Favorite Spring Hike: Waterfalls, Redwoods, Stunning Views, and More!

This popular hike begins at Pantoll Campground ( find QR code to Pantoll at the end of this blog) and combines the Matt Davis, Steep Ravine, and Dipsea trails. It’s one of my favorite hikes in the Bay Area.

The 7-mile loop offers a little bit of everything: waterfalls, redwoods, Douglas firs, oak forests, grassy fields, canyons, and stunning views. (Note that you can also loop it from Stinson Beach.)

Steep Ravine starts in a beautiful redwood canyon and gets better as you go, with waterfalls and that iconic ladder to climb down. Even though you only walk on the historic Dipsea for a short stretch, that part offers incredible views of Stinson Beach, the Pacific coastline, and Point Reyes.

Matt Davis is fantastic, too. It's such a well-kept trail that really shows off the amazing scenery.

Just a heads up, Steep Ravine and Matt Davis can get super busy, especially during tourist season, since they’re right by the crowded Pantoll trailhead. For a more chill experience, try to hit the trails early. Aim to start by 9 AM at the latest. The first few weeks of spring are the best time to go, with gorgeous waterfalls and wildflowers.

If you want to go, check it out. Here, you have some more detailed info about this stunning hike. It is an excellent workout, with all nature has to offer in one loop.

DETAIL ABOUT THE HIKE

Locate the signed entrance to Steep Ravine from the paved service road, after the main PANTOLL CAMPGROUND parking lot and at the second tier parking area.

The Steep Ravine Trail is a hiking-only path that descends a canyon, with fences guiding you down switchbacks to a small stream. As you proceed, Webb Creek flows in, widening the stream and featuring charming bridges.

You'll soon encounter the famous Steep Ravine ladder next to a waterfall. Be cautious, as the wooden rungs can be slippery. At the bottom, take a moment to enjoy the falls and capture some photos.

The trail leads to a scenic pool and intersects with the Dipsea Trail, which branches left over a bridge. Continue straight past an old dam, then turn right at the unsigned junction. Ascend along a small pipeline until you reach another signed junction, where you’ll continue straight on the Dipsea Trail.

As you climb, the trail intersects with a fire road. Continue on the Dipsea Trail to the top for breathtaking ocean views, Stinson Beach, Bolinas Lagoon, and the Point Reyes mountains. Eventually, you’ll reach Stinson Beach, where you can relax and catch your breath before the return climb.

To return to the loop hike, you will need to walk to where the fire department is. At Panoramic Highway, take the left path to stay on the Matt Davis Trail. The trail crosses a creek and reaches a signed junction at 0.16 miles; turn right here. 

The trail ascends with ocean views, zigzagging through a canyon and leading to Table Rock for a scenic break. The trail continues uphill, meeting the Coastal Trail at the 2-mile mark; bear right to stay on Matt Davis Trail.

As you climb through a wooded ravine with a seasonal waterfall, you’ll reach a signed junction at 2.2 miles. The left path heads steeply to the ridgeline, while the right leads to a viewpoint with views of the Marin Headlands and San Francisco.

You'll arrive at a marked junction near a parking area on Pantoll Road. Bear right, cross Panoramic Highway, and descend to the Pantoll Parking Lot next to the ranger station. 

You made it back after 7 miles. If you decide to check Stinson Beach, which I highly recommend, note that you will be walking about 7.5 miles.

Have fun, and keep moving!

Raquel

WMW founder, leader, and soulful chef