Читать книгу Afoot and Afield: San Francisco Bay Area. A Comprehensive Hiking Guide онлайн

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Climb steeply on the Northridge Trail past several picnic areas to Perimeter Road, the island’s main paved thoroughfare. Cross the road, turn right, and in about 50 feet find the continuation of the Northridge Trail. A dramatic view extends west from here to Tiburon, the Marin Headlands, and Mt. Tamalpais. Now the grade eases to a gentle uphill as you alternate between forest and clearings full of wildflowers.

As the trail curves around the north side of the island, you encounter a densely overgrown area where California bays rise above a shrubby understory. Carpets of forget-me-nots, abundant in the island’s shady enclaves, put on a fabulous spring and summer display of light blue flowers. Suddenly the terrain opens, and you cross a sandy, rocky area dominated by manzanita.

As the trail curves right, you enjoy a ridgetop walk and then reenter dense forest. Just shy of 1 mile, you reach a dirt fire road which, like Perimeter Road, circles the island. Here you turn left, and about 75 feet ahead find the continuation of the Northridge Trail on your right. Now circling the island’s east side, the route switchbacks right and climbs into a large wildflower meadow, and soon offers views of Mt. Livermore, the island’s summit.