Fairfax
The town of Fairfax has everything you need to a day trip or if you've rented a house in the area. Supermarkets, casual eateries for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with pizza, Mexican, Asian, bakeries for pastries and coffee, and ice cream shops. Sir Francis Drake Blvd that runs through the center of town makes it easy to connect with 101 freeway, and goes all the way out to Point Reyes.
Roy's Redwoods Open Space Preserve -
In Marin, this preserve is a hidden gem, small grove of old growth redwoods. It's not huge, but it's a place where everyone can stop. close to, and just look up at these trees high in the sky.
Roy's Redwoods is especially good for little kids to explore and grandparents stroll on boardwalks through the soaring redwoods.
Boardwalk Trail - Level trail through the redwoods, perfect for a stroller, and if ground is wet, you won't get your feet muddy.
Fairy Ring Trail, Exploration Area, Wilderness Way -
From the entrance, follow Roy's Redwood Loop Trail, turn right to take the Fairy Ring Trail. Fairy rings are a redwoods growing in a circle, typically when an older tree falls, spouts grow up in an almost-perfect circle. Great place for kids to play inside the ring, there is something magical about it.
Continue on the Fairy Ring Trail to the Exploration Area. In this area, kids can build forts from branches, with circular stumps for seats inside.
Follow the Wilderness Trail to “skip, jump and hop” on logs and redwood boards over little creeks (not a straight path).
More Trails -
For a longer hike, take the Roy's Redwood Loop Trail to Mossy Rocks Trail (rocks really are covered with bright green moss), goes up and around the hillside to the Forest Trail. Follow the Forest Trail all the way back to the Boardwalk Trail
Portapotty restroom available. In winter, trails can be muddy, trails are best to hike in spring, summer and fall.
Park on Nicasio Valley Road. Tip: Watch out for poison oak along the side of the road.
If Nicasio Valley Road is parked up , on weekends there's a parking lot at San Geronimo Elementary School close by.
Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve
Cascade Falls -
Hike to Cascade Falls in winter or early spring when the falls are flowing busily (creeks are pretty dry in summer months). Two trails follow along both sides of the creeks.
If the water is rushing too rapidly to cross the creek, take the High Water Trail. The Canyon Trail on the other side of the creek is largely level, but requires wading across the creek.
In winter months, wear waterproof shoes or boots. Bring water, no restrooms or trash cans available.
For tips, hike details, maps and directions read our blog post: Waterfalls are flowing in Marin County.
Fairfax town parks -
Peri Park - Playground in the redwoods! Large playground area with toddler swings, sand play area, climbing structures, lots of picnic tables.
Lansdale Station Playground - Small playground, picnic tables.
