Enjoying a Day at Muir Beach

Tucked in a cove, Muir Beach is protected from most of the wind that blows in off the Pacific, making the beach a great place to sprawl on the sand. Those who venture into the water find a rocky bottom at first and then sand farther out, but the waves and rip tides can be treacherous and there are no lifeguards on duty. Low tide exposes some tide pools. Rock climbers find a few boulders nearby worthy of their attention.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.

Wildlife at Muir Beach

Muir Beach and Redwood Creek are home to salmon and steelhead trout, various amphibians, and a wide variety of shorebirds. Restoration of the Redwood Creek floodplain has improved habitat for fish and the threatened California red-legged frog.

Monarch Butterflies

In autumn Monarch Butterflies begin their migration along the California coast. Some of these butterflies seek shelter in a small grove of Monterey pines at Muir Beach. The best times of year to view the monarchs are during November and December when the greatest concentrations are usually there. Butterflies begin to arrive in mid-October and many usually remain through mid-February. Numbers of butterflies and arrivals and departures dates vary each year.

Whale Watching

The Muir Beach Overlook, a short drive north of Muir Beach, is an excellent place to watch the annual whale migration. Bring binoculars and a warm coat. Gray Whales are usually seen from December through May. Humpbacks begin arriving in May and continue through November. Blue Whales are most often seen from July through October. Watchers from the overlook are likely to spot dolphins and rarely an orca, or killer whale.

Muir Beach Fishing

Fishing at Muir Beach can be rewarding. Live anchovies are popular bait. Casting into deep pools off the rocks and slightly away from the kelp beds produces the best results. Rockfish are usually found near the bottom. Surf fishing usually produces perch, but now and then a halibut is landed. Halibut favor the sandy bottom near the main beach.

Hiking around Muir Beach
and the Marin Headlands

Trails lead out in four directions from Muir Beach, giving hikers a number of great choices of routes by combining the various connecting trails into scenic loops or out-and-back adventures. Hikers can decide between open landscapes with ocean views or forested valleys. Whichever direction, expect uphill climbs from 400 to 1000 feet.

Tennessee Cove, 3.7 miles one way

The Coastal Trail departs from the south side of the bridge at Muir Beach and climbs about 400 feet onto the hillside overlooking the Pacific. Hikers enjoy great vistas of the coast from the onset. At 1½ miles is Pirates Cove. Although a rugged use-trail leads down to the cove, it is not recommended.

About 3 miles from Muir Beach the Coastal Trail intersects the Tennessee Valley Trail. Restrooms are located there. Another 0.7 miles of trail lead to the beach at Tennessee Cove.

Green Gulch Loop, 5.4 miles

The Green Gulch Loop begins at the south end of the bridge in Muir Beach and heads up Green Gulch to Ka'asi Road. Pass through the gate to the non-profit Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, being sure to close it behind you. Continue up the valley on a road through the farm to a parking lot, watching for the trail to the right. From there the trail climbs 900 feet to the top of Coyote Ridge (2.5 miles from Muir Beach. On clear days hikers enjoy spectacular views as far south as San Francisco.

On the ridge the trail intersects Coyote Ridge Trail which leads to the right a short distance before meeting Middle Green Gulch Trail. Follow that trail down to rejoin the original route at the farm. An alternate return route is to stay on Coyote Ridge Trail to Coastal Fire Road and take it to the main Coastal Trail and back to Muir Beach. The alternate trail is a mile shorter than the Middle Green Gulch Trail.

Dias Ridge Fire Road, 3.1 miles one way

The Dias Ridge Fire Road is a multi-use trail open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The 3.1-mile trail connects Muir Beach with the Panoramic Highway. From Muir Beach it is a 700-foot gain in elevation up to the Panoramic Highway. Some mountain bikers like to be dropped off at the upper end and make the descent to the beach, but most agree it is better done as a climb.

Views from the upper end of the trail include San Francisco, Angel Island, and Richardson Bay. It is possible to make a loop by turning onto Franks Valley trail and descending it to Muir Beach.