Mt. Tamalpais State Park - Marin County, California
Posted by: DougK
N 37° 54.276 W 122° 36.258
10S E 534786 N 4195304
North of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State park rises majestically from the heart of Marin County.
Waymark Code: WMD73Z
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 11/28/2011
Views: 6
The panarama from the 2,571 foot peak includes the Farallon Islands 25 miles out to sea, the Marin County hills, the San Francisco Bay, the hills and cities of the East Bay and
Mount Diablo. This 6,300 acre park is one of the oldest and most popular in the California State Park System. The park completely surround
Muir Woods National Monument and borders the
Golden Gate National Recreational Area on the south and northwest.
Geologists believe Mt. Tamalpais was created due to its location near the San Andreas Fault, having risen from the earth's crust.
More than 750 species of plants can be found in the park. There are dense stands of Douglas fir, California laurel, ferns and Redwoods. In the Spring Mt. Tam's hillsides are brightened by California poppies, lupines, irises, goldfields, and shooting stars.
The slopes are populated by raccoons, gray foxes, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, black-tailed deer and an occasional mountain lion. Birdwatchers can find more than 150 species of birds in or near the park. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and turkey vultures can be seen soaring during the day, while at night great horned, spotted barn and screech owls occupy the night.
Hikers can enjoy more than 50 miles of trails within the park that connect to 200 miles of trails managed by the Golden Gate Recreation Area. There are picnic areas for day use and several campgrounds that are open all year round. The park even offers AT&T Wi-Fi Service for a fee.