White's Hill

Overview

White's Hill, or White Hill as it is labeled on the USGS map, is the principle feature of the White's Hill Open Space Preserve north of the border of the Marin Municiple Water District in central Marin County. This open grassy horseshoe shaped hill is located between the northern Open Space hills and the hills and small mountains of southern Marin. It is an easy to moderate half day hike with a fireroad running along the top and excellent views of the surrounding high country including the north side of Mt. Tamalpais.

Getting There

From Hwy. 101 at Greenbrae take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. 3.7 miles west to the hub intersection in San Anselmo. Continue left on Sir Francis Drake a few more miles through Fairfax. At 1.6 miles past the last light at Oak Manor Drive there is a large pull-out for parking on the west side of Sir Francis Drake as it climbs up to a small pass. (Use caution crossing the road to park because of oncoming traffic).
From the trailhead hike about .2 miles up through a redwood forest and go right on a forested ridge fireroad as it comes out onto an open ridge then climbs again up through another forested area a short distance and goes left on another ridge fireroad as it continues towards White's Hill and along it's west slope to a junction at a total of about 1.7 miles from the trailhead. Go left .5 miles at the junction up the west ridge of White's Hill on around to the high point on the east ridge.

Shortcut to the top: At about 1.4 miles from the trailhead as you approach the north slope of White's Hill there is a use trail to the left that goes straight up to the summit ridge and a short distance
to the highpoint to the left.

Red Tape

There are north and south approaches to White's Hill from the east that pass through The Tamarancho Boyscout Camp and some of these trails require permits. Call 415-454-1081 to inquire.

Camping

There is no camping in the White's Hill Open Space Preserve.

Current weather and 5 day forecast

For the Fairfax current weather and 5 day forecast click here.

Etymology

Lorenzo E. White, an argonaut, arrived in San Francisco in 1849 after a 95 day voyage from Panama. Illness forced him to quit the gold fields so he repaired to the San Geronimo Valley where he raised cattle. The powers that be in Washington have removed the apostrophe from all places named for individuals but we like it better left in.
Mt. Tamalpais Place Names

Images

View White's Hill Image Gallery - 18 Images