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03.1.07

Mt. Tam Treasures

March is a perfect time to explore Mt. Tam: the streams and falls are flowing, the hills and trails are a lush emerald green, crowds are minimal, and—if you’re up for it—some cool treasures are waiting to be found.

Hike Cataract Falls Mt. Tam

Mountain Music

It's waterfall season 'round these parts, and Cataract Falls is rocking after our recent rainstorms. The trail to the falls is an easy creek-side traverse through mossy firs and bright green ferns. Catch them on a sunny day and you'll be treated to sparkling waters crashing from one shelf to another, then tumbling into a deep pool.

EXTRA CREDIT: If you're up for a challenge, embark on a treasure hunt we think even the intrepid Jack Sparrow would appreciate. Half a century ago, a Tamalpais rambler set up a very modest music "theater" in a hidden place on the mountain, complete with music stand. It has since become a repository for all sorts of random relics from wanderers: music stands from back in the day, wind chimes, sand dollars, prayer flags, and other tchotchkes. If you like the sound of marching to your own music, follow the Music Stand Trail (see below). You'll have to supply your own rum.

Park at Rock Spring. Take the Cataract Trail north. Cataract Falls is .4 mile after Laurel Dell. If you want to get to the Music Stand, head back to Laurel Dell Fire Road and take it east. At the intersection of Laurel Dell Fire Road and Simmons Trail, you'll see a sign pointing to the Music Stand Trail. From the Music Stand Trail, look for the barely visible fork in the trail heading northwest to the Music Stand.

Activity
Hike
Region
North Bay

The Classic

Combining three of Tam's top trails, this classic loop has it all: redwoods, ocean vistas, wooden ladders, waterfalls, steep climbs, and forgiving descents. The trek down is 3.5 miles along the Matt Davis Trail, past murmuring creeks, fir-shaded valleys and open hills budding with checkerbloom and lupine. Stairs will keep you from butt-boarding on the steepest parts. At Table Rock check out views of Bolinas Lagoon; soon after you'll spill into the town of Stinson Beach. After a brief beach respite—try the Mirror Pond Ale Fish & Chips at the Sand Dollar Restaurant—return via the Dipsea and Steep Ravine trails. The trail back up gets so steep near the end that there's a wooden ladder for your climbing convenience. This is Tam at its finest, so be sure to leave time for frequent sightseeing breaks en route.

Begin the loop at the Pantoll Ranger Station parking lot, off Panoramic Hwy., where you can also pick up trail maps. Take the Matt Davis Trail all the way to Stinson Beach. On your return from Stinson Beach, walk up Shoreline Highway, a.k.a. Highway 1, to its intersection with Panoramic Highway on the hill above the town. Walk a short distance up Panoramic, and pick up the first unmarked trail on your right, which is the Dipsea. It will later connect with Steep Ravine, which takes you back to Pantoll.

Activity
Hike
Region
North Bay

A Lake Lark

Mount Tam isn't just for the Lance Armstrongs and Dipsea demons among us. Some prefer white milkmaids, red Indian warriors, and blue hound's tongues. In the spring, you'll likely see all of these flowers as you stroll around Lake Lagunitas, the highest and smallest of the five lakes on the mountain. And at just 1.8 miles around, it's a short walk you can finish before noon. The lake is located on the mountain's sparsely visited north side, meaning you'll feel miles away from civilization. Bona fide eagle eyes (or binocular-bearing bipeds) might also spy woodpeckers, ospreys, and maybe even a Pacific pond turtle or two (look out for the newts underfoot!). There are plenty of benches along the way, so you can linger as long as you please.

For directions and more information visit Marin Municipal Water District's Web site. Dog-friendly!

Activity
Hike, Relax
Region
North Bay

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