Take a Romantic Hike on Pilot Knob

Some hikes never get old. Pilot Knob trail has one of the most secluded feelings of such a close hike and offers spectacular views of Mt. Tamalpais. It also is one of our favorite romantic picnic spots. Dog on leash are allowed.

We like to do this hike in the evening and bring a nice snack and blanket and head out in the evening to catch the setting sun.

Pilot Knob sits near Lake Lagunitas. The trail up and over the knob makes a great escape from the more travelled Lake Lagunitas circuit. The northern slopes harbor dense woodlands growing away from the blazing sun while the southern slope grasslands get the long day's exposure. Most of the hike to the top of the knob is in the north-facing forest. Just meters away from the peak the trail emerges into the bright warm sun of the knob. The crescent of woods give the peak a secret and special feeling. Mt. Tamalpais lies straight ahead and seems close enough to touch. The peak provides a 180-degree view to the south. Find a good spot and sit a spell. Enjoy the setting sun over Bolinas ridge, where the fog is often trying to push its way in.

In the woods, Madrone trees, Tan Oaks, Huckleberry shrubs, ferns, occasional Hazelnuts, and a few Redwood trees create a vibrant ecosystem. The northern Pilot Knob slope has several huge gnarled trees. The giant Madrone tree, which has long drawn the attention of native plant aficionados, has recently died and its many huge trunks are spread out over the forest floor. There are still several other large living Madrones to be found, some of which are close to taking the title of giant. There is also an unusually shaped, enormous Redwood along the trail. It is a two-trunker with huge branches down low. The top was damaged long ago and so the lower branches have created a tree with many tops.  There is an unusually large California Coffee Berry shrub along the path. This time of year the juicy pea-sized black fruit can be seen hanging off the plant. Native people once ate the fruit, which has laxative properties.

The hike also travels past Lake Lagunitas. This small quiet lake is the gem of the lakes in the Marin. The MMWD keeps the lake full year-round, giving it a very natural look, even though it is human-made. The year-round constant level allows the shoreline habitats to develop and flourish. Large stands of reeds create habitat for Red Wing Blackbirds and water fowl. Acorn Woodpeckers chatter away in the snags around the lakeshore. Osprey circle looking for fish. A Brown Creeper spirals it way up the tree trunks looking for insects. Rainbow trout swim in the lake and can be seen in the protected shallows. Fishing is popular on this lake, but fish larger than 14 inches are "catch and release," which means that there should be some big ones in there. We often spend time along the lakeside peninsula on the northeastern side of the lake, appreciating the wildlife.

This is hike C16 from the book "Hiking Marin: 141 Great Hikes in marin County." Click Here to go the Marin Trails website, where you can find more details about the book, which contains this hike and 140 more hikes around Marin County.