The McKennan Gulch Trail is a short but challenging route from Ridgecrest Blvd to Bolinas Lagoon. The lagoon lies directly over the San Andreas Fault, and supports several micro-habitats, including subtidal channels, eelgrass beds, rocky and mudflat intertidal substrates, salt marsh, and upland marsh. Harbor seals, osprey, egret, heron, pelican, fox and hundreds of migratory birds inhabit this delicate ecosystem.

A hiker follows faint tracks in the grass between the coastal chaparral and Stinson Gulch

The trail blooms with color during the spring and early summer

The trail leads in and out of interesting forests on its way to the Stinson Beach area

Looking south across the Marin Headlands towards San Francisco from the McKennan Gulch Trail

The Farallon Islands - 23 miles off shore and visible like ghosts through the fog

A hiker making the very steep climb up the McKennan Gulch Trail

The McKennan Gulch Trail provides an unabated view of the Pacific Ocean

Heavy foliage along the McKennan Gulch Trail provides shelter for area wildlife

Looking north at Stinson Beach from the trail

A lizard suns itself on a rocky outcrop adjacent to the McKennan Gulch Trail

Views to the east seem endless from the McKennan Gulch Trail

A stone bench offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy the spectacular views