MT. TAM: ROCK SPRING TO SWEDE GEORGE CREEK

MT. TAM: ROCK SPRING TO SWEDE GEORGE CREEK

Hike Date:  Saturday, November 8, 2025

Hikeleader:  Gary Weiss   gary@sfhiking.com   415 279-5570  

Carpooling Meeting Locations:
SF: Whole Foods;  2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below.
Rockridge BART: Bottom of escalator.

Carpooling Meeting Times: SF: 9:15 AM; Rockridge: 9:00 AM 

Please only show up at the carpooling place if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.
 
Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  8.25 miles

Elevation Gain: 1400'

Description:  If we've had any rain at all, and if the weather cooperates, there's no prettier hike in the Bay Area.  Starting at Rock Spring we'll take some obscure trails down to Barth's Retreat.  From there we'll be following a couple of forks of Swede George Creek.  The section of the East Fork, off the Kent Trail could be the prettiest place on the mountain.  For a short distance the trail follows right next to the creek before crossing it.  This is perhaps the lowest point in the hike.  We'll start our ascent from the High Marsh.  Weather will dictate which way we head up but one thing is certain - the golden leaves of the maples and hazelnuts will surround us.  If the weather is somewhat clear we'll cross West Ridgecrest and hike up to my favorite viewpoint above O'Rourke's Bench for views of that go from Mt. Diablo in the east all the way to the Farallons:

From here it's back to the cars at Rock Spring.  
Dogs are permitted in the Marin Watershed but NOT in the last section which is State Park.  

Bring / Wear:  Please bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them.  And layers: November weather can surprise you.  And chocolate!

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.

Trailhead Meeting Place:  Rock Spring parking area (Ridgecrest Blvd. @ Pantoll Rd.) By the porta-potties.  Take the Stinson Beach/Hwy 1 exit off 101. After turning left at the junction (Arco station on the left) continue on Hwy 1 until a fork. The right fork takes you uphill towards Mt. Tamalpais State Park. At the next 4-way junction, take the middle option uphill. Eventually you'll come to a fork opposite the Pantoll Ranger Station parking area. Take the right (uphill) fork. You'll soon come to a large parking area straight ahead.   Parking is free.  Google Maps link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving distance, there and back: 68 miles from SF; 90 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  $8  From Rockridge BART: $11

(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)