I’ve been hiking on a lot of local trails since the lockdown and they are always mood lifters but lately the summer fog, the pandemic and the news have been extra oppressive. So one very foggy day last week we took a day off and headed to Marin to hike the Lee Davis Trail.

We started at the Pantoll campground parking lot and paid $8 for parking. (801 Panaramic Highway 415.388.2070) Pantoll is a very beautiful local campground with 16 sites, $25 night. It’s nestled under the trees and close to the best trails of Mt Tam. They take no reservations but if you call first you can see if there are vacancies. The ranger said it’s pretty easy to get a site weekdays before noon. No showers but flush toilets, picnic tables and fire pits.

We began our hike directly across from the parking lot. The trail began in the sunshine above the fog but quickly dove into the woods. The woods were surprisingly lush with several springs with flowing water even in July

The interesting thing about the trail, is you come in and out of the woods and into the glaring light with the more typical dry California hills. The fog is always close by though, so it was never too hot.

Further down the trail, we dove into a foggy rain forest full of giant trees, moss, and ferns. It was really beautiful and such a relief to see a lush landscape even in a dry California summer. The trail continues down to Stinson beach where you could find lunch. We brought our lunches and didn’t go all the way down but still managed to hike close to 8 miles. Another option would be to hike down to Stinson Beach and then connect up to the Dipsea or Steep Ravine Trail, both which will take you back up to the Pantoll Campground.

I’ve hiked a lot of trails since the beginning of this never ending pandemic and I’d give this a 5 star rating. Next time I might have to bring a tent and stay the night too.