Between San Francisco And Santa Rosa Is California's Breathtaking Park With Mountains, Waterfalls, And Trails

The region surrounding San Francisco is a wellspring of natural playgrounds, including the jaw-dropping landscapes of Point Reyes National Seashore and the rhododendron-laced Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve. But if you want to dive into nature without having to make the drive to either of those destinations, consider a visit to the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. 

Stretching out beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, the Mount Tamalpais Watershed rivals any of the best attractions in Northern California. Boasting 18,000 splendid acres of untamed wilds, this part of the state features "the best of what the Bay Area has to offer, year round," according to one visitor on Google Reviews. Checkered with mountains that seemingly scrape the sky, swaths of lofty redwoods, glassy reservoirs, rushing waterfalls, and endless scenic trails, the Mt. Tam Watershed, as it's also known, is a real natural stunner. 

The protected area, situated roughly 40 miles south of Santa Rosa, is a refreshing respite from big city life. It takes up the lands north of its namesake ridge, Mount Tamalpais, which is swaddled by the majestic Mount Tamalpais State Park and the unforgettable Muir Woods National Monument to the south. No matter which way you look, you're bound to see a great view. Of course, the breathtaking site isn't just about good looks. It actually serves a very important purpose as a major water supplier for the greater Marin County area. According to the Marin Municipal Water District, which manages the watershed, the preserve welcomes more than 2 million visitors per year. Whether you want to huff it up the mountain, swim in a lake, or do a bit of birdwatching on a shaded path, there's something here for everyone.

Dust off your comfiest pair of hiking boots, and get ready to trek. The Mount Tamalpais Watershed has about 150 miles of backcountry trails to roam. You can see plenty of waterfalls on the popular Cataract Falls Trail. The path ranks among the most popular hiking routes in the park, largely because it features a slew of cascading waterfalls. Cataract Falls covers about 3 miles of ground, beginning near the 224-acre Alpine Lake, one of the watershed's many reservoirs. 

This path will take you past a picnic area, if you want to plop down for a bit of lunch. This trail is pretty challenging, and you'll have to lug it up quite a few stairs. As one hiker cautioned on AllTrails, "Just be prepared for the elevation." 

For a more leisurely jaunt through the trees, opt for the Bon Tempe Lake Loop, which features far less elevation gain. The trail traces the shoreline of the 140-acre Bon Tempe Lake, with beautiful views as far as the eye can see. Hikers of this trail warn pet owners to keep an eye out for potentially harmful critters, though, such as ticks and rattlesnakes.

Don't race off to the watershed yet. There are a few things to know before setting out on your Mount Tamalpais adventure. For starters, you'll have to fork over some cash to enter this Northern California wilderness space. At the time of writing, day-use parking passes cost $8 for a standard vehicle, or $15 if you're pulling a trailer. 

If you're local and plan to visit frequently, you can buy an annual pass for $60, with a $30 discount applied for seniors (out-of-county residents can purchase one for $100). Just be sure to stay up to date on any notices about current closures before you visit via the Marin Municipal Water District's website, where you can also find a printable map of the park.

The watershed is open from 7 a.m. to sundown each day. If you're looking for places to stay near Mount Tamalpais, accommodations can be found in many of the surrounding cities, including San Francisco, which is about an hour away. Mill Valley, one of California's friendliest cities, is another excellent option. It's also much closer, situated roughly 30 minutes away. Some of the best booking options in town include the Acqua Hotel, Mill Valley Inn, and Muir Woods Lodge, all of which are highly recommended on TripAdvisor.