News from Marin County

Woodpecker Trail from the Bear Valley Visitor Center

2012-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Looking for an easy and short hike with the family? Start at the Bear Valley Visitor Center in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Only 1.6 miles in length, the Woodpecker Trail meanders through a number of different landscapes and terrain providing interpretive signs along the way for explorers of all ages! Listen for the command performance of woodpeckers pounding their heads in search of food. And note the Stellar's jay's scolding "caw" bidding you farewell from its home as you walk through a Winter's foggy meadow.

Keep wildness in your life and revisit the Woodpecker Trail often. No two trips nor trails are ever quite the same.

Three Beaches and One Hike: Tomales Bay State Park

2011-06-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hike to Three Beaches

Begin at Jepson Trailhead

What a gem of a hike this is!
When it is foggy or windy in Point Reyes, try exploring the protected areas in Tomales Bay State Park. At every turn there are scenic views of twisted California Oak trees, Tomales Bay, and lush vegetation in a "made for Marin" rainforest. Not only is it beautiful, with stops at three different beaches along the round-trip 4.5mile trail, but it is educational as well.

Marin Rainforest

Heart's Desire Beach

Park your car in the small parking area located one mile out on Pierce Point Road, just before the entrance to Tomales Bay State Park. Begin at the Jepson Trailhead, and follow the Johnstone trail left to Pebble Beach 1.6 miles out, where you can stop and spend time exploring the sandy beach and wade in the calm water. Follow the trail to Heart’s Desire Beach, and walk through a lush rainforest which has been produced by winter rains and summer fog. Heart’s Desire is a larger beach with picnic tables, restrooms and it's own parking area.

Bridge to Indian Beach


Interpretive Signs

Continue across the beach, and take the signed Indian Nature Trail to Indian Beach. Along the way, read the park plaques about the indigenous Miwok Indian way of life, and how they utilized the coastal environment to the best of their advantage for both food and medicinal purposes. At the bridge, head down the beach and explore the Indian kotchas, which are reconstructed Miwok bark lodges.

The Kotchas on Indian Beach

After leaving beach number three, walk around the marsh back towards Heart’s Desire beach again, then take the Jepson trail uphill from there back to the originating parking area.
Overall, this is a very scenic hike, with minimal elevation change, and perfect for a hot Marin Weekend offering 80% shaded trails and beach access.

Beautiful Picnic Areas

Getting There: From Hwy 101 in Greenbrae, take Sir Francis Drake West to Olema. Turn Right on Hwy One for 200 yards then left onto Bear Valley Road and right on Sir Francis Drake again towards Pierce Point Road. Once on Pierce Point Road, drive for 1.0 mile and turn right into the parking area.

If you want to first picnic and wade in the bay, you might want to drive directly into the park (pay fee) at Heart’s Desire Beach and from there you can chose a shorter hike.

Western Weekend in Point Reyes

2011-06-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Did you make it out to Point Reyes Station over the weekend?

The 62nd annual Western Weekend this past Sunday celebrated with an over the top parade representing all the uniqueness of the area! It was a great way to get a taste of the local scene in West Marin. Despite the overcast weather, the parade began promptly at noon in Point Reyes Station and there was everything from funky art floats to tractor displays. The weekend represents the ranching roots of West Marin, with 4-H exhibits and homecoming queens.

“The Western Weekend parade is the real eclectic mix of the area, combining the cowboy with the local food and the local artists. It’s real local fun.”

Photos are the courtesy of Patti Daniel from Texas

Dinner with Music in San Rafael

2011-03-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Dine while listening to music

If you are new to Marin, vacationing in our area, or just a local looking for an evening of dining with great entertainment, head to the Panama Hotel.

On Tuesday and Thursday evenings the hotel's restaurant offers up sumptuous menu items to accompany eclectic music for all types of night seekers! Wednesday evening performances are on the first and third Wednesday of each month, and can showcase music anywhere from a solo acoustic guitar to a Latin Jazz band.

The ambiance is casual and warm with just the right amount of elegance; and there is ample opportunity to sit close to the performers.

