Hiking with Kids: Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District

I know it sounds a little strange, but a great hike that's just perfect for kids can be found on the grounds of the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District. It's a complex of trails and fire roads near the district's treatment plants off of Smith Ranch Road, near McInnis Park in San Rafael. The roads are wide and flat, and are excellent for use with strollers and bikes. The trails wind atop levees through the wetlands bordering San Pablo Bay. Numerous birds make their homes out here; on the day we were there, we saw enormous white pelicans, geese, mallards, cormorants, turkey vultures, and others.

In all the trail is 2.1 miles in length, a perfect distance for a walk with kids. There main trail forms a loop that will take you back to the parking area, although there are a few side roads that you can take for variety. They all end up in the same place. Benches are conveniently placed along the trail, and there's a small picnic area near the trailhead. There's also a very clean restroom, as well as a couple port-a-potties. On-leash dogs are allowed, and there's even a bowl for canine walkers to drink from at the drinking fountain near the picnic area.

The kids loved running along the flat, open fire roads, and they were also fascinated by the wildlife. All in all, it's a great, easy place to experience the outdoors. You'll also get to see parts of Marin from vantage points that you've probably never seen before. The views of the surrounding hills and Mt. Tamalpais to the south are fantastic.

Getting There

To get there, take 101 to the Lucas Valley Road exit. Head east onto Smith Ranch Road (toward the Century Regency 6 movie theater) and keep going until you get to the entrance to McInnis Park. Turn left just before the entrance, and follow the road past the soccer fields. Go straight past the county honor farm and continue to the end of the road. There's a small parking lot which can fill up pretty quickly on a nice day; additional parking can be found along the road.

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