Bolinas Lagoon
Trail length: 0.3 miles each way, out and back
Time: 15 minutes
Terrain: marsh, lagoon
Restroom? No
Parking: Street parking
Kid friendly? Yes
Dogs? Yes, on leash
Dates visited: 8/15/18
Favorite plants on this trail: Gumplants (Genus Grindelia)
Favorite spots: Walking in the marshy banks of the lagoon
The Bob Stewart Trail is a short trail on the north end of the Bolinas Lagoon. It’s part of the Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. The trailhead is near the farm stand on Olema Bolinas Road not far from the intersection with Horseshoe Hill Rd. This is the only place on the Point Reyes peninsula that I’ve spotted a Monarch butterfly. When I visited in mid-August, the marsh was full of gumplant and honeybees buzzing from plant to plant. I met a local high school teacher who was taking photos to capture the motion of the bees for his science class. The views of the lagoon are stunning. The trail follows the Pine Gulch Creek and the area is full of water loving plants such as alder, willow, and Coastal Hedge-Nettle (Stachys chamissonis). Bolinas Lagoon is a perfect place to spot shorebirds such as egrets and herons and harbor seals. The light on the water is enchanting and the low fog over the lagoon is truly magical.
Learn more about the Bolinas Lagoon
Volunteer Opportunity: Marine Protected Area (MPA) Watch
“MPAs protect the diversity and abundance of marine life, the habitats they depend on, and the integrity of marine ecosystems. ”
Marine Protected Areas are important, vulnerable coastal waters that have been designated for protection under California State Law. Volunteers do a simple survey of activity on the beach and offshore (using binoculars). Volunteers are vitally important to provide this survey information which informs MPA management and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.