This was one of those moments where you wonder if that picture in front of you is real. The grasslands were green and lush from all the recent rains, with blue lupine dotting the sides of the trail. The trail traversed the slopes of Mount Tam through stands of mossy oaks and barrels of California bay trees (the only time I could ever “surf” a big barrel!).Īfter a couple of meandering miles, the path opened up to rolling hills with views of Bolinas in the distance. We started on the Matt Davis Trail from the Pan Toll Ranger Station on Mount Tamalpais. In between all of that, you’re treated to creeks and cascades as you climb and descend a total of 2,500 feet by the time you come full circle. Few trails are as diverse and beautiful as the seven miles that take you from mossy forests and rolling grasslands to sandy beaches and coastal redwoods in the course of an afternoon. It was uncharacteristically sunny and warm, and we had a few free hours to ourselves… so, we set out for the trail to Steep Ravine.Īs far as Northern California hikes go, the Matt Davis to Steep Ravine loop is one of the jewels of Marin. In between the cold and rain and fog that usually comes with spring in Marin, one perfect afternoon emerged. Though the Taylor property has unobstructed views out to Mount Tamalpais and even a local trail right off the driveway (built by father and son back in the day), we don’t often have time for even a day hike in between dinner dates with family and drives into the city to see friends.īut a few weeks ago, we saw a sign. The hubby grew up in Marin, has family all over the Bay Area, and we head north several times a year for holidays, birthdays, and some such shenanigans (really, we need no excuse for a NorCal visit). Even though I live in SoCal, NorCal (and more specifically, Marin) is like my second home.

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