertainment, food.
Access: Once in town: walk, streets are narrow. Drive; public transportation: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Point Reyes

Palomarin Trailhead to Alamere Falls - Bolinas

Location: Take Mesa Road (last 1.5 miles gravel) to well-marked Palomarin trailhead. (Parking lot fills up most weekends, so arrive early, or go mid-week)
Why Go There? Moderate, very popular 8.4 hike for waterfall lovers not allergic to poison oak (trail has a lot); enjoy clear day beautiful views of coast, Farallon Islands, and if lucky, spot migrating whales during late winter. Last part of trail to the waterfalls, which spills over the bluff to Wildcat Beach below, not well marked, can be very hazardous when wet or cliff erosion. Safer route to the falls from Wildcat Beach: start from Point Reyes National Seashore via the Wildcat Beach trail. There are several coastal/inland view hikes varying lengths/difficulties within Point Reyes National Seashore. Weather can vary: sunny to wet, very cold, windy, socked in with fog. If prepared, can enjoy numerous walks/hikes year-round. Point Reyes National Seashore website provides up-to-date information about trail closures, changes.
Access: Drive; public transportation: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: NPS Plan Your Visit + Alamere Falls Map + Coastal Trail to Alamere Falls

Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve - Corte Madera

Location: Paradise Road exit, Highway 101, Corte Madera. Go east on Paradise Road approximately 1.5 miles, just past Westwood Drive: small Ring Mountain sign on the right. Park along the road (no facilities). Or continue along Paradise Drive for another half mile and turn right on Taylor Road. There is limited parking at the end of Taylor Road.
Why Go There? Short 2.1 mile hike offers opportunity to see several rocks at the top of the mountain marked with unusual curvilinear ovals, circles; the only known Marin County petroglyphs. On clear days find 360 degree views, including Mt. Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, San Francisco Bay. Springtime offers plethora of wildflowers, including the rare Tiburon mariposa lily. Thanks to the Nature Conservancy/others, 400 acre space once privately owned now maintained by Marin County Open Space District for all to enjoy.
Access: Drive, roadside trailhead parking
More Information: Marin County Parks + Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve

Cascade Falls, Three Wells - Mill Valley

Location: From downtown Throckmorton Avenue, head towards Old Mill Park (has public restrooms), turn left onto Cascade Drive, right to follow Cascade Drive. Trail parallels Cascade Drive, next to the creek.
Why Go There? A short walk from downtown along redwood tree heavily shaded creek has beautiful pools, waterfalls (especially after a rain), culminates at small parking area with short trail leading to impressive Cascade Falls. Not many cities can boast of gushing waterfalls within city limits; expect to share site, except on really inclement days. Interesting houses tucked into shady hillsides along the creek are interesting to look at as one strolls the path, streets leading to Cascade Falls trailhead.
Access: Limited street parking on narrow nearby streets, with few parking spots on Cascade Drive at Cascade Falls trailhead. Option: park along Throckmorton Avenue in metered or timed areas, walk from there. Closest bus stop: downtown Bus Depot, approximately 1.5 miles from Cascade Falls.
More Information: Cascade Falls

King Mountain Open Space Preserve - Larkspur

Location: Close to downtown Larkspur
Why Go There? Close to downtown, short, 3.3 mile, 550 ft elevation gain walk offers mix of sun, shade, views; options for longer hikes, including Dawn Falls
Access: Trailhead parking; public transportation
More Information: Dawn Falls King Mountain Loop + King Mountain

Loma Alta - Fairfax

Location: Glen Drive trailhead off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Why Go There? Easy access trailhead offers good hill climb workout, views, options for loops, varying routes, lengths. Fire road open to bicycles
Access: Trailhead parking on Glen Drive; Marin Transit; Transit and Trails
More Information: Loma Alta

Mill Valley/Sausalito Bicycle + Walking Path - Mill Valley, Sausalito

Location: Highway 101 to Mill Valley/East Blithedale Avenue exit. West on East Blithedale Avenue, left onto Camino Alto, left on Sycamore Avenue, to Bayfront Park.
Why Go There? Popular shared use (bicyclists, skaters, walkers, runners) 3.5 mile paved level path from/to Mill Valley/Sausalito, passes through marsh wetlands, along Richardson Bay; offers glimpses of many bird species, scenic Mt. Tamalpais views (if heading west from Sausalito), Sausalito's floating houses, moored boats, through areas of commercial buildings, apartments to Sausalito Gate 5 road.
Access: Trailhead parking (also can pick up the trail from a few other sites: including The Redwoods residential complex across from Tamalpais High School/Safeway store on Miller Avenue); public transportation
More Information: Mill Valley/Sausalito Multi-Purpose Path

