Hike from Big Rock and other San Rafael, CA Off The Beaten Path Tips

George Lucas recently finished construction of his new facility for Lucasfilm located in Lucas Valley (not named for him) in North San Rafael. To head off community opposition, he dedicated more than 2,000 acres of his land as a permanent conservation easement.

A scenic hiking trail over Lucasfilm property begins at the trail head at Big Rock near the summit and near the Lucasfilm front gate. Park along side the road opposite the Big Rock.

The buildings in this picture are part of the Lucasfilm facility. Big Rock is the large boulder immediately before the buildings on the side of the road.

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This trail is on a ridge between Terra Linda in San Rafael and Lucas Valley.

There are several access points. The one I use is the trailhead on Lucas Valley Road across from Mt. Muir Ct.

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The Gallinas marsh in San Rafael has over 4 miles of trails in protected wetlands. You'll see an abundance of water birds, especially on a winter morning.

See my "Morning in San Rafael Wetlands" Travelogue on my San Rafael page for more photos of this beautiful area.

Located at the end of Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael. Park in golf course parking lot or small lot for sports fields.

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To prove that Marin County isn't all post 1950's development, here is a picture St. Vincent, an Italian Renaissance Mission-style church built in 1855, and a California historical landmark.

Originally an orphanage during the Gold Rush era, St. Vincent is now a residential home for boys with serious emotional and learning problems.

Strapped for cash desperately needed to continue to fund its programs, St. Vincent recently has tried to develop some of the ranch land that surrounds it to (1) establish a foundation to fund its operating needs and (2) provide affordable housing for the community. Outraged residents quashed that and litigation now looks very likely.

Tours are provided on request, or you can obtain a self-guided walking tour map by calling the number listed below.

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Phone: 415-479-9356

China Camp State Park located on the San Pablo Bay side of the city has a number of beautiful hiking trails, many of which provide beautiful views of the Bay.

Some, but not all, of these trails permit mountain bikes. If you do plan to ride bikes, make sure you know where you can ride them. Pick up a mountain bike trail guide at any bicycle store, such as Mike's Bike on 4th Street in San Rafael.

When hiking in China Camp, I prefer to stick to the trails where bikes are not allowed. The bikers can be maniacs - a little harrowing if your mode of transportation is your two feet.

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Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=466

I'm a sunrise freak. Odd as it sounds, my day just doesn't feel right if I don't get up in the dark. On weekends, I enjoy trekking up to the second highest peak in Marin with a flashlight and my Mp3 player. Or I'll just enjoy the sounds of nature - the wild turkeys, cooing doves and occasional peacock make their three part harmony of sorts.

The trail I usually take starts near my house in North San Rafael, and it takes me about 50 minutes to get to the top. Trails are to be found all over the hills.

At the top, if I've timed my hike just right, I'll be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over San Pablo Bay.

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