Flat Hikes in Marin: The Top Trails For Easy Access and Stunning Views

Hello walkers, dreamers, ramblers, and nature lovers! If you want to enjoy all of Marin’s amazing weather, wow views, and natural beauty in a relaxed fashion, then this guide is for you. Read on for a round-up of the best flat, easy, and scenic hikes and walks in Marin County.

Click on the orange links to learn more about each hike.

(BTW, these are in no particular order)

VERNA DUNSHEE LOOP TRAIL ON MT. TAM

Verna Dunshee Loop Trail for when you want views of the San Francisco skyline, the towns of Marin, and the hills, valleys and lakes surrounding us in this magical county. This flat hike at the top of Mt. Tamalpais clocks in at about a mile, and you can easily combine it with the next hike on the list…

Verna Dunshee Loop

THE LOOKOUT ON MT. TAM’S EAST PEAK

The Lookout on Mt. Tam’s East Peak will give you the lay-of-the-land from on high. There is a bit of an elevation at the beginning, but we decided to add it to the list because it’s worth the views and it is so easy to combine with the Verna Dunshee Loop.

Mt Tam’s East Peak

SOUTHERN MARIN FIRE ROAD IN KENTFIELD

Southern Marin Fire Road is a very flat, very easy, very scenic stroll through a the Redwood dotted hills of a Marin neighborhood with some lovely views of Mt. Tam.

Pro Tip: the parking at the trailhead is limited, as it is located in a neighborhood. Mid-afternoon during the week is a great time to find parking.

Souther Marin Fire Road

BON TEMPE LAKE LOOP

Bon Tempe Lake Loop is a low-key local’s favorite, off-the-beaten track, and sooo relaxing to wind around the trees and water on this uncrowded trail.

Bon Tempe Lake Loop

TENNESEE POINT TRAIL

Tennessee Point Trail in the Marin Headlands is perfect for when you’re looking for a trail that couldn’t get any closer to the ocean. A small hill at the beginning of the hike and then nothing but flat!

Tennessee Point Trail

BALTIMORE CANYON IN LARKSPUR

Baltimore Canyon. Okay now you know what the locals know: this spot tucked behind a neighborhood in Larkspur is one of the most amazing spots in Marin to get in the trees, with a bonus seasonal waterfall called Dawn Falls.

Pro Tip: the parking at the trailhead is limited. Go early or find a spot in the neighborhood and walk to the trailhead. Worth it! You will see homes of all types built around the Redwoods — literally. An only-in-Marin experience!

Dawn Falls

OLD RAIL TRAIL IN TIBURON

Old Rail Trail in Tiburon is a local bayside treasure, and if you’re staying at Waters Edge Hotel, this very flat path is a must-do.

Old Rail Trail in Tiburon

THE COASTAL TRAIL ON MT. TAM

The Coastal Trail on Mt. Tam if you’re looking for WOW views of the Pacific Ocean without a lot of effort, head up to Mt Tam’s Pantoll Ranger Station to secure your parking and head out to the trail.

Coastal Trail on Mt. Tam

TENNESSEE VALLEY TO THE OCEAN

Tennessee Valley for when you want to hike through the rolling hills of Marin and end at a pocket beach accessible only by foot.

Tennessee Valley

ABBOTS LAGOON IN WEST MARIN

Abbots Lagoon in West Marin where you’ll wander through coastal scrub to a picturesque lagoon. Best part: there’s a bonus uncrowded 11-mile beach past the lagoon.

Abbots Lagoon in West Marin

OLD MILL PARK IN MILL VALLEY

Old Mill Park. Lovey Redwoods and easy paths wind around the area. An easy walk from Mill Valley Inn, you’ll be immersed in the grove in under 5 minutes. Bring coffee or lunch and enjoy the picnic tables under the Redwood canopy.

Old Mill Park in Mill Valley

ROY’S REDWOODS

Roy’s Redwoods. Some of the tallest Redwoods in Marin can be found in this quiet, uncrowded forest with an easy loop hike. Please note: at the time of this writing some trail upgrades are happening in the area, so you may run into that on your walk.

Roy’s Redwoods

LOCH LOMOND MARINA PARK IN SAN RAFAEL

Loch Lomond Marina Park on the shores of the San Rafael Bay is yet another uncrowded, local’s fave hidden gem. Perfect for a truly scenic bayside stroll followed by a bevvie or meal on the bayside Patio at Andy’s Local Market.

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Muir Woods. Well of course we need to include one of the crown jewels of the National Park system right here in Marin. Many of the trails are flat, and all are spectacular.

Muir Woods

See you out there!