POINT PINOLE (from THE DOTSON FAMILY MARSH)
Hike Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026 
Leader: Robert H!ckey
Leader Email: robert3327@gmail.com
Leader Phone: 510.813.3406
Hike Rating: Level-3
Hike Mileage: 8.0 miles... (see Shorter Hike Option below).
Elevation Gain: 203'
Description: Point Pinole offers scenic trails leading through marshlands, eucalyptus woods, and beaches on San Pablo Bay, along with spectacular views of Mt Tamalpais and the Marin shoreline. This hike is a favorite of mine because the park is fairly undeveloped and relatively unknown… and I especially appreciate the quiet and serene views along San Pablo Bay. The area has a varied history, including being the home of local native people, a Mexican-era cattle ranch, Chinese and Croatian fishing villages, and American-owned ranches and farms. Most “recently” the point was the site of four (4) dynamite companies, including the Giant Powder Company... there are remnants of those operations dotted throughout the park. The then remote area was well suited for any accidental discharge or explosions.
Bring / Wear: Bring water, good hiking or walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and lunch.
Did you know we have sfhiking.com t-shirts available? Click on the [Store] menu above.
Rain Policy: Hike may be cancelled if heavy rain.
Dogs: Woof, yes! 
TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION:
We'll meet at the Dotson Family Marsh (map) parking lot. Note: There are three (3) different Point Pinole parking lots... each quite a distance from each other... make sure you go the correct parking lot! Also, parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.
Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM (don't miss the hike, arrive early).
If you are not a member you can: 1) Become a member by clicking on the [Join] menu above and then register for the hike or 2) Contact me so that I know that you would like to be part of the hike.
Interested in carpooling? If so, here are the options...
- San Francisco Meeting Location: Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street. Meet on the Dolores Street side. There's parking on the street or below the building.
Meeting Time: 9:15 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).
- East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART station (map). Meet at the bottom of the escalators. There's free and ample parking.
Meeting Time: 9:30 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).
Note: Please only show up at a meeting location if you have arranged to be a driver, or a rider, ahead of time... (see Carpool Fees below).
Total Driving Distance (round trip):
47 miles (San Francisco)
37 miles (East Bay)
Carpool Fees (per passenger):
$8 (San Francisco)*
$5 (East Bay)
*Includes bridge toll.
Note: I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers. If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.
Shorter Hike Option (Level-2 / 5.5 miles): Skip the Dotson Family Marsh and meet us at the Giant Highway Staging Area (map), walk to the pedestrian bridge that crosses over the train tracks and wait for us there. We should arrive around 10:30a... but please arrive 10-15 minutes early so you don't miss us. If you choose to meet us there, you'll have to arrange your own carpool, but I hope this opens up options for those who want/need a shorter hike. Also, let me know you'll meet us at the Giant Highway, so we can keep an eye out for you.
Level-1
|
Level-2
|
Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
|
easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
|
moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
|
very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
