Corte Madera Creek Multi-Use Path

The Corte Madera Creek Path follows its namesake stream for a peaceful journey through a swath of green space in the densely-pawpulated suburban communities of Larkspur and Ross. Dog-friendly -- and just user-friendly in general -- this well-maintained path passes through community parks and provides trailside rest stops with picnic tables, trash cans, and even water fountains. Waste bag dispensers are provided at the trailheads.

The trail consists of two sections, one in Ross and one in Larkspur. Though they don't intersect, your pack can make a safe, easy connection via sidewalk. The downstream Larkspur section begins at Remillard Park. Though a few free parking spots are available at Remillard, space is very limited. The large lot at Larkspur Ferry Terminal is adjacent to the trail; it charges a small fee on weekdays before 1 pm but offers free afternoon and weekend parking. This stretch of the Corte Madera offers views of the waterfront and a boardwalk over the creek (where it briefly merges with the San Francisco Bay Trail). After some outstanding views of Mount Tamalpais, this segment ends just after Niven Park.

If your pups still have energy to burn, make an easy transfer to the upstream portion of the path along the sidewalk on S. Eliseo Drive. It leads to Hal Brown Park, where you can hop back on the Corte Madera Creek Path. Beginning in lush wetlands, the scenery becomes increasingly residential before ending in a shopping area of Ross. 

The exact elevation change of the Corte Madera Creek Path hasn't been published, but the trail remains fairly level throughout. Smooth and paved, it makes for a walk that even lazy lapdogs can handle. The suburban setting isn't exactly wild, but the vibrant ecosystem of the creek means your pups have plenty of ducks, geese, and other water birds to bark about. Several connecting trails allow you to extend your journey and explore the area. For a convenient after-work stroll or a safe weekend adventure, the Corte Madera is a furrific option for you and your buddies.