THE BEST BAY AREA Summit Hikes

Bolinas Ridge, Cataract, and Old Mine Loop MILL VALLEY

Level: Moderate — 6.1 miles

One of the most scenic spots on Mt. Tam is a simple stone bench, a few minute’s hike from the Rock Spring parking area (no fee required) on the mountain’s western slope. Named after Richard Festus “Dad” O’Rourke, a founding member of the Tamalpais Conservation Club, O’Rourke’s Bench is a perfect place to picnic above the clouds. “Dad” O’Rourke called it “the edge of the world.” The awesome panoramic views encompass Tam’s oak-studded, grassy hillsides, San Francisco, and, on clear days, the sparkling Pacific. The nearby Bolinas Ridge trail invites longer hikes on this truly spectacular coastal ridge.

Ring Mountain via Loop and Phyllis Ellman Trail

TIBURON

Level: Moderate — 3 miles

At the base of the Tiburon Peninsula, Ring Mountain Open Space is a hiker’s paradise in Marin. The preserve’s 367 windswept acres, laced with a variety of trails and fire roads, offer 360-degree views of San Francisco and San Pablo Bays, Angel Island, and the picturesque hill towns of Mill Valley, Sausalito, Belvedere, and Tiburon. Originally protected by the Nature Conservancy (largely for its unusual and rare wildflowers, some of which are found only here), Ring Mountain has grassy hills, large metamorphic boulders (one popular with the climbing crowd), sweeping scenery, and a deeply refreshing feel that makes this one of Marin’s most beloved spots for year-round escape.

Mt. Diablo Grand Loop Trail

WALNUT CREEK

Level: Strenuous — 6.2 miles

Crown jewel of the East Bay, Mt. Diablo (elevation 3,849 feet) is famous for its summit views. On clear days, you can see parts of 40 of California’s 58 counties — amazing! Gaze to the distant west and you’ll see the Farallon Islands.

To the southeast you can see the James Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton (4,213 feet). To the south are views of Mt. Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains (3,791 feet). Mt. Saint Helena (4,344 feet) rises from the Coast Range to the north.

The Harbor Porpoise Returns to San Francisco Bay After 65 Years

It’s a shark, it’s a dolphin… no, it’s a harbor porpoise. After approximately 65 years, the once common harbor porpoise has returned to San Francisco Bay. It’s speculated the use of submarine nets in the bay during WWII and the increase in industrial environmental contaminants caused them to relocate starting in the early 1930s. Discernable from other cetaceans found in the area, like the Pacific white-sided dolphin or common bottlenose dolphin, the harbor porpoises

Pedro Point Headlands Trail

PACIFICA

Level: Moderate — 2.4 miles

A heavily trafficked loop located just before Devil’s Slide tunnels, this trail offers an abundance of treats. Mushroom lovers will delight in the fungi, including fairy tale amanitas that sprout up following the rains. Dog owners can bring their pups, and just about everyone can take pleasure in the pristine coastal views and swaths of wildflowers. Parking can be dicey and there is poison ivy off the path, so don’t veer from it.

B y G race Towle

are dark gray with a white belly — between five and six feet long — and instead of a “bottlenose,” feature a short rounded face. Though their reappearance in the bay is a reason to celebrate successes in water quality restoration from the Clean Air and Water act in the 1990s, the harbor porpoises still face lethal threats like getting entangled in fishing nets and underwater noise pollution that interferes with their communication. themarinemammalcenter.org