Deer Park
A rare patch of Bay Area old-growth forest
Part of a larger loop from San Francisco to Mount Tam,
Deer Park stood out on this ride.
It's highlight came from passing through the outer perimeter of Muir Woods, a preserved stretch of Old Growth
whose steep grades along the valley made it innaccessable to logging operations until the practice began to dwindle in
the early part of the twentieth century.
Eventually this area was privately bought for preservation of
the ancient trees before conversion to a National Monument. Despite a number of sawed stumps and fallen logs,
the varied tree widths and amazing height of the forest left little doubt this was the real thing.
Photos
Click to expand
This is shortly beyond the trailhead.
The first section of this ride is though deciduous forests as I climbed up from the valley that leads to Muir Beach.
Rounding the corner to leave the shady protection of the woods, it opens to grasslands with views of Diaz and Coyote
Ridge to the south, the Pacific westward, and the ridge along Mount Tam to the West Peak observatory and the East Peak
lookout.
Winding up the ridge alongside the forests. This is a pretty unending grade. Good thing there were plenty of opportunities
to stop and... uh... take a picture.
Here we go. Finally a short flat stretch before the trail leads into the abrupt Redwood forest. Stupid spots.
I went looking for a new camera the other day but they haven't started carrying the one I want in the stores yet.
They say they won't have it until next month.
Alright, this is what I came here for.
Although necessary for overall composition, the full wide angle make the trees seem
shorter and does wierd things with perspective. You had to be there.
Beyond the redwoods is a ridge that overlooks the Pacific coast in the light haze.
Turning left heads down the coastal trail back to Muir Beach. Right takes you up a little ways to the Pan Toll
Ranger station where you can access the rest of Mount Tam.
Now to head on up to the East Peak, it was another 900 feet of climbing on asphalt before returning home along the bay.
(b. August 23, 2002)
Back to top.
Back to Mount Tamalpais.
Back to Gatetrails.com.
Rounding the corner to leave the shady protection of the woods, it opens to grasslands with views of Diaz and Coyote
Ridge to the south, the Pacific westward, and the ridge along Mount Tam to the West Peak observatory and the East Peak
lookout.
Winding up the ridge alongside the forests. This is a pretty unending grade. Good thing there were plenty of opportunities
to stop and... uh... take a picture.
Here we go. Finally a short flat stretch before the trail leads into the abrupt Redwood forest. Stupid spots.
I went looking for a new camera the other day but they haven't started carrying the one I want in the stores yet.
They say they won't have it until next month.
Alright, this is what I came here for.
Although necessary for overall composition, the full wide angle make the trees seem
shorter and does wierd things with perspective. You had to be there.
Beyond the redwoods is a ridge that overlooks the Pacific coast in the light haze.
Turning left heads down the coastal trail back to Muir Beach. Right takes you up a little ways to the Pan Toll
Ranger station where you can access the rest of Mount Tam.