
While trail mix and small snacks will probably be enough, a better idea might be to pack a lunch to enjoy while you take in the view from the picnic tables at the summit.The entire adventure is about 9 miles total, and it will take plenty of water to get you through the day.The hike is relatively easy, however, it does cover almost 5 miles, so bring your comfortable, broken in hiking shoes.Safety should always be a priority, so be sure not to forget your PFD and leash to wear for the paddle over and back.You won’t need much, but you will need a few important essentials.Īs you should do this paddle/hike when the weather is good, you’ll only need a few standard supplies in your dry sack. Finish the hike by walking through the picnic area at 4.6 miles, toward Ayala Cove.
PARADISE BEACH PARK TIBURON SERIES
The views of the Golden Gate bridge, the Marin Headlands and Sausalito as you make your way through a series of switchbacks down the mountain are as impressive as those from the summit. Return to the fork and go left to take the Sunset Trail back to the beach.Make everyone who follows you on Instagram jealous.3 miles to the summit of Mount Livermore. Turn right at the fork, following the signs another. The North Ridge Trail ends a fork in the road at 1.8 miles.Be on the lookout for wildlife along the trail, and be mindful of the poison oak that lines the walkway as you make your way to the summit.After a brief stint on a wide fire road at 0.9 miles, turn left to follow the signs for the North Ridge Trail to Mt.
After about a mile of hiking, you’ll reach the northernmost part of the trail, from which you’ll have a clear view of the Strait you just paddled, and the Tiburon peninsula. These stairs are the most challenging part of the hike. The trailhead for the North Ridge Trail can be found behind the ferry landing to the north of the restrooms, and begins with a steep set of stairs shaded by pine and oak trees. This loop is the road less traveled on Angel Island, as most people stick to the Perimeter Trail, a wide and mostly level perimeter road shared by hikers, runners and bikers who have no idea what they’re missing up above. The 4.6-mile hike is a relatively easy loop that uses two trails – starting with the North Ridge Trail and returning via the Sunset Trail – with a quick jaunt to the top of Mt. The time between slack tides varies pretty dramatically depending on the day, so be sure study the tide chart so you know how much time you have for the hike. Remember that you’ll want to return on a slack tide as well. Once you have reached Angel Island, land on the sandy strip of beach in Ayala Cove and stash your board in the shade of the trees on the west end of the cove. Paddle! The crossing is about 2.5 miles, so plan for it to take 60 to 90 minutes. This is a popular stretch of water, so expect ferries, sailboats, kayaks, and fishing boats. Pause for a moment at Bluff Point to assess the conditions across Raccoon Strait. After launching at Paradise Beach Park, head southeast, past the fishing pier toward Bluff Point. Choose a day when the wind is under 10 knots the earlier in the day you can leave, the less likely you’ll have to deal with gusty afternoon winds on the way back. The prevailing wind in this area, year-round, is West/Northwest, which means the paddle back to the beach park will, for the most part, be upwind. Leave from Paradise Beach Park on a slack tide so you have minimal current to deal with on the way over. To make planning easier, the Bay Area Sea Kayakers have put together a trip planner to help paddlers stay informed on tides, conditions, and forecasts
That said, if you’re comfortable in open water, it’s a classic Bay Area adventure. Few things are better than being able to paddle your way to your destination.Ĭrossing Racoon Strait – the channel separating Angel Island from Tiburon – can be challenging and shouldn’t be attempted by a novice paddler, since an understanding of tides and currents is important to navigating it smoothly.