Rush Creek-Novato

Rush Creek Trail is a delightful experience whether on bike or foot. Even on a hot day this can be a pleasant ride, with lots of dappling shade while riding amongst the oaks and bay laurel. The trail runs northeast, parallel to and between Rush Creek and the lower slopes of Green Ridge east of Highway 101. A little used fire road soon turns into double track until it reaches the end of the Marin County Open Space District Lands. Here the trail enters private property and becomes progressively narrower, finishing up with jaunt along a dike where it ends at the Bahia subdivision. A diverse waterfowl population uses the wetlands of the Petaluma River to the north of the creek, with excellent vistas of Mt. Burdell to the west and Sonoma Mountain to the north. Gnoss Airfield is located just to the north. There is very little elevation change. Length is 4.55 miles to Bahia Rd. Total out, loop and back distance is 10 miles. Degree of difficulty: easy [1]. Short, printable version of this ride.

Trailhead is located on the east side Hwy 101 frontage road. Use the northern most Novato exit, Atherton Ave., go east and make a left turn on Binford Rd. at the commuter parking lot and proceed 1/4 mile, parking for Rush Creek is on the right.

1.25 miles. There is a single track to the left across an old dike (as this is MCOSD land it is not open to cyclists). The road turns south and skirts the marsh.

1.70 miles. There is a junction with a road from private property to the south. The road now heads north affording a excellent view of Sonoma Mountain.

2.28 miles. End of MCOSD land, the road begins to narrow, undulating with the contours of the hill, and glimpses of Rush Creek. The large chain ring can be utilized to great satisfaction.

3.28 miles. Another single track goes of to the left across a low dike as the main trail follows the curve of the marsh.

4.00 miles. Single track atop a dike heads north. This makes for a good return loop.

4.10 miles. Narrow single track across a dike leads to the intersection of Topal and Bahia.

4.55 miles. Go left at the chain link fence around the north side of the RV storage lot and pick up a trail the heads north, paralleling a slough. Watch for large gopher snakes sunning themselves across the trail. The path now turns west, enjoy one of the best (and least seen) views of Mt. Burdell.

5.65 miles. Dismount and climb over the large pump conduit and return to the south to the main trail, (.35 miles).

The information about this ride is provided as a courtesy to the reader and is as current and accurate as possible; however land use policy, weather, acts of god, war and ignorance may make the content incomplete, out of date or just generally useless; so, as trust goes only so far these days, use your brains and your heart before you ride.
Ride information compiled by Chas Blackford.

©2000 Bicycle Trails Council of Marin