01
Best panoramic ridge views
Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve
East Of Corte Madera On The Tiburon Peninsula • Open Hillside And Rocky Ridge Hike • Best For Wide-Open Bay Views
A sun-drenched loop over Ring Mountain delivers sweeping views of the Bay, Mount Tam, and San Francisco with relatively moderate effort.
From Corte Madera, Ring Mountain is one of the fastest ways to get that classic Marin ridge-top feeling without committing to an all-day outing. The trails roll over grassy slopes dotted with boulders and spring wildflowers, and nearly every turn reveals another angle on the Bay. Go later in the day for golden light, but bring water and a hat—shade is limited.
02
Best easy shoreline stroll
Corte Madera Marsh & Bayfront Path
Shoreline East Of Highway 101 • Flat Levee And Waterfront Walking Path • Best For Relaxed Walks And Birdwatching
This flat path along the edge of the marsh is ideal for an easy walk with big sky, water views, and plenty of shorebirds.
If you want fresh air without any serious climbing, the marsh-front paths are hard to beat. A mix of paved and packed-dirt routes traces the edge of the Bay, with benches and pullouts where you can stop and watch egrets, ducks, and the changing tides. It’s perfect for sunset loops, stroller-friendly outings, or a quick sanity break between errands.
03
Best shady canyon escape
Baltimore Canyon via Dawn Falls Trail
Foothills Above Larkspur • Forest Canyon Trail With Seasonal Waterfall • Best For Cool, Wooded Hikes
A short drive from Corte Madera leads into a lush canyon of redwoods and ferns, with a trail that climbs past the seasonal Dawn Falls.
While the waterfall runs strongest in winter and spring, the hike is enjoyable year-round thanks to deep shade and a quiet, tucked-away feel. The route winds along a creek before switchbacking up toward the falls, giving you the option to turn around early or extend onto connecting trails. Expect narrow singletrack, roots, and a few steeper pitches—trail runners and hikers looking to escape the heat will feel right at home.
04
Best close-to-town workout
King Mountain Loop Trail
Hills Between Larkspur And Kentfield • Wooded Loop With Steady Climbing • Best For After-Work Training Hikes
A loop around King Mountain packs in switchbacks, shade, and partial views, making it a favorite local circuit for a solid but not epic workout.
The loop circles the mountain on a mix of fire road and singletrack, with just enough elevation gain to get your heart rate up without feeling punishing. You’ll move through oak, bay, and redwood stands, with occasional windows out toward the Bay and Mount Tam. It’s close enough to town for a pre- or post-work lap, but still feels removed once you’re a few minutes up the trail.
05
Best full-day adventure
Mount Tamalpais via Matt Davis & Steep Ravine
Slopes Of Mount Tamalpais Above Stinson Beach • Classic Coastal-And-Forest Mountain Loop • Best For Committed Hikers And Visitors
This iconic Mount Tam loop combines ocean views, redwood forest, and ladder steps along a cascading creek for a memorable day trip from Corte Madera.
It’s a bit farther than the in-town options, but many Corte Madera locals treat this as their go-to ‘show off Marin’ hike. The Matt Davis Trail undulates across open coastal slopes with big Pacific views before dropping toward Stinson, while Steep Ravine climbs back through a cool, mossy canyon with bridges and ladder sections beside the stream. Plan on several hours, bring layers and plenty of water, and be ready for one of the most rewarding circuits in the area.