• View of the Golden Gate Bridge, taken from the Marin Headlands, looking across the bay back towards San Francisco, seen in the distance.

    Golden Gate

    National Recreation Area California

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  • Tunnel to Marin Headlands Closed

    The tunnel on Bunker Road from Alexander Avenue in Sausalito towards the Marin Headlands is closed for construction. Please follow the detour signs to Conzelman Road (just above the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge) to go up over the hill. More »

  • Muir Beach (but not nearby Muir Woods) parking lot closed June-November 2013

    Muir Beach parking lot will be closed from June-November 2013 due to construction. Restrooms or nearby parking will not be available at Muir Beach during this period. Pacific Way is closed except to residents. Check back for updates or call (415)561-3054 More »

  • CAUTION: Post Storm Damage to Coastal Trail

    The Presidio Coastal Trail segment just north of the Pacific Overlook and adjacent to Lincoln Blvd remains CLOSED indefinitely. We have posted signage to alert bicyclists and hikers and with information for safe trail alternatives. More »

Olema Valley

Olema Valley-a rolling landscape of grassland and forest-stretches ten miles from Tomales Bay to Bolinas Lagoon. Part of the Golden Gate National Parks, this area has been shaped by geologic forces and changing patters of human use. Until recently, the dynamic story of the valley remained largely undiscovered. Now, steps are underway to preserve both the history and fragile beauty of this northern corner of the park.

Thanks to a new study by National Park Service historian Dewey Livingston, the area's fascinating ranching past is coming to light. The study details life in the Olema Valley from the time of the Mexican rancheros to the area's national park beginnings, and recommends ways to preserve the fascinating remnants of this time period.

To protect Olema Valley's natural heritage, volunteers in the Site Stewardship Program, a cooperative program of the National Parks Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Association, are focusing attention on threats to the area's native habitats. Using a unique approach to habitat restoration, park experts train volunteer stewards in state-of-the-art restoration techniques.

The Olema Valley district of GGNRA is administered by Point Reyes National Seashore. The Point Reyes Bear Valley Visitor Center is the closest information station for Olema Valley and Bolinas Ridge. For more information, check out the Point Reyes National Seashore website.

Tips and Highlights

  • The Bolinas/Fairfax road is often closed in winter due to landslides and in summer due to fire hazards.
  • Olema Valley has limited public facilities so please carry water and other necessities when hiking.
  • To experience the region's ranching past, drive down Highway 1 between Wilkins Ranch and the town of Olema.

Nature

The San Andreas Fault
A rift zone containing many faults and lines of geologic activity, the San Andreas Fault slices straight through Olema Valley. The west side and Point Reyes sit on the Pacific plate and the east side and rest of the continent on the North American plate. A good place to learn more about the quake zone is the educational trail from Point Reyes National Seashore's Bear Valley Visitor Center.

Scouring Rush
Growing along the creeks in Olema Valley is an ancient plant species called "scouring rush," also known as horsetail. Pioneers discovered silica in the plant and used it to scour pans. The plant is also a good cure for rash caused by stinging.

Did You Know?

Remains of military road above Battery Townsley

This old military road above Battery Townsley is part of a huge rotational slump. It began to slide in 1984.