Attractions and Places To See in Samuel P. Taylor State Park - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see in Samuel P. Taylor State Park include a diverse range of natural features and historic sites. The park is situated in a redwood-filled gorge in Marin County, offering scenic trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing. It features towering redwoods, the winding Lagunitas Creek, and historic remnants of California's first paper mill. The landscape transitions from dense forests to open grasslands, providing varied outdoor experiences.
Best attractions and places to see in Samuel P. Taylor State Park
- The most popular attractions is Cross Marin Trail 🌲 Samuel P Taylor State Park Campground to Southern Park exit 🌲, a trail that follows an old railbed along Lagunitas Creek. This paved two-lane bike trail passes through towering redwood forests.
- Another must-see spot is Redwood Grove Group Picnic Area, a facility located under a shady grove of towering redwoods. It sits along Lagunitas Creek and provides amenities like piped drinking water and restrooms.
- Visitors also love Marie Dhority Bridge, a bridge that offers access to a popular rock beach spot for cooling off in the creek. It marks the start of a section of the Cross Marin Trail.
- Samuel P. Taylor State Park is known for its redwood forests, scenic trails, and historic points of interest. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from natural landscapes to cultural sites.
- The attractions in Samuel P. Taylor State Park are appreciated by the komoot community, with 14 upvotes and 23 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Cross Marin Trail 🌲 Samuel P Taylor State Park Campground to Southern Park exit 🌲
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Where it crosses Sir Francis Drake Blvd in the south it connects with the gravel trails to Shafter Grade, Peters Dam, and San Geronimo Ridge a little to the right across the road (see komoot.com/tour/13627077 ).
It also continues north from the Campground to the Northern Park exit ( komoot.com/highlight/198015 ) where it follows along Lagunitas Creek on Platform Bridge Road a little to the right across Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Or simply turn west on Drake to go to Olema and Point Reyes (see komoot.de/tour/13627076 ).
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Redwood Grove Group Picnic Area
Highlight • Rest Area
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Bolinas Ridge Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
It continues to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near Olema/Point Reyes, but to avoid all cars hang a right about half a mile before the end on Jewell Trail to drop directly onto the Cross Marin Trail into Samuel P Taylor State Park which loops back to other off-road trails.
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Marie Dhority Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Cross-Marin Trail Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Tips from the Community
This large group picnic area is a lovely spot under a shady grove of towering redwoods that sits along Lagunitas Creek. There is piped drinking water and restrooms nearby, and if it is not in use, it is an excellent place to stop for lunch. If you are bike touring with friends and wish to spend time here, you can reserve this spot through the Samuel Taylor State Parks' department website.
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Lovely bit of smooth dirt trail
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Popular rock beach spot to cool off in the creek right next to the long wooden pedestrian trail bridge
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Start of the excellent Cross Marin Trail section (which is unfortunately just a segment here, far from crossing all of Marin County), using the old rail tracks that went to Sam Taylor Mills.
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Using the old North Pacific Railway right of way, this great bike trail through Samuel Taylor State Park uses here a rebuilt modern bridge to cross over the busy highway and the river below.
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Cross Marin Trail from Samuel P Taylor State Park Campground ( https://www.komoot.com/highlight/198026 ) to the Southern Park exit at Sir Francis Drake Blvd is a paved two lane bike trail following the old railbed of the defunct https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pacific_Coast_Railroad along Lagunitas Creek through towering redwood forests roughly parallel to the Boulevard. It is part of the Pacific Coast Bike trail PCB. Where it crosses Sir Francis Drake Blvd in the south it connects with the gravel trails to Shafter Grade, Peters Dam, and San Geronimo Ridge a little to the right across the road (see https://www.komoot.com/tour/13627077 ). It also continues north from the Campground to the Northern Park exit ( https://www.komoot.com/highlight/198015 ) where it follows along Lagunitas Creek on Platform Bridge Road a little to the right across Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Or simply turn west on Drake to go to Olema and Point Reyes (see https://www.komoot.de/tour/13627076 ).
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Cross Marin Trail from Samuel P Taylor State Park Campground ( https://www.komoot.de/highlight/198026 ) to the Southern Park exit at Sir Francis Drake Blvd is a paved two lane bike trail following the old railbed of the defunct https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Pacific_Coast_Railroad along Lagunitas Creek through towering redwood forests roughly parallel to the Boulevard. It is part of the Pacific Coast Bike trail PCB. Where it crosses Sir Francis Drake Blvd in the south it connects with the gravel trails to Shafter Grade, Peters Dam, and San Geronimo Ridge a little to the right across the road (see https://www.komoot.de/tour/13627077 ). It also continues north from the Campground to the Northern Park exit ( https://www.komoot.de/highlight/198015 ) where it continues along Lagunitas Creek on Platform Bridge Road a little to the right across Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Or simply turn west on Drake to go to Olema and Point Reyes (see https://www.komoot.de/tour/13627076 ).
