A unique hike that will take us to Carson Falls, a remote part of Kent Lake, and San Geronimo Ridge. It will feature the beautiful redwood groves of lower Carson Canyon, Carson Falls (they should be spectacular after the recent heavy rains), magnificent views from Pine Mountain, the heavily wooded forests of remote Kent Lake, and dense stands of dwarf Sargent Cypress trees along San Geronimo Ridge. From the Azalea Hill parking lot walk down Bolinas Rd to take the Old Sled trail up to Oat Hill fire road and then descend down the Nail trail into enchanting Little Carson Ravine. Follow Little Carson Creek through beautiful Redwood groves up to Carson Falls and onto Pine Mountain to eat lunch while taking in sweeping views of the Tamalpias watershed and the Bay Area. After lunch descend the Paradigm Trail to Kent Lake and then climb to San Geronimo Ridge, hiking through dwarf Sargent Cypress forests as you return to Azalea Hill.
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DISTANCE AND ELEVATION: 15 miles, 3500’ of elevation gain.
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For those who want only to see the falls there is a 5 mile early out loop. The only other practical short route would be to return to the parking lot from Pine Mountain after lunch for what would be a 6.5 mile loop. Be sure to bring a map if you intend to do a short route.
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