Today's trip takes us down the Oakwood Valley Trail, which begins high above Sausalito and descends into dense forest before ending at Tennessee Valley Road. This trail covers so much in a brief period of time and connects to quite a lot of other trails as a part of an extended hike.
• Summary of the hike: This is a comparatively short trail, about 1.4 miles. About halfway the trail splits into two parts. Both end in the identical location, across Tennessee Valley Road from the Rhubarb Trail and never removed from the Tennessee Valley Trailhead. Dogs with voice control are allowed to be walked on this path and not using a leash. I like to recommend visiting this area shortly after the rain, as that’s when there’s a greater likelihood of seeing or hearing critters on the wooded portions of the trail, and the stream along the side of the trail is more likely to be flowing.
• Arrival: I prefer to begin on the Rodeo Trailhead, accessible from Exit 444 on Highway 101, and do all of my climbing in a single quick pass. There is a small parking zone and you may take the steps (about 1.1 km) to the Alta Trail. Turn right onto the Alta Trail and follow it for 0.4 miles – offering breathtaking views of Sausalito, Mount Tamalpais and the encompassing mountains – until you see the Oakwood Valley Trail in your left.
• The hike: The first sections of the hike are unforested and filled with stairs and lead steeply downhill along the slope. Here you'll have excellent views of the encompassing countryside and you would possibly spot quail scurrying within the undergrowth. Look for raptors and other birds within the sky. After about half a mile the trail becomes shady. Watch out for millipedes and banana slugs.
About halfway along the trail there’s a bench that you’ll likely need, near an indication informing us that the California red-legged frog lives on this area. However, don't be surprised if you happen to don't see or hear them – they’re cryptic animals and like not to attract an excessive amount of attention to themselves. From there, a bridge spans a brief ravine into one of the crucial lush and wooded sections of the trail. The path is followed by a stream that glistens through the undergrowth on the left side of the road.
The path on the correct is sunnier, more open to sunlight and with flatter terrain. It's less interesting, but probably less stressful. Both end at a picnic area near Tennessee Valley Road where you may rest and recuperate before continuing your journey. From there, go right onto Tennessee Valley Road – be warned, the side of the road is narrow in places, nevertheless it's a pleasant walk – and also you'll find yourself within the Tam Valley Junction area, where there are some great dining options, including the Buckeye Roadhouse, Hook Fish Co. and Junction Beer Garden in addition to a Walgreens and a couple of other stores if you happen to need a drink, snack or other refreshments. If you parked near the Rodeo Trailhead, you may take bus 150 from the Manzanita Park & Ride Lot to the Spencer Avenue Bus Pad and walk under the overpass to return to the parking zone.
There are several ways to make this trail an extended loop. Once you finish descending the Oakwood Trail, you may go left on Tennessee Valley Road to the Marincello Trailhead, which is situated near the Tennessee Valley Trailhead. Follow the Marincello Trail to the Bobcat Trail, each of which supply beautiful views of the inside of the Marin Headlands. The Bobcat Trail takes you back to the Alta Trail. Follow the Alta Trail back to the steps that result in the Rodeo Trailhead parking zone.
If you should start at the underside and climb the Oakwood Valley Trail uphill from Tennessee Valley Road, there’s roadside parking available along the shoulder of Tennessee Valley Road. You may also park within the parking zone on the Tennessee Valley Trailhead, walk up the Marincello Trail to the Bobcat and Alta Trails, and from there walk down the Oakwood Valley Trail.
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