David Brewer playing Flamenco

The weekly music usually varies from jazz and blues to Swing Fever and Brazilian bosa nova. Make sure you check out the musical lineup on their calendar before heading out since it changes each month.

Dinner at the Panama restaurant is served from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and music is from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended if you want a table with the best view, otherwise there is usually space at the bar for eating if the room is full.
4 Bayview Street, San Rafael
www.panamahotel.com

Discovering Mill Valley's Secret Steps, Lanes and Paths

2011-03-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

Living in Mill Valley and navigating the twisty, curvy roads that traverse the canyons and hills can be quite an adventure.

In the late 1800's, Mill Valley began as a pedestrian-friendly town, with hundreds of short-cuts meandering up and down the hills that provided connections between the streets on Mill Valley's hillside to the streets on the flatland.

The Steps, Lanes and Paths of Mill Valley were constructed in 1890 and was designed to be used by residents as an easy way to get to town and to public transportation (historically, the train station at The Depot).

Many of Mill Valley’s older hillside neighborhoods have roads that follow the contours of the hills where driving can be somewhat circuitous.

Today, the same narrow stairways and paths provide direct connections for pedestrians as they did in the past. The right of way still exists to include these passageways which continue to provide connections between streets, commercial areas and other hillside neighborhoods. Some of these facilities are simple pathways while others are steep enough to require stairways.

After years of neglect, citizens along with the City, began an effort to identify and rebuild these historic Steps, Lanes and Paths in 2000.The Steps, Lanes and Paths (SLP) project is now funded through the City of Mill Valley's Vegetation Management Program. The program allows crews to clear vegetation, replace steps and add marker posts to identify these pathways should you care to explore them on your own.

An added benefit is that in the event of an emergency, these facilities can can also be used as safe evacuation routes in case roads should become blocked.

A Mill Valley Steps, Lanes and Paths map may be purchased at the Mill Valley Public Library for $5.00.

Enjoy!

Go Giants! The Trophy Tour in Marin

2011-02-25T11:05:00.000-08:00

It was February 23rd at the San Rafael Community Center and everything was Black and Orange for the Giants Trophy! The Marin CVB was well represented by staff members and friends.

The Lines Were Long, but...

Giants fans were invited to come view the Trophy which was on display from 10:30am to 12:30pm. By about 11:00 a.m., an estimated 1,000 people had lined up to see the trophy, and organizers were expecting more to show up before the event was over at 12:30 p.m.

The MCVB was well represented

The Trophy Tour will make a few detours when it travels to the Giants Spring Training Facility in Scottsdale, Arizona and to New York City to pay tribute to those New York/San Francisco Giants baseball fans residing on the east coast. It will also make a trip to Troy, New York – where the team was originally founded – and a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

The trophy will tour the neighborhoods of San Francisco eventually making its way to AT&T Park for the home opener on April 8, 2011.

Ocean Views from the Palomarin Trail to Alamere Falls

2011-02-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a day hike with a little bit of everything for the adventurous trekker! Commanding views of the Pacific Ocean, cascading streams, tree-lined trails meandering past serene lakes, and one magnificent waterfall crashing onto a desolate beach.
To get there, drive through Stinson Beach, pass the small town of Bolinas, and head on to Mesa Road towards the Palomarin Trailhead. If time permits, explore the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, and visit their Bird Banding Laboratory during winter months.

Scenic Trail Views From the Palomarin/Coast Trail

Allow about four hours to complete the eight mile round-trip trek along this part of the Coastal Trail. The Coastal Trail portion has wide-open vistas and is a fairly flat, easy trail that meanders along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. You'll get your fix of ocean views here! Continuing on, you’ll see beautiful Bass Lake and Pelican Lake, and red-tailed hawks coasting above - just out of reach. About a mile past Bass Lake, you’ll find the Alamere Falls detour.

Pelican Lake and Detour Sign to Falls

From here it's less than a half-mile to the beach and the falls. The poison oak is more overgrown here, so watch where you step in this narrow section of trail. It’s a very good idea to wear long sleeves and long pants. The trail will begin to get rockier and steeper and there is a short section where you will have to be careful as you pick your way down. But if you pay close attention, it’s more than worth it. You’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular spring waterfalls in the state. I would recommend caution if attempting to navigate the fifty foot climb down to the beach to view the waterfall from below. It is steep and narrow, and the rock is not stable. I chose to stay at the top and sit with the wildflowers while watching those much braver than me scale down the cliff toward the beach. There are plenty of scenic spots to have a lunch and simply admire the sounds and view.

