Mill Valley
Town of Mill Valley is surrounded by coast redwoods and woodland forest, bubbling creek runs year round, you'll find restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, ice cream, everything you need for a day trip, or perfect if you're staying in the area. Mill Valley has easy access from Highway 101, is centrally located to explore Marin County, or drive into San Francisco
Old Mill Park
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A delightful
playground
, with swings, slides, climbing structure, in the shade of a majestic redwood grove. Restrooms, picnic tables, comfy benches are available.
Kids love to play along Cascade Creek that flows along the park. Also, check out timbered wooden structure in the creek - a sawmill, originally built in 1830's, one of first sawmills in northern California.
Depot Bookstore and Cafe
- A well-stocked bookstore, pick up books about Marin County, leisure reading, children's books, also great spot for snacks, and sit outside in the plaza.
Cascade Falls
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Walk to a waterfall flowing over the rocks into Cascade Creek, surrounded by redwoods. When we visited, a family was spending all afternoon by the creek. Benches are perfect for a picnic.
Short walk
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From Old Mill Park, drive up Cascade Dr. until you come to a small parking lot for the Falls. There is also some car parking available along Cascade Dr. above and below the parking lot.
It's just an easy walk along the wide trail, at the bridge go right across the creek, you'll see Falls ahead. Trail is wide enough for stroller, easy walk for toddlers.
Longer hike
- 2 miles round trip
Start at Old Mill Park, walk up Cascade Dr., lined with redwoods and houses on either side, paved road follows the creek. Okay to walk on the road.
About half mile up Cascade Dr. on the left, look for sign on a tree - 131 (Mill Valley Steps Lanes Paths).
Here the dirt trail begins. Follow the trail, as it winds around the creek, climbing up a rocky section to three pools with ferns on the banks. Continue on the trail, as it goes back and forth over the creek with two bridges, until this trail ends at road, and car parking lot for Cascade Falls.
Tip: Trail along creek is quite scenic, but narrow in sections, there are no railings.
From Cascade Falls, to return to Old Mill Park, walk back down on Cascade Dr., where you started.
