Question: Where in the Heart of Marin can your dog run free?

Answer: “Crown Road” aka http://www