Best Marin Hikes: The Lookout on Mt. Tam's East Peak

Since enjoying the outdoors is one of the best things to do in Marin, we like to offer you — our Marin Hotels guests — a range of hiking options. Looking for flat hikes in Marin? Gotcha covered. Challenging hikes in Marin? Check. Today, we offer you something in-between: the Verna Dunshee Trail and Fire Lookout for East Peak on Mt. Tam.

The Verna Dunshee Trail is flat, less than a mile and offers some spectacular views of the mountainside, lakes, and the city of San Francisco. Add on less than half a mile + 200 foot trip to the Fire Lookout for extra fun. It’s steepish, but so doable. You’ll go slowly because the path is pretty rocky (consider a hiking pole).

Once you’re at the top, explore around the peak, including the base of the Fire Lookout, which is still in operation. In fact, have a look at this video before you go so you can get a sense of what life is like up there for the people who watch for fires in Marin County.

Gary Yost, the local filmmaker who created this amazing video, said this about the experience:

“The video documents the (usually) very peaceful life of a fire lookout in the Gardner Lookout on the East Peak of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, California. I've been a Marin County Fire Department volunteer lookout for years and deeply love the mountain and the peace it brings to us here in the Bay Area. Perhaps this 6-minute video will convey some of the emotions I feel when sitting (and sleeping) on her peak.”

Note: $8 parking fee, restrooms, picnic benches, ADA accessible trail.

See you out there!