“Sometimes it’s just the little things that make you happy.”
There are many hikes we go on, most of them carrying gels and other such trail foods to keep us energized. But there was never one where we got to enjoy delish pancakes on a hike as we got closer to the summit! Mt Tamalpais, north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, more commonly referred to as Mt Tam by the locals is a hiker’s paradise and is in the vicinity of its hugely popular neighbor Muir Woods.
Our most favorite Mt Tam hike is the one from Stinson beach all the way up to the East Peak via Pan Toll Ranger Station and West Point Inn. From Stinson beach, it gradually climbs up through the thickly wooded Steep Ravine trail all the way to Pan Toll Ranger Station. From there on, out in the open, the wide trail climbs further up along a windswept ridge with absolutely spectacular views of San Francisco bay often times immersed in Karl the fog from pretty much around every corner, .
For a shorter out and back hike of about 4 miles, one could park either at Pan Toll Ranger Station or at the East Peak summit if you don’t mind the windy drive up there and take the Old Stage Road. West Point Inn is exactly midpoint either way.
Getting there: hike/bike Shortest distance: 4 mi miles out and back from Pan Toll Ranger Station Average time to hike: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate
The West Point Inn is a place soaked in history on how it used to be a stop on the Mill Valley-Mt Tamalpais Scenic railway route, once hailed for being the world’s most crookedest railroad. The railroad is not in use anymore. The volunteer run rustic inn and its cabins is still in working condition and one of their popular events is the Pancake Breakfasts which is held on a few weekends from May through October.
When we went the place was buzzing with hikers and bikers and there was a line to place our orders. Obviously it seemed like a quite popular one for families with young kids! The volunteers were quite efficient in handling the whole process from taking orders to making the scrumptious pancakes to getting the food delivered and of course everything that happens behind the scenes in making this a reality.
These fluffy blueberry pancakes and other goodies like fruits definitely tasted extra delicious after the hike! Make sure to take cash or check with you as they don’t accept credit cards.
The inn has different levels and we chose to have our breakfast on the deck enjoying the panoramic views. It was just heavenly!
Check out the pancake breakfast dates before you go and make it a memorable one! Who wouldn’t love a hike combined with a delicious breakfast?
Check out my other blogs at Trails and Summits. Happy Hiking!!
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