Rolling green hills, towering redwood trees and weaving hiking trails surround everyone’s lives here in Marin County, so it is no wonder that hammocking and granola culture has shaped the Redwood community. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and even rock climbing all contribute to this culture at Redwood and are becoming increasingly popular. With an increased love for the outdoors, the question presents itself: where is the best place to hang your hammock? The Bolinas-Fairfax Ridge, Marin Headlands and Ring Mountain all have been established favorites, no longer holding that secrecy that we Redwood students strive for. Because of this, Bark has compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you find the all-time best secret hammock spots in Marin.
The all-time best way to find hammock spots is to uproot yourself from your bed and get out in nature. One place to start is the large variety of hiking trails that surround our community. Crown Road, Blithedale Ridge, Phoenix Lake and Lucas Valley are just a few of the hiking areas the Bark favors. As you venture onward, look for little trails that snake off the main, marked trail because this is your best bet for finding more secluded areas, perfect for hammocking.
There are two things to keep an eye out for while searching for a perfect hammocking experience. First, look up at the trees to see if they are climbable and sturdy enough to hold your weight. Some particularly sturdy trees in Marin are the tall grey pine trees and the coast-live oaks. Climbing higher and higher, a breathtaking view of Marin County emerges regardless of where you may be, which makes these tall trees perfect to hammock in. Another important tip is to be on the lookout for low-hanging trees. These trees are the ones that reach over a canyon, ledge or are on a downhill slope. They allow for beautiful valley views depending on where you are, looking on Homestead Valley Road or even off of Mount Tamalpais, where these hanging trees are abundant.
Many teenagers often feel the need to find a place away from their parents. The typical escape is the woods and beaches that surround our homes. With these locations gaining in popularity, it is, unfortunately, no surprise that trash and other leftover items from hangouts are discarded in the trees. Often when I'm hiking I notice trash, ranging anywhere from food to empty beer cans. As much as litter is unnecessary, I find it helpful to follow. Littering on off-road trails often indicates that people have found something. Not always, but most times when trash seems hidden, it’s a good sign to scour the area. Recently as I was hiking on a deer trail I found a bottle hidden in a tree, and behind that was a perfect clearing with a tree net. Although this method isn’t always effective, make sure to keep your eyes out for trash, and even if it leads to no secret spot, always take the trash you find to the nearest trash can and help out the forest you are spending time in.
4. Bring Friends & Ask Around
Hammocking and hikes are always better with company and hammocking with friends means more eyes to scour for the perfect spot. Friends also offer a different perspective, and they may even have a spot of their own. Don’t be afraid to ask people where they hammock! Most times, when you ask people they will be eager and proud to have a spot to show you; there is no gatekeeping when it comes to nature. Personally, I hammock off of the Octopus Trail in Corte Madera, where there are plenty of spacious oak trees. There, ferns cushion the floor and create the perfect ambiance for a good read. Another spot to go to is off of Fishbits trailhead in Kentfield because there are plenty of places to go off-trail and set up hammocks in the various trees. On the left side of Cataract Falls, right outside of Stinson Beach, there are views of the waterfall and a glimpse of the ocean out of the trees making it hard to not show people this special spot.
The most bothersome fact of all the niche spots in Marin is when nature and perfectly healthy plants are destroyed. When hiking and setting up hammocks, be conscious of your surroundings as well as of living animals and plants. Leave the space as you found it! If you see trash, pack it up and take it with you. Hammocking can be a great pastime, but only if you keep the places where you spend pristine and clean. Now don’t leave these unfound spots hanging, go hammock!
