We in the Bay Area have been enjoying an unusual summer weather this year with even occasional rain drops in the coastal hills. Sept 2nd was one such day with a perfect weather for hiking. Started driving from Pleasanton (East Bay) at 5:30 AM to get an early start to the hike from Stinson Beach. I was pleasantly surprised to see some rain drops on the windshield as I approached Mill Valley. The drive from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach was idyllic in the early morning sun and winding road hugging the craggy California coastline. Parking can be an issue in Stinson beach as it is a very popular beach for Bay Area residents in the summer. However, finding parking was not an issue at 7AM on a foggy day (not many early birds out).

With a bagel and coffee in hand, I hit the trail at 7AM. The first half of the hike from Stinson Beach to Pantoll Station on the Dipsea trail is some of the best and most scenic hikes in Bay Area. The trails winds up through what could easily be described as a coastal temperate rainforest (similar to what one would find in Seward, Alaska), with moss covered trees and ferns. Blessed by the abundant rains the last wet season and condensation from dense summer fog, the creeks were filled with water even so deep in our summer. The soothing sounds of flowing creeks helps overcome the physical fatigue along some of the steeper sections along the trail. As you emerge from the dense forest filled with tall Redwoods, the vegetation turns to dry brush in an instant, thanks to the many microclimates in the Bay Area. The change is so abrupt and stark that it almost feels surreal as if you have entered a portal and emerged in a completely different place. At this point one gets the first glimpse of the Pacific ocean and the beautiful California coastline (See pics attached) and it is indeed a sight for the sore eyes and feet. After another 15 minutes of easy hiking along the almost flat section of the trail you reach the Pantoll station campgrounds. This is nearly the half-way point for the hike to Mt. Tam. After nearly two hours of hiking, it is a great place to take a break, with restrooms, water fountains and sounds of kids playing and having fun in the campgrounds.

The trail from Pantoll station to Mt. Tam follows a jeep track or a forrest road. The road is used by many mountain bikers going up to Mt. Tam and occasionally by some vehicles carrying guests to the West Point Inn. The trail/road itself is very nondescript, as it meanders and raises very gently along the mountain. However, this section of the trail some of the better views of the Bay. This is one of the few trails where one get to see both the Pacific coastline and the SF Bay alongside each other and it does make for a majestic view. The view extends beyond the Richardson Bay with Sausalito and Tiburon on the either side to the city of San Francisco and the downtown high rises. The West point Inn is another great rest point along the trail before you make the last push to Mt. Tam. There are several tables and water fountain to have lunch. The trail meanders along for another 1.5 miles and ends in the Mt. Tam visitor center. It is a short 10 mins hike to the top of the East Peak. The peak itself is very crowded as you are joined by throngs of visitors who drove up to the road to Mt. Tam. The views from the top, makes it almost worth it to bear with the crowd and the cacophony of many conversations. If you are looking for an isolated experience and enjoy the rewards of your hike in peace, you would be disappointed.