Field Trip – Pioneer Tree Trail

Sunday, November 19, 2023   –   10 am to 2 pm

Leader: Carolyn Longstreth

Please sign up for this field trip by emailing Carolyn Longstreth.  Carolyn will send you a link to the waiver.

This relaxed forest amble will explore the lush Pioneer Tree Trail and part of the Cross Marin Trail. We will look for foliage of such Interesting herbaceous species as coast trillium, elk clover, fairy bells, clintonia, anemones, mission bells, and violets. Trees include redwoods, oaks, alders, maples, Oregon ash and California nutmeg.

The walk is fairly gentle, with a few hundred feet rise and drop over 1.5 miles and then 0.5 miles level. This hike is especially suitable for beginning plant enthusiasts.

Directions: Go west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard through Fairfax and Lagunitas into Samuel P. Taylor State Park. (There is a parking fee, however, public libraries in Marin loan parking passes for State Parks. Reserve a pass in advance.) Park at the far end of the main picnic area.  Walk along the road and cross the bridge to the “group picnic area”. Meet at the far end of that parking lot, where the Pioneer Tree Trail starts.

Bring: Water, a snack and rain gear.

Rain cancels: email Carolyn Longstreth if in doubt.

Unfortunately, the renowned Pioneer Tree itself caught fire in March 2022 and is no longer standing.