Marin County, California

Looking for the best hiking in Marin County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Marin County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Marin County

  • Novato, California

    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop

    3.51 mi / 594 ft gain
    Schwindt, Indian Valley, and Waterfall Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Novato, California.
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  • Novato, California

    Buck Gulch Falls Trail

    4.9
    1.26 mi / 203 ft gain
    Buck Gulch Falls (also known as Fairway Falls) is an easy, scenic hike that takes you through a beautiful forest on your way to a 15-foot waterfall. This little neighborhood treasure is tucked away in Novato, CA at the end of Fairway Drive and there is ample parking near the trailhead.  If you v...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Alamere Falls via Palomarin Trailhead

    4.5
    13.54 mi / 1936 ft gain
    Alamere Falls is the tallest waterfall in the bay area and makes for a very scenic Bolinas waterfall hike. It is known as a tide fall because it empties directly into the Pacific Ocean. This is extremely unique because there are only 34 tide falls in the world and two in California, the other bei...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Point Reyes' Wildcat Camp via Coast Trail

    5.0
    11.19 mi / 1926 ft gain
    In order to make this trip possible, go to recreation.gov and make a reservation for Wildcat Camp (available year-round). On your way to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to grab your camping permit. For more information, visit: http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvis...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Glen Camp Loop via the Palomarin Trailhead

    4.7
    15.72 mi / 3091 ft gain
    Day 1 Before heading to the trailhead, make sure to stop by the Bear Valley Visitor Center to pick up your permit. To stay overnight in Point Reyes, you must stay at one of the trail camps.   Camping anywhere else in the park is not allowed.   Permits for the trail camps can be booked up to 6 mo...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Bass Lake via Palomarin Trailhead

    4.2
    6.11 mi / 1024 ft gain
    Follow the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead to Bass Lake. It's a fairly easy ~2.5-3 miles to the Lake. As soon as you pass the lake, on the left you will see a narrow unmarked dirt trail. Take this trail and you'll get to a nice clearing with easy lake access (this will be a great spot for lu...
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  • Bolinas, California

    Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead

    20.5 mi / 2705 ft gain
    Spanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...
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  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Regional Park Loop

    4.0
    4.87 mi / 673 ft gain
    A 216-acre park, Helen Putnam offers 9 trails that are relatively short but can be combined however you wish. Go 2 miles or 10 miles. Loop in and out, up or around. I take a different route every time I hike here. For a good 4.8-mile hike, begin at the southwest corner, where the parking lot and...
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  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Inner Loop

    4.0
    1.44 mi / 236 ft gain
    The Helen Putnam Inner Loop is a scenic and relatively short hiking trail located in Petaluma, California. This loop offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and accessibility. This trail is ideal for hikers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a shorter adventure with stunning vistas. T...
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  • Novato, California

    North Levee Trail

    5.0
    3.78 mi / 157 ft gain
    North Levee Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Novato, California.
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  • Petaluma, California

    Helen Putnam Northern Loop

    4.5
    2.52 mi / 348 ft gain
    The Helen Putnam Northern Loop is a scenic hiking trail in Petaluma, California, offering a peaceful outdoor experience with breathtaking views and natural charm. This trail is perfect for hikers seeking a blend of gentle exercise and stunning landscapes. Trail Highlights: Length & Di...
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  • Fairfax, California

    Carson Falls

    4.0
    3.75 mi / 863 ft gain
    Are you tired of crowds on your hikes? First, shame on you for getting up so late and moving so slowly. Did you really need Philz before you got on the trail? Ok, now that you’ve been thoroughly chastised, let’s start planning a hike to the less-frequented Carson Falls. Like any of the falls in ...
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  • San Rafael, California

    Terra Linda Sleepy Hollow Ridge Trail

    5.0
    5.85 mi / 1089 ft gain
    This San Rafael neighborhood trail is quite popular, but there is plenty of room for everyone and the parking is easy. After you park at the trailhead, you walk (or bike) up a relatively short and steep path that takes you to the beginning of the trail.  This hike takes you along a scenic ridge ...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Cataract Falls

    4.2
    2.81 mi / 1184 ft gain
    The Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain. Cataract Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed near Stinson Beac...
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  • Inverness, California

    Tomales Point Trail

    4.7
    9.47 mi / 1165 ft gain
    This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. This trai...
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  • Inverness, California

    McClures Beach

    1.44 mi / 243 ft gain
    This beach is really easy to get to. Just follow Pierce Point Road until you see the sign to the beach. It's an easy hike down from the parking lot.  There is very little shade, so make sure to bring some sunscreen. Be extremely cautious with getting into the water. There is likely underwater cu...
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