If It's Raining This Weekend, Head to The Gem Show!

2011-01-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

Don't miss this weekend's Gem Faire at the Marin County Civic Center!

Over 70 dealers from all over the world will offer the largest selection of fine jewelry, gems, beads, crystals, minerals, findings and much more at the lowest prices in today’s market. Finished and unfinished jewelry, rare gemstones, and jewelry making tools are available all under one roof. Plus, a chance to win hourly door prizes all weekend long. Take advantage of the lowest prices in the market for the largest selection and finest quality of jewelry.

This weekend from January 28th to January 30th at the Marin Center/Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags in San Rafael. Hours are Friday 12noon-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm.
This is a community event. A weekend pass is $7.00 and Children under 12 are free.

There will also be classes & demonstrations for all ages and all levels of jewelry making:

Bead spinner & wire working
Gem, filigree & soldered chain classes

Easy Hike Around Phoenix Lake

2011-01-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

We were trying to dodge the raindrops on a momentarily sunny day at Phoenix Lake. The hike is perfect for family members of all ages since it is not too long or steep.

The trailheads near the lake are easy to get to. Phoenix Lake provides convenient access and an abundance of hike possibilities for any type of hiker. For a short and easy walk around Phoenix Lake, hike uphill to the lake from the parking area and then combine Bill Williams Trail, Gertrude Orr Trail, and Phoenix Lake Trail, for a stroll of about 2.7 miles. You can't get lost if you stay close to the water!

At 0.19 mile, the road passes by the spillway (a great artificial waterfall in the winter) and then crests near the shores of Phoenix Lake.

Phoenix Lake is a reservoir on Kentfield's Ross Creek in Marin County, and is used as drinking water for Marin County residents. Construction was completed by the Marin Municipal Water District in 1907. At normal levels it has a surface area of 23 acres.

Hike the Sunny and "Dark" Side of Bon Tempe Lake

2010-08-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

This 4.1 mile hike is perfectly designed for all age groups and temperament. Being a moderate hike offering both shade and sun, stunning lake views and overhead Osprey sightings, it is reminiscent of a high Sierra-Nevada location.

Begin clockwise around the lake on the wide-open Sunny-side Trail with fantastic views of Mt. Tam; finish on the Shady-side Trail hiking through madrones, Douglas fir, and plenty of ferns. The trail is also dog friendly!

To get there from Hwy 101 in Marin, exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. toward San Anselmo and follow it west 6 miles to Fairfax. Turn left on Pastori, immediately right on Broadway, then left on Bolinas-Fairfax Rd. Go 1.5 miles to Sky Oaks Rd.; turn left. This takes you into the park. Make your first right after the entrance toward Bon Tempe and drive .5 mile and park. There is a day use fee of $8.

New Farmers Market in Marin City

2010-08-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

There's a new Saturday farmers market which opened in June at the Gateway Shopping Center!
Operated by the Agricultural Institute of Marin, which already runs five markets in the county including the Civic Center location, this new one has about 20 farmers and 10 specialty and prepared food vendors.

In addition to Marin City residents, the market hopes to draw people from throughout Southern Marin with its location near Highway 101 and plentiful parking.
The new farmers market in Marin City runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through September at the Gateway Shopping Center, in the 100 block of Donahue Street. For more information, visit www.agriculturalinstitute.org.

2010-08-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed more four-legged friends eating out(side) lately?
Dogs are now welcome in Marin County's outdoor dining areas, thanks to the Marin County Department of Environmental Health.
Marin changed their policy on July First to now allow dogs to legally sit with owners at restaurants with outdoor seating.

The MCVB had the pleasure recently of dining at the Panama Hotel in San Rafael during their "Yappy Hour" with our four-legged staff members! Joining us was owner Dan Miller and his staff for some shared doggie fun and a real happy hour.

