September 6 and 14

Join us for a hike in the grasslands and coastal chaparral of the Marin Headlands. The route takes us on the Coastal Trail from the Visitor Center to Slacker Hill. On our pre-hike, we had spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay area including San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt. Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, and the Pacific Ocean. If the fog cooperates, you will have similar views. The Coastal Trail passes Hawk Hill and the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory blinds used for raptor observation and banding and continues through the protected habitat of the Mission Blue Butterfly. The route continues on the SCA trail which provides more views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Rodeo Beach. We return via the Rodeo Valley trail to the Rodeo Lagoon and Visitor Center.

The hike is eight miles long and will have approximately 1000’ elevation gain.

Leaders: 9/6 Jim and Jessica Fleming (925-376-2455)

9/14 Bob and Donna Cerri (925-229-2567)

Departure: Meet at 8:15 in parking lot of former Orinda Library. We will depart at 8:30 sharp.

Details: Hiking boots essential. Bring hiking poles if you use them. Hiking trails are not shaded. Uneven footing in places. Bicycles and/or horses on some trails. Bring lots of water if it is hot.

We will park at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center which has bathrooms, drinking water and interesting exhibits about the area. Marin Headlands weather is unpredictable. Be prepared by dressing in layers.

Driving Directions: Highway 24 west. Merge onto I-580 west toward San Francisco. Merge onto I-80 west. Cross Bay Bridge. Take Fremont St. exit (first exit on right at end of bridge). Follow ramp and turn left onto Fremont St. Fremont becomes First Street. Cross Market Street and turn left onto Pine St. Stay on Pine until Van Ness Avenue. Turn right onto Van Ness. Turn left onto Lombard St. Follow signs to Golden Gate Bridge/US 101 north. Cross Golden Gate Bridge. Take Alexander Ave/Sausalito exit (first exit after Vista Point) towards Sausalito. Follow signs to Marin Headlands via tunnel. Turn left onto Bunker Road. Continue through one-way tunnel. Follow signs to Marin Headlands Visitor Center. It is easily identifiable since it was the former Ft. Barry chapel and has a red steeple.

If you are driving directly to the site, meet us in the parking lot at 9:15.