Best Flat Hikes in Marin: First in the “No Elevation” Series

There’s no shortage of strenuous hikes in Marin County. What’s more difficult to uncover are flat hikes in Marin. And more to the point, those that reward the hiker with beautiful scenery. We’re going to take care of that with our “No Elevation Required” series of hikes.

We’re not talking about your neighborhood walking paths (though we have those in abundance!). We want you to experience the expansive sky, the lush nature, and some of that sweet ocean and bay. First up: Abbots Lagoon in Point Reyes National Seashore.

You’ll walk a flat 3.6 miles round trip on a lightly trafficked and well-maintained trail — some of the trail is on a wooden walkway — through coastal scrub bordering pasture land and bay. All around you: nature. The trailhead parking lot quickly becomes a distant memory as you are immersed in the natural setting.

The varied landscape on the trail is a reward in itself, but the big reveal is an 11-mile stretch of ocean beach called Great Beach by the locals, about a third of a mile beyond the lagoon. You’ll see the ocean a short distance from the lagoon, and you will be drawn to it. Trust.

Practicalities:

The trail is an out-and-back, though you may vary your way around the lagoon to the ocean and back. From the lagoon to the ocean there’s technically not a path, but you’ll clearly see a couple of ways to walk between the two.

There are restroom facilities.

Fishing enthusiast? Bring your rod!

Download the directions before you head out since cell service can be spotty out there.

Enjoy your flat and beautiful hike!

See you out there!