Marin County got a bit of an unearned reputation back in the seventies, that of hot tubs and peacock feather massages. While there's a bit of that in certain hollows, the stereotype really doesn't do the county justice.

Compared to other Bay Area counties, Marin is considerably less developed, and the locals like it that way. The east and south bay regions have sprawled to look more like Los Angeles than San Francisco, whereas Marin and the north bay region are decidedly more rural. The world-acclaimed Sonoma and Napa Valley wine regions lie on the northern border of the county.

Being far less developed (and defiantly so!) Marin ends up being more given to recreational pursuits. Vast tracts of open space lend themselves to hiking, biking, and all manner of outdoor activities. One of the favorites is Mount Tamalpais, known to the locals as "Mount Tam."

Tam Trails

This trail is one of the steeper treks to the summit of Mount Tam. Stands of redwoods give way to groves of laurel, then of oak. The Bay Area's climate is described as "mediterranean," but Marin (more so than other counties) is given to micro-climates. Hiking Tam, you can turn a corner and be in an entirely different ecological niche, so the hike is never dull.

The region's mild mediterranean climate also means that even the winter season is a good time for a hike. The ground may be a bit muddier, but the abundance of moss is breathtaking.

Mossy Mounds

Of course, if hiking isn't your thing, there is a road to the top of Tam. From the East Peak visitor's center to this, the absolute summit, is just a short stroll. But from here, you get an unsurpassed panorama. On a clear day a 360° view of the entire bay area is your reward. Here we see the ranger's outlook and -- looking north and west -- a view of Marin's rural charm.

Summit Panorama