Pets are now allowed to dine out with their owners, but only when the dining area has access from an outside area. Animals will not be allowed to go through the food facility since the health and safety code prohibits them from coming inside, unless they are guide animals, signal animals or security animals.

Hike to Arch Rock in Point Reyes

2010-07-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Looking for a day hike in Point Reyes with a little bit of everything? The 8.2 mile RT from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to Arch Rock has just that. With just a gradual incline going out towards the ocean, you pass through meadows, old oak trees and Douglas Firs on a wide and easy path. You can also take your bike the first 3 miles and lock it on the racks provided, then hike the 1.1miles to the ocean.

Limantour Beach

2010-07-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Looking for a beach just a little out there...?

We have the solution:

Hot days in Marin County are easy to deal with! At Limantour, you can have all the sand and ocean to yourself as you want. From Olema, take Bear Valley Road past the Visitor Center towards Inverness. Take a left turn onto Limantour Road and continue about 15 minutes to the water. Stay cool~

Estero Trail at Drakes Bay

2010-07-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Begin at the Muddy Hollow Road trailhead off Limantour Road in Point Reyes. This is an easy 6.5 mile loop hike with little elevation and great views of Drakes Bay. The trail is very narrow at some parts, but it opens up most the way. Listen to herds of Tule Elk bellowing in the distance with the sounds of cows in the background!

Finding the Earthquake Trail

2010-07-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

A great idea for the family, the EARTHQUAKE TRAIL (1 km / 0.6 mi.) is a short, easy, and informative hike.
It is a short paved loop which explores the San Andreas Fault Zone. Interpretive signs describe the geology of the area. This trail begins at the southeast corner of the Bear Valley Picnic Area in Olema, just across the street from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Just before the big quake that shook San Francisco in April, 1906, this fence was continuous. Afterward, it had moved to where you see it now, a distance of about 20 feet.

Marin County Fair Begins Today

2010-07-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Going Global:Connecting Cultures is this year's Fair theme.
Have your picture taken with your favorite Star Wars character! The Golden Gate Garrison 501st Legion will make their appearances at the Marin Galactic Outpost in the Exhibit Hall. Don't miss them~

Enjoy over 50 international cultures close to home through arts, crafts, music, dance, cuisine, story-telling and film. Our county fair is all about community - local and global.

Hike With The Cows

2010-06-22T12:52:00.001-07:00

Try taking a hike from the ordinary! Begin by taking the Lucas Valley Road off 101 for about twenty minutes and park just beyond the Big Rock on the right. The path takes you east of the road up a gradual incline to the top of the ridge. Along the way you meet up with a number of Marin Cows happily doing what they like to do most.

Take a moment to enjoy the infamous vistas of Marin's rolling hills and landscape. Plan on taking about three and a half hours to get to the ridge and back.

Marin Art Festival Over the Weekend

2010-06-22T12:48:00.001-07:00

It was THE perfect weekend for an Art Festival by the Civic Center's Lagoon. Admission was free to the general public until 11:00am, so attendance was up early in the day.

There were new exhibitors to oooooh and ahhhhhh over and the entertainment was...well...entertaining!

Comedy on the Plaza

2010-06-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

It was a great comedy evening at Mill Valley's Lytton Square Wednesday evening! Mark Pitta hosted three very funny standups and the community was out in full force.

Tule Elke Refuge - Point Reyes

2010-06-14T17:08:00.001-07:00

From Sir Francis Drake Blvd out of Inverness, turn left onto Pierce Point Road and park at the Pierce Point Ranch. From there it is an easy 8 mile walk on the Tomales Point Trail to Bird Rock and Tomales Point. Watch for different herds of Elk on the hillsides. Best in the spring with plenty of wildflowers and cooler weather since there is no shade. Bring a lunch and sit on the grass to watch the Elk graze - but give them plenty of distance since they are wild and possibly calving in early summer.

Bridge over Creek in Fairfax to Carson Falls

2010-06-09T16:54:00.001-07:00

Marin Trail in Pt Reyes

2010-06-09T16:49:00.001-07:00

2010-06-09T15:25:00.001-07:00

It's a clear and beautiful day in Marin today.