MT. TAM: NORTHSIDE REMOTE FOREST TRAILS & 3 WATERSHEDS
Leader: Gary Weiss
Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com
Leader Phone: 415-279-5570
Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, Nov 02 2019
Meeting Time: 8:45 AM
Departure Time: 9:00 AM
Meeting Place: Under the Safeway sign on Market @ Dolores
Rating: Level-4
Mileage:9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1800'
Description: We start just before the summit on the saddle of Ridgecrest Blvd, where it intersects with Miller and International Trails. We'll be heading down through a gorgeous, unmapped area, starting from International Trail, along the West Fork of Lagunitas Creek. The lowest elevation of the hike will be just above a waterfall. Unless it's rained recently we'll probably skip it. From here we'll head west to Swede George Creek, and then up the creek to Potrero Camp. Our return will be along Rock Spring Trail, with one short section of Old Railroad Grade thrown in. The first 2/3 of the hike will be mostly in deeply shaded areas on very unofficial trails. The last section will provide views of San Francisco, the Pacific and hopefully, the Farallon Islands. With the exception of some relatively steep downhills through the redwoods at the beginning, the route is not terribly difficult.
Bring/Wear: Lots of water, sturdy hiking shoes, layers, snacks, lunch and sunscreen.
Rain Policy: Contact hike leader if weather is questionable
Driving Distance: 48 miles total, there and back.
Total Bridge Tolls and Entry Fees: $7
Car Pool Fees: $8
Alternative Meeting Place: Take the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit off of US 101. At Tam Junction (gas station on your left) keep left to stay on Hwy 1. After a few miles you'll have the option to head down to your left, staying on Hwy 1, or going up to the right. Keep right. You'll eventually get to another intersection. Pantoll Ranger Station will be on your left. Go right, uphill. This winds around a bit and you eventually get to a large parking area straight ahead: Rock Spring. Stay to the right, winding up towards the summit. At a certain point, the road dips down quite a ways before continuing up to the summit. At the low point you'll see plenty of parking on the right and some additional parking on the left. This is the trailhead. Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/TPaFZzZ7EPz84TdLA
Alternative Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Alternative Meeting Departure Time:10:15 AM
Level-1
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Level-2
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Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
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easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
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moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
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very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
