Best beach trails in Mount Tamalpais State Park, California

Hike from the Pacific Ocean all the way up to The Muir Woods Visitor Center. This route offers a spectacular view of the ocean, rushing streams and beautiful waterfalls. Steep Ravine is a real jewel in Marin County's crown. Cutting deep into the landscape over millennia the water rushing through Webb Creek has created a spectacularly steep sided and lush canyon shaded by towering redwood trees and populated with a wide variety of local flora and fauna. The hike begins along the Dipsea Trail at Stinson Beach. It climbs gradually with many ocean views until you reach its' junction with the Steep Ravine Trail. From here it climbs 1000 ft. to Pantoll ranger station in 1.5 miles. There are two significant waterfalls along Webb Creek in Steep Ravine. The upper one is interesting because you have to climb up the waterfall via a 10 ft. high ladder. These waterfalls are best seen in the winter or early spring months, after there has been a lot of rain. Once at Pantoll, cross the highway and head back down to Stinson Beach via the Matt Davis trail. You will find more great ocean views on this trail. Many people like to do this hike in the reverse direction, going up Matt Davis trail and down Steep Ravine. But the Matt Davis trail is longer (4 miles) and it is all up hill if you go this way.Show more

Singletrack that offers expansive views of West Marin and San Francisco. You can either start the trail near Four Corners in Mill Valley along Panoramic Highway and descend to Muir Woods or vice versa. Note: This trail has been converted from a fireroad to a singletrack. It is a great single track that sees a lot of mixed usage. Mostly mountain bikers, some hikers, and a few horse riders as well since the trail ends at a horse stable in Muir Beach. Nothing but smiles and people enjoying the beautiful scenery. Descending from Four Corners, it begins as a smooth single track and slowly becomes slightly more rocky. Towards the end of the trail, there are many tight switch-backs, water bars (read: pay attention if you're on a bike). Muir Beach is also a short .5 from there and the Zen Gardens are right around the corner. Miwok Trail, Middle Green Gulch, and the Coastal Trail are all easily found from this trail.Show more

About pets: leashed dogs are allowed only on paved roads and in the northern part of Stinson Beach. They are also allowed on Old Stage Fire Rd, Verna Dunshee Trail and on the campgrounds and picnic areas.Show more

According to Access Northern California (http://accessnca.org/access-northern-california/explore/explore-detail-view/?site_id=141): Stinson Beach and its 3.5 miles of sandy oceanfront are very popular during summer. Part of the beach is maintained by the National Park Service, which provides volleyball equipment free of charge, runs a snack bar (open in summer) through a concessionaire, and staffs several lifeguard towers between late May and mid-September. A wooden path with a large viewing deck leads over 100 feet to the high tide line. There is reportedly good bouldering on the south end of the beach. Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot, picnic areas, and on the county beach (north of the northernmost parking lot); they are not allowed on the National Park Service section of the beach. Across the entrance road from the central parking lot, a short path and bridge over a creek leads to a snack bar and restaurant, and, one block east, to the town's shops, restaurants, galleries, and small grocery store. There are no sidewalks and many of the businesses have steps. If you're planning to drive to Stinson Beach, consider taking the Panoramic Highway as an alternative to Highway 1. This is an exhilarating ride: The road climbs and winds along the side of Mount Tamalpais, through rolling meadows and forest, then descends steeply into Stinson Beach. The views are so breathtaking it's hard to keep your eyes on the road. ACCESSIBILITY: The park has three paved lots that all have designated accessible spaces. The center lot is the closest to the beach access ramp. Accessible restrooms and changing rooms are by the central and northernmost parking lots; the northernmost one is only open during summer. Both restrooms have a changing bench: the central one has a wider bench. Two beach wheelchairs (not self-operated) are available to loan for free. Advance arrangements are suggested since you will need an access code for the locker where they are stored; adjacent to the accessible parking spaces in the center lot, and cell reception at the beach may be limited. Reserve by calling the accessibility program manager at 415-561-4958. If you haven't made a reservation and a lifeguard is on duty (May to mid-September), they may be able to retrieve it. Beach chairs can only be used while visiting Stinson Beach, NPS property, and they cannot be taken away from the park to use elsewhere. Accessible picnic tables (firm and stable paths and surface, at least 27 inches of knee clearance) are at the center parking lot, between the northern and center lot and at the southernmost end; there are a few tables with multiple wheelchair spaces at them. The trail is partially boardwalk with edge barriers, typically at least four feet wide, and estimated to have a mostly gentle (5% or less) grade. For a great view of the beach in a partially enclosed deck, head over to the Siren Canteen at the base of the main lifeguard tower. The path up to the café is steeper than 5% but it is likely easily manageable in a motorized wheelchair. There is very limited accessible seating at the tables.Show more