The Seven Best Spring Hikes in Marin
April 2025
There’s something truly magical about springtime in Marin. The hills burst into vivid green, wildflowers sprinkle color across the landscape, and the crisp, clean air invites you to head outside and explore. Whether you're after a coastal stroll, a family-friendly path, or a more challenging trek through the hills, Marin has a spring hike for every adventurer.
Here are some of the best trails and outdoor escapes to enjoy this season:
1. Tennessee Valley Trail – A Coastal Classic for All Ages
📍 Trailhead: Tennessee Valley, Mill Valley
Looking for an easy, beautiful hike? Tennessee Valley Trail is a longtime local favorite. This mostly flat, well-marked path winds through grassy meadows and gentle hills before spilling out onto Tennessee Beach, a peaceful and secluded cove. In spring, the trail is alive with wildflowers, making it a picture-perfect spot for families, casual hikers, and anyone craving a coastal escape without too much effort.
2. Rodeo Beach & Coastal Trail – Dramatic Cliffs and Ocean Breezes
📍 Starting Point: Rodeo Beach, Sausalito
If you’re after those sweeping, windswept ocean views, Rodeo Beach delivers. Follow the Coastal Trail from the beach, winding along rugged cliffs and rolling bluffs with the Pacific stretching endlessly beside you. Spring brings cool breezes, clear skies, and—if you’re lucky—whale sightings just offshore. Feeling ambitious? Hike up to Hill 88 for unbeatable vistas of the Golden Gate and Marin Headlands.
3. Gold Hill Grade – San Rafael’s Hidden Retreat
📍 Trailhead: San Rafael
Gold Hill Grade is a lesser-known gem, offering a moderate 3.5-mile loop with incredible 360-degree views. In the spring, the hillsides turn a vivid green, making the steady climb even more rewarding. It’s a quieter trail, perfect for hikers looking to avoid the crowds while soaking in Marin’s natural beauty from a stunning vantage point.
4. Phoenix Lake – A Peaceful Lakeside Stroll
📍 Location: Ross
Tucked into the lower slopes of Mount Tamalpais, Phoenix Lake is a scenic sanctuary for hikers and nature lovers. The loop around the lake winds through shady oak forests, towering redwoods, and grassy hillsides that pop with springtime color. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the water’s edge—spring is when the lake is at its fullest and most photogenic.
5. Cataract Falls – Spring’s Waterfall Wonderland
📍 Trailhead: Fairfax-Bolinas Road, Mount Tamalpais Watershed
If cascading waterfalls are calling your name, head straight for Cataract Falls. This lush, moderately challenging trail traces the creek past a stunning series of waterfalls that come alive after winter rains. Mossy boulders, fern-filled forests, and rushing water make it one of Marin’s most magical spring hikes.
6. Ring Mountain – Wildflowers and Ancient Secrets
📍 Location: Paradise Drive, Corte Madera
Ring Mountain is a springtime must-see if you love wildflowers. The moderate loop trail offers jaw-dropping views of the Bay, Mount Tam, and the San Francisco skyline, all while meandering through vibrant fields of native blooms. Keep an eye out for ancient petroglyphs and unique rock formations along the way—it’s a hike that blends natural beauty with a touch of mystery.
7. Bolinas Ridge Trail – A Big Adventure with Big Views
📍 Trail Access: Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Point Reyes
For seasoned hikers or those looking for a longer trek, the Bolinas Ridge Trail is a springtime dream. Stretching above Tomales Bay and through the rolling hills of Point Reyes, this trail offers endless greenery, quiet redwood groves, and panoramic coastal vistas. Whether you tackle a shorter section or take on the full 11 miles, it’s a breathtaking way to experience Marin’s wild side in spring.
Spring in Marin is calling.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, admiring wildflowers, or simply savoring fresh coastal air, there’s no better season to hit the trails. Lace up your boots and make the most of it!
