There are some terrific running options in San Rafael, which is a city of Marin County located in in the North Bay region of San Francisco. Options include attractive shoreline paths and numerous hilly parks and preserves.
San Francisco Bay Trail. A section of the San Francisco Bay Trail runs between Pickleweed Park on San Rafael Creek and Jean & John Starkweather Shoreline Park. There are great views of San Francisco Bay and nearby hills from this paved multi-use path. It’s ~5 flat miles out and back, including a loop around a small lagoon. MAP
China Camp State Park. Gorgeous spot for running, with 15 miles of trails through tidal wetlands, forests, meadows, and grasslands. There are many running options. Best easy-moderate trail is the 7-mile Shoreline/BayView Loop Trail (combine with 0.75 Turtle Back Hill Nature Trail around a pretty marsh). For a challenge, trail runners will enjoy the Bay View/Bay Hills/ Back Ranch Fire Trail to the top of San Pedro Mountain for great views! Most of the trails are fire roads, so they’re wide and have decent footing.
Comment on this Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!