Tomales Bay Trail

Don't confuse this worthwhile out-and-back trail with the better known and more crowded Tomales Point Trail. The Tomales Bay trail is on the east side of the bay. From the trailhead off CA Highway 1, the Tomales Bay trail starts off on a mellow descent through open coastal plains. Approach a group of large rocks and stick to the main trail, avoiding the narrower side trails. Next the trail skirts two small ponds ringed by marsh grass and cattails. Various shorebirds and ducks linger here. After rounding another larger pond, the trail tops a small rise with good views of Tomales Bay. Back down at the swampy edge of Tomales Bay you'll spot scattered remnants of the North Pacific Railroad that operated from the 1870's until 1933, running from Sausalito to the town of Tomales and then through Sonoma County. The trail turns north to follow the shore of the bay and headwaters of Lagunitas Creek, but the trail peters out and becomes overgrown with poison oak. Note: bikes are allowed on this trail.