Deer, Why Rush to the Finish?

Join us for the hike that finishes what we started five months ago! This is the sixth and final in a series of hikes traversing the Novato Watershed in a counterclockwise pattern. It explores the Deer Island and Rush Creek County Open Space Preserves. These preserves offer a good look at Novato’s ranching history, sanitary district operations, and marsh/wetland management.

Trailhead: This hike requires a double car shuttle. We’ll meet at the Binford Road Trailhead on the west side of the Rush Creek Preserve. Take the Atherton Road Exit off of Hwy. 101. Go east. Turn left on Binford Road. The trailhead will be on the right. We’ll leave 1/3rd of the cars there (this is where the hike ends). The remaining cars will drive to the end of Deer Island Lane where we will leave 1/3rd of the cars. The remaining cars will drive to the intersection of Hwy. 37 and Novato Creek, where the hike begins.

Route: Novato Creek levee, Deer Island Loop Trail (counterclockwise). Drive to Bahia Trailhead at end of Bahia Drive, Bahia Trail, North Levee Trail, Pinheiro Fire Road. This is an approximately 5 mile hike and it is almost completely flat with no climbing involved. It should take 3.5 to 4 hours to complete, including the car shuttles.

Map: Deer Island Preserve. (http://www.marincounty.org/~/media/Images/Departments/PK/Open%20Space/Deer%20Island/Deer033113.pdf) Rush Creek Preserve. (http://www.marincounty.org/~/media/Images/Departments/PK/Open%20Space/Rush%20Creek/RushCreek033113.pdf)

Gear: Bring water, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and appropriate clothing.

Please take a moment to view our club sponsors.