One of my favorite weekend activities is hiking in Marin, particularly Tennessee Valley. Although, someone once rudely corrected me saying, “that’s not a hike it’s more of a walk with pretty views” (#whatever). It gets me outside and feeling good so call it whatever you want.

The Tennessee Valley Trail is mostly level; it begins at the parking area and travels 1.7 miles to Tennessee Beach. For the more adventurous hiker, there are a number of other trails leading into the hills above Tennessee Valley (ahem, rude person above). In the spring time the vegetation of the valley is lush and green and/or blooming and you will find lupine, checker-bloom, blue-eyed grass, California buttercup, and California poppy. In summer, the grasses turn golden, and by late summer you can find fennel, lizardtail, sagebrush, sticky monkey flower, and blackberry bushes. In winter and early spring, rains turn the golden grasses back into green fields. At any time of the year Tennessee Valley is worth the visit.

For a less strenuous hike, take Tennessee Valley Beach (1.7 miles).
For a more ‘adventurous hike’ take: Miwok Trail > Bobcat Trail > Old Springs Trail (approx. 4-5 miles). Photos below: