Completed: July 22, 2023 | Elevation: 1,762′ | Trail: Pine Mountain Fire Road (Out & Back) | Distance: 6.3 miles
After managing to avoid the hot weather last weekend by hitting some local “peaks” in the city, we ironically spent Saturday afternoon hiking in the North Bay on one of the hottest days imaginable for a hike. We were meeting a friend from out-of-town for dinner at Avatar’s Restaurant (really good Indian food) in Sausalito so figured we should take the opportunity to complete a few more Nifty Ninety peaks while we were in the area. I picked Pine Mountain and Pilot Knob since they were close together and didn’t seem particularly hard, a good thing because the heat added a level of misery to the hike that I hadn’t anticipated.
We found ample parking on Fairfax-Bolinas Road, across from the gate to Pine Mountain Fire Road. From the trailhead we could see the road stretched out in front of us. After 1 mile we reached the junction to Carson Falls.
We took the detour, not sure if there would be any water at the falls, but decided there this would be the most likely place to find some shade where we could stop to eat our lunch. In fact, the trail to the falls was the only place with any noticeable shade, and it was a welcome respite from the sun as we made our way into the forest. Unfortunately, but not surprising, Carson Falls was just a trickle. There was a family (with their pug!!) resting in the shade so we headed back up the trail to find a spot where we could sit.
Somewhat cooled off, we retreated from the shade of the trees and back onto the fire road. The remainder of the hike was under the relentless glare of the sun. About a mile past the intersection with San Geronimo Ridge Road, we reached the bottom of Pine Mountain. We followed what looked like a spur up to the summit and got as far as we could through the thick shrubs. From the top we had nice views of the Mt. Tam watershed and Kent Lake down below.
As we started our walk back, a breeze picked up, which helped, but shade would have been better.
The East Bay, covered in a thin veneer of haze, was visible in the distance. Going back was mostly downhill with one gently graded uphill. We made frequent stops in what little shade was available to take sips of water.
Around 3:30 PM, three hours after we started the hike, we were back at the car. I have never been more grateful for air conditioning. We headed off to our next hike—Pilot Knob—a short 15-minute drive away.
Follow our progress bagging the Bay Area’s Nifty Ninety here.
Coda
As with any long, exposed hike, the best time to be on it is in the morning or on a cooler day. I normally take my own advice, but I was seizing the opportunity given we were making the trip across the bay. Considering that a highlight of this hike, and possibly the only reason to do it, is to see Carson Falls, the best time of year to be out here is probably Spring, when there’s water and lower temperatures. We did see a few people mountain biking. Crazy. Perhaps I’ll do this hike again next year, but definitely earlier in the season.