Loop Hike at China Camp State Park

Hike Date: April 12, 2015
Distance: ~ 6.25 miles
Trail(s): Powerline Fire Trail, Bay View Trail, Back Ranch Fire Trail, Bay View Trail, Oak Ridge Trail
Where’s it at? East San Rafael on the San Francisco Bay off Hwy 101

China Camp State Park in Marin, CA offers a number of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, windsurfing, picknicking, and camping with 30 developed walk-in campsites. On this visit in Spring 2015 there was a $5 day use fee. Campsites are $35 per night.

The park is full of native grassland and oak woodlands. Temperatures range from highs of 50 in the winter to almost 100 degrees in the summer, however it can be a good retreat from the inland heat being situated right on the San Pablo Bay. There are great views eastward across the bay as well as southward. From the highest ridges you can even see the Golden Gate Bridge.

This hike was 6.25 miles out and back to the highest ridge on the ridge trail. I went with a hiking group out of Napa, CA and it was my first hike with this group. All in all good people and great hiking!