01
Best overall redwood escape
Roy's Redwoods Open Space Preserve
San Geronimo Valley • Shady Redwood Preserve • Best For First-Time Visitors
A gently rolling loop through second-growth redwoods just minutes from downtown Woodacre.
Roy’s Redwoods is where many locals send visitors for their first taste of West Marin hiking—soft dirt, big trees, and a relaxed tangle of trails. The main loop is short and easy to follow, with enough side paths and meadows to keep it interesting without getting truly remote. Arrive early on weekends for easier parking and quieter groves.
02
Best ridgeline adventure
San Geronimo Ridge via Willis Evans Trail
Above Woodacre • Mixed Singletrack And Fire Road Ridge Hike • Scenic Workout Route
A stout climb from Woodacre neighborhoods up to a long ridge with wide-open views over Marin.
Starting from the edge of town, the Willis Evans Trail wastes no time gaining altitude before linking into San Geronimo Ridge Road. Once you hit the ridge, the payoff is a string of viewpoints toward Mount Tam, Nicasio, and the distant Bay. It’s a half-day outing best for hikers comfortable with sustained climbs, exposed stretches, and route-finding at a couple of unsigned junctions.
03
Best short but steep climb
Oat Hill Fire Road
Woodacre East Slope • Steep Fire-Road Grind • Challenging Local Workout
A no-nonsense fire road that rockets up from Woodacre into open hills with fast views-to-effort payoff.
Oat Hill Fire Road is a favorite training hill for locals who want maximum elevation in minimum time. The route is wide and straightforward but relentlessly steep, quickly breaking out of the trees into golden grasslands and views across the San Geronimo Valley. Go on a cool morning or late afternoon, bring water, and expect your calves to notice the descent as much as the climb.
04
Best mellow lakeside loop
Lake Lagunitas Loop
Fairfax Watershed • Calm Reservoir Circuit • Relaxed Weekend Stroll
An easy, mostly shaded loop around a small reservoir with classic Mount Tam foothill scenery.
Just over the hill from Woodacre, the Lake Lagunitas area offers well-maintained paths that feel a world away from town. The main loop undulates gently along the shoreline with frequent benches, picnic nooks, and filtered views of nearby ridges, making it friendly for kids and casual hikers. Expect a small day-use fee, limited cell service, and a mellow, almost park-like pace on the trails.
05
Best waterfall hike
Cataract Falls Trail
Mount Tamalpais North Side • Lush Creek And Waterfall Canyon • Scenic Springtime Pick
A steep stair-step trail that winds up alongside a chain of cascades above Alpine Lake.
When the rains hit, Cataract Falls becomes one of the most rewarding half-day hikes within easy striking distance of Woodacre. The route is short on miles but long on stone steps, tight switchbacks, and intimate viewpoints of the creek plunging through mossy forest. Parking can be tight on fair-weather weekends, so go early or midweek and be prepared for a sustained climb from the very first switchback.