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Bolinas Ridge Trail is the northern continuation of West Ridgecrest Blvd where it ends at Fairfax-Bolinas Rd. It is hands down the best car-free connection from Mount Tamalpais, Stinson Beach, Marin Headlands or anywhere further south to Point Reyes or further north. It is a moderately descending single track or occasionally a forest road that passes through dense pine and redwoods, and towards the north increasingly open meadows with stellar views of the Pacific shoreline to the west, the Bay to the east, and finally Tomales Bay in the north. It continues to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near Olema/Point Reyes, but to avoid all cars hang a right about half a mile before the end on Jewell Trail to drop directly onto the Cross Marin Trail into Samuel P Taylor State Park which loops back to other off-road trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trails for exploring the redwood forests in Samuel P. Taylor State Park?
For an immersive experience among the redwoods, the Pioneer Tree Trail offers a gentle 2-mile loop through old-growth and second-growth redwoods. Additionally, the Cross Marin Trail provides a paved path that winds through towering redwood forests, following the old railbed along Lagunitas Creek.
Are there any historical sites to visit in Samuel P. Taylor State Park?
Yes, the park has a rich history. You can explore the remnants of California's first paper mill at the Historic Paper Mill Site, established by Samuel P. Taylor in 1856. Interpretive signs along the Pioneer Trail detail its past. The Camp Taylor Historic District also marks the area's transformation into a popular resort in the late 1800s. The Cross Marin Trail itself follows the historic North Pacific Coast Railroad right-of-way, with interpretive signs sharing its story.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see along Lagunitas Creek?
Lagunitas Creek is a vibrant habitat. You might spot river otters, great blue herons, wood ducks, and western pond turtles. During the winter months (December to February), the creek is known for seasonal coho salmon and steelhead runs, though access is restricted during spawning season to protect these species.
Are there family-friendly activities or areas in Samuel P. Taylor State Park?
Absolutely. The Cross Marin Trail is excellent for families, offering a mostly paved, accessible route for walking, biking, strollers, and wheelchairs. The Redwood Grove Group Picnic Area is a lovely spot under towering redwoods along Lagunitas Creek, perfect for a family picnic with amenities like drinking water and restrooms. The Marie Dhority Bridge also provides access to a popular rock beach spot for cooling off in the creek.
Where can I find panoramic views of the surrounding area?
For breathtaking panoramic views, hike the challenging Barnabe Peak Trail. From the summit, you can see Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay, Mount Tamalpais, and on clear days, even the San Francisco Bay. The Bolinas Ridge Trail also offers open grassland views and scenic overlooks of the Pacific coastline and Tomales Bay.
Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Cross Marin Trail is a scenic, mostly paved trail that follows the historic North Pacific Coast Railroad right-of-way, making it an accessible option for walking, biking, strollers, and wheelchairs.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Samuel P. Taylor State Park and its surroundings offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Fairfax – Cross Marin Trail loop,' or explore mountain biking trails like the 'Bolinas and San Geronimo Ridge Loop.' For hikers, there are options ranging from easy waterfall hikes like 'Stairstep Falls Trail' to more challenging routes. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on komoot, for example, in the Road Cycling Routes in Samuel P. Taylor State Park guide.
When is the best time to visit Samuel P. Taylor State Park?
The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring is particularly vibrant with wildflowers along trails like the Bolinas Ridge Trail. Winter (December to February) offers the chance to witness coho salmon and steelhead runs in Lagunitas Creek, though creek access may be limited. Summer and fall are excellent for hiking and camping, with pleasant weather for exploring the redwood groves and scenic vistas.
Are there options for camping in the park?
Yes, Samuel P. Taylor State Park is a popular spot for overnight stays, offering camping facilities nestled within its redwood groves. This provides a great opportunity to extend your visit and fully experience the park's natural beauty.
What is the Bolinas Ridge Trail known for?
The Bolinas Ridge Trail is known for its open grassland views, especially beautiful with wildflowers in the spring, and its scenic overlooks of the Pacific coastline and Tomales Bay. It's also a key connection for cyclists and hikers traveling between Mount Tamalpais and Point Reyes, offering a moderately descending path through diverse landscapes.
Can I bike through the park?
Yes, biking is a popular activity. The Cross Marin Trail is a paved two-lane bike trail that follows the old railbed along Lagunitas Creek, making it ideal for a leisurely ride through the redwoods. For more challenging mountain biking, trails like the 'Marie Dhority Bridge – Bolinas Ridge Trail loop' are available, as detailed in the MTB Trails in Samuel P. Taylor State Park guide.
What is the significance of the Marie Dhority Bridge?
The Marie Dhority Bridge is a notable point as it provides access to a popular rock beach spot for cooling off in Lagunitas Creek. It also marks the beginning of a scenic section of the Cross Marin Trail, utilizing the old rail tracks that once served the Sam Taylor Mills.
Most popular routes in Samuel P. Taylor State Park
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