Samuel P Taylor State Park — Attraction in Fairfax

Camping in an ancient California Redwood forest is a special experience, and Samuel P. Taylor State Park is a great option if you don't feel like driving way further north to see the Redwood National Parks. The hiking is excellent. Seems to also be popular with mountain bikers. Close to the California Coast/PCH. Bodega Bay is a pretty drive just north of the park. Very close to civilization (i.e. Petaluma & San Rafael). Only an hour drive from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. It wouldn't be a bad idea to visit the Laugnitas Brewery on your way to pick up a fresh growler of beer for your camp.

If you are looking for a place to camp and hike in total shade during the summer, this a great option.

I'd highly suggest bringing all your campfire wood with you if possible. Everything in this forest is very wet because of the shade and proximity to the coast. Many of these 1000+ year-old Redwoods are 10 stories high, and they rarely let in a lot of sun. Not a lot of wind. We paid $12 for one box of wood that was waterlogged at a local general store. You could see the water bubbling out of the wood as we attempted to burn it.

There was no camp host and there wasn't even a lot of park rangers. I think I saw only one drive by during a 3-day stay in the spring. Nobody ever even checked us in or came by to see if we were who we said we were. In fact, when we initially showed up, somebody else had already set up camp in our designated campsite.

There is a beautiful creek that runs through the camp, but unfortunately you can't do much with it other than look at it. That is because there are protected species of salmon and trout spawning in it. In fact, they didn't even allow access to walk along the banks of the creek in the Spring. Not sure what the policy is during other times of the year.

I love having the option of taking a shower when I am "car camping," and this place has heated showers. They aren't the greatest, but it's something. Raccoons & skunks are not nearly as present here as in other campgrounds in this area, such as Bodega Bay. In fact, we didn't see any.

Wonderful beginner hikes for small kids who are not looking for a "workout," but to take their time and explore nature. My kids had so much fun playing in the prehistoric-looking ferns and groves of redwoods. Just as a side, I strongly suggest going at the pace of your kids if you don't want to totally turn them off to...

On our first trip to SPT State Park we were in search of the falls, but ended up on the wrong path (some overgrown, unmanaged trail that dissipated and forced us onto Devil's Gulch Trail). Devil's Gulch Trail goes through two fence gates, which can be confusing because there is no signage to tell you if you are entering private property. The trail does eventually dead end into private property, but when you get there, you'll know - large fence, large STOP sign, large PRIVATE PROPERTY sign. IMPORTANT SIDE NOTE: LOTS OF POISON OAK. I'm a naturally overheated person, so I wear shorts everywhere. Needless to say, it's been exactly 1 month and the poison oak rash is still visible on my ankles. Despite the lack of directional park trail signage and the copious amount of poison oak, the fields, rolling hilltops, and wooded views here were stunning.

Our second attempt to find the falls we followed the correct path, which is pretty hard to miss, go figure ¯(ツ)/¯; unfortunately, the entire Bill's Trail, which leads to Stairstep falls, has been closed for reconstruction/renovation since 2014 and only park staff is allowed beyond the fence. As an alternative, we took the Riding & Hiking Trail to Barnabe Trail to Barnabe Peak and then back. We were not disappointed. The views were breathtaking. It's a little more strenuous with the majority of the hike going uphill, but there are some nice little shady spots to stop and take a breath and you will not be disappointed when you get to the top.

BONUS: the nearly 95%...

Nice trails open air, however very cold in the winter.

Samuel P. Taylor Park, nestled in the heart of California, is a nature lover's paradise. This stunning park is located in Marin County, just a short drive from San Francisco, making it a popular escape for city dwellers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Spanning over 2,700 acres, Samuel P. Taylor Park offers a diverse landscape, from majestic redwood groves to scenic meadows and babbling streams. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the lush forest, providing an immersive experience in the region's rich biodiversity.

One of the park's main attractions is the picturesque Lagunitas Creek, home to an annual run of Coho salmon, delighting visitors with a unique opportunity to witness nature's wonders up close. Additionally, the park's campgrounds provide a serene setting for camping enthusiasts to connect with nature and enjoy memorable nights under the stars.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful day amidst towering redwoods or an adventurous hiking expedition, Samuel P. Taylor Park offers an unforgettable experience for all. With its pristine landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and abundant recreational opportunities, this Californian gem remains an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature...