The 3.5 mile north part of this appealing trail is almost entirely
level and paved, but most of it is narrow, which gives it a natural
feel but can make sharing it with bicyclists uncomfortable. On the fifth
of July 2008, the first day of the Tour de France, we were passed by
several teams-in-training honoring the day, all friendly enough, but
impinging on what was otherwise a peaceful experience of this beautiful
forest. Details: The park is 15 miles west of San Rafael on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. (Follow signs for San Anselmo from Highway 101, or from the Richmond bridge, the San Quentin exit takes you to Sir Francis Drake. The West Marin Stagecoach shuttle extends Golden Gate Transit for access to either the SP Taylor Park entrance or the end of the trail, 3.5 miles north, at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Platform Road. If you drive, you can park there on the road shoulder and take the trail back south through woods and meadows to the park. Accessible restrooms are available only at the park's picnic area/campground. There is a $6 parking fee if you bring a car inside the park. Last visit Summer 2008 |
Samuel
P.Taylor State Park
en
route, and are marred by traffic noise from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
just across Papermill Creek. But it's a very pretty walk, with varied
vegetation and birds. From the main trailhead, you pass at first in
deep shade under tall redwoods, then emerge into sunshine on grassy
meadows, and pass great oaks, in and out of bay and madrone forest,
with views down on the stream running parallel to the trail.