Nature Friends Tourist Club - Mill Valley

Three event weekends/year: 12:00pm-6:00pm (see website)
Year-round Redwood trail hiking access through property (no admittance to main building, except event weekends)
Location: 30 Ridge Avenue
Why Go There? Established in 1912, picturesque charming Bavarian style buildings, cluster of cabins set on a steep hillside of redwood trees part of private membership club; open to hiking public during special event weekends: Maifest (May), Somerfest (July), Oktoberfest/Kinderfest (September). Events feature live music, dancing, German-style food for sale, beer, snacks. Respectful hikers may walk by buildings year-round on the Redwood Trail, which crosses private driveway, connects to Sunshine Trail. Trail follows ridge, crosses highway (to Muir Woods), to Dispsea Trail down to Muir Woods. Can also follow Ridge Avenue from Panoramic Highway, walk down steep private driveway to intersection of Sunshine Trail (to the left), or around Tourist Club building (signed) veering to the right to take Redwood Trail, to intersection of Canopy View Trail (formerly named the Ocean View Trail, still listed that way on some maps) down to Muir Woods.
Access: Parking very limited along Panoramic Highway, especially on weekends, and at small lot where Redwood trail begins. A private parking lot (which fills up quickly) is available on event weekends on Ridge Avenue, and then a steep long walk down the Club driveway. Or hike up the Dipsea Trail from downtown Mill Valley (688 steep steps!) follow a map to cross Panoramic Highway, meet other trails; public transportation: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Tourist Club SF + Directions

Ocean Canopy View Trail to Muir Woods - Mill Valley

Location: Park in lot across from Mountain Home Inn, 810 Panoramic Highway, or slightly further south at a smaller lot (which is actually closer to the trailhead). Get an early start or the parking lots will be full, especially on weekends/holidays.
Why Go There? Alternative short, somewhat steep hike, (approximately 3 miles roundtrip) to access Muir Woods National Monument. Trail starts in Tamalpais State Park with view towards the ocean before descending into redwood canopy, shade of Muir Woods National Monument. Optional side trails for longer loops: Lost Trail to Fern Creek trail (pretty, less people); or stay on Canopy View trail to enter Muir Woods National Monument near main park entrance. Stop for snack, meal at Muir Woods Cafe, (restrooms, gift shop also at the entrance). Return is ascent, but shaded most of the way. Longer hike options: side trails to Camp Alice Eastwood (part of Tamalpais State Park); or from Muir Woods, take Johnson Ridge/Stapleveldt trails to Pantoll Campground. If taking side trails, bring a map, allow enough time as trails can be confusing, though well maintained (unless a storm has just unleashed fallen trees, etc). Mountain Home Inn is another option for snacks, meals.
Access: Limited parking at Panoramic Highway parking lot across from Mountain Home Inn (pit toilets in the lot); public transportation: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Muir Woods Map

Tennessee Valley Trail - Mill Valley

Location: 591 Tennessee Valley Road, off Highway One
Why Go There? Almost flat 1.7 mile walk from trailhead through valley with rolling hills on either side leads to pretty Tennessee Beach. Wildflowers abound during spring months; birds, other wildlife easy to spot. One of the most popular trails in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, so expect to share the trail with LOTS of people (and parking lot fills up). There are hilly, longer side trail options for more strenuous outings.
Access: Drive, parking lot
More Information: Tennessee Valley

West Point Inn - Mill Valley

Location: 100 Old Grade fire road
Why Go There? Hikers can reach historic, rustic inn from the Matt Davis/Nora trails (parking lot across from the Mountain Home Inn), which contours around the ridge, paralleling Panoramic Highway below; from the Mount Tamalpais park summit (steep), or from Bootjack Camp (each route: approximately 2 miles one way). Once a month during summer season the inn offers a non-reservation, public Sunday hearty pancake breakfast. Members, non-members may book basic hike-in-only overnight rooms, cabins (bring own sheets, towels); use of communal kitchen. Most weekends, non-member hikers, bicyclists welcome to stop by, admire views, purchase lemonade, hot chocolate (packets, hot water), basic snacks (honor system bucket).
Access: Drive to trailheads: limited parking Matt Davis trailhead (get there early!), Panoramic Highway lot across from Mountain Home Inn; Tamalpais State Park summit, Bootjack Camp parking metered; public transportation stops near trailheads: West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: West Point Inn

Additional Resources

Marin County Parks - Marin County
Parks + preserves

BA Hiker - Marin County, Bay Area
Website lists many hikes, with photos, trailhead descriptions, assembled by avid hiker, author Jane Huber

Marin Agriculture Land Trust - Marin County
Events include walks

Marin Art & Garden Center - Ross
Stroll through gardens