| Muir Woods, California |
 Trail Name:Ocean View-Fern Creek Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Although smaller in diameter than its close relation the giant sequoia, the redwood grows around 50 ft taller, and can reach heights in excess of 360 ft. The pristine redwoods found in the canyon of Muir Woods are up to 250 ft tall and some are over 1,000 years old. Other trees to be seen along the trail include Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple (with its beautiful yellow leaves in fall) and oak.
Follow the main trail from the visitor center, keeping Redwood Creek to your left. Pass the first bridge, and after less than 0.25 mile take the Ocean View Trail, which climbs away to the right. As you climb from the canyon floor away from the redwoods, you start to leave the crowds behind. After about 1 mile, take the left turn-off from Ocean View onto the Lost Trail. A landslide in the 1930s covered this trail for 30 years, giving it its name. Enjoy this wonderful stretch of peaceful Douglas-fir forest as you make the short descent back down to the redwoods. The Lost Trail ends after 0.25 mile when it connects with Fern Creek Trail. Turn left and follow Fern Creek through redwoods for just over 0.25 mile. You now re-join the main paved trail along Redwood Creek and, no doubt, the crowds. Turn left to follow the trail back to the visitor center, passing along the way Cathedral Grove and, on the other side of the creek, Bohemian Grove, accessed via bridge 2 or 3. These groves contain the biggest redwoods in Muir Woods. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Muir Woods National Monument, 17 miles north of San Francisco. Entrance fee charged for adults.
Directions: From San Francisco, take US 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge, then Hwy 1. Vehicles over 35 ft are not allowed on the steep access roads to Muir Woods. Trailhead: Muir Woods visitor center. Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: Negligible Duration: 1.5 hours Trail Condition: Well marked. The first part of the trail along the floor of Redwood Canyon is paved and busy. Features: Redwoods and other flora. Climate: Cool year round, warmest in early fall (70 F). Fog in summer. Accommodation: Nearest lodging in Mill Valley, Corte Madera and Sausalito. Camping also nearby, although not allowed in Muir Woods. Trail Notes: Muir Woods National Monument is open 8am-sunset. This and the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park get very busy due to their proximity to San Francisco – arrive early and avoid weekends. |
Popularity: 31% [?]
