Cascade Canyon Summer Exploration

Leaders: Linda Novy and Ann Elliott

Please sign up for this field trip on Meetup.

Aralia california, Elk Clover
by Julian Geoghegan

Cascade Canyon Open Space Preserve covers over 500 acres of pristine habitat near Fairfax. Although we may miss the spectacular spring wildflower displays of the area, we will encounter a variety of common and uncommon trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses in a variety of habitats. This area is also known as Elliott Nature Preserve. Check out this wonderful community website with information about the history, plants, and animals of the preserve. Also see the Plant list for Cascade Canyon

From the trailhead we will hike up to Cascade Falls, retrace our steps to the Cascade Fire Road, detour and ramble along the San Anselmo Creek Trail (a short stretch) for more of a riparian/forest ecotone, crossing into a secluded bay forest area with a hillside of native fern species. Some plants we will find include: sergeant cypress (Hesperocyparis sargentii) and pipe vines, (Aristolochia californica), hazelnut (Corylus cornuta var. californica), gooseberry (Ribes menziesii), and a variety of other riparian, forest, and chaparral plants.

This field trip will cover about 2 miles with some gentle hills. A possible addition would be a fairly steep climb up Cary Camp Loop. Along that trail we would find chaparral plants, chain ferns, and seep monkey flower. And, if folks elect to take the narrow and semi-steep High Water Trail for a short portion of the hike (it parallels Cascade Fire Road), we will see Dudleya cymosa, Eriogonum nudum and Monardella villosa clinging to and thriving on the steep slope.

Directions:   Parking is extremely limited at the Cascade Canyon (Elliott) Preserve Trailhead. Meet at Doc Edgar Park at 9 a.m. to carpool the 1.4 miles to a private parking place near the trailhead. To get to Doc Edgar Park, turn onto the Bolinas Fairfax Rd. in downtown Fairfax. At the second stop sign, bear right onto Cascade Dr. The small Doc Edgar Park is immediately on your right.

Bring: Water, a snack. Dress in layers.   Tick alert: Use the appropriate products to repel ticks.

Hesperocyparis gargentii
by Julian Geoghegan

Snake alert: Rattlesnakes may be encountered. We will keep our eyes open for these creatures.

Email Ann Elliott with any questions.  Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: 530-521-4402

If you have not done so already, please sign the Waiver for Marin Chapter 2024.