Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, is a lush gorge filled with hundreds of acres of redwood trees and easy to moderate hikes. At Samuel P. Taylor State Park, you can take a walk through the old-growth forest along Lagunitas Creek and enjoy one of Marin's best views from the top of Barnabe Peak.

Start with the 3-mile South Creek Trail, which follows Lagunitas Creek, or the 2.7-mile Pioneer Tree Loop Trail, which leads to an old-growth redwood grove. Take the 7-mile Devil's Gulch Trail to the top of Barnabe Peak for a more difficult hike that includes a mix of redwoods and good views. Samuel P. Taylor State Park is an underappreciated gem that is made even more appealing by the fact that it is only an hour's drive from San Francisco and conveniently located in the Marin suburbs.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: 8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA 94938, USA
Phone: +1 415-488-9897
Website: ebparks.org/parks/reinhardt-redwood