Best river trails in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California

The Coastal Trail offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. Hike up from Muir Beach all the way to Muir Woods. From the Muir Beach parking area take the first left and continue on the Coastal TrailShow more

The trailhead in Tennessee Valley lies at a low divide between Coyote and Wolf Ridges, from which creeks flow east to Richardson Bay and west to the ocean. The Bay Area Ridge Trail route climbs northwest along the Miwok Trail, which ascends steeply toward Coyote Ridge. From here you reach CA 1 on a gentle descent along a fire road. You’ll have sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and Mount Tamalpais, see bountiful spring wildflowers, and catch cool ocean breezes. Fog and wind will often accompany you over these coastal hillsides. For more information, see the Bay Area Ridge Trail page here: https://ridgetrail.org/marin-headlands-tennessee-valley-to-muir-beach-via-dias-ridge/ This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Guidebook. For details on all of the Bay Area Ridge trails, trailheads and more buy the book from Wilderness Press: https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16685&cat=274&bestseller=YShow more

Uncrowded hike to a 50 ft. waterfall Morse's Gulch Falls is a hidden beauty. Get away from the crowds on all the popular hiking trails of the Mt. Tam area. This waterfall is just a couple miles north of Stinson Beach, and is not too difficult to reach, yet you'll likely have it all to yourself. As you walk up the trail, you will find it is overgrown in places, with plenty of stinging nettles. The trail is not too difficult to follow, however, and leads to a great overlook of the 50 ft. waterfall in about a half-mile from the highway. You can scramble down a steep bank to get to the base of the falls for a different perspective. This waterfall is best seen in the winter or early spring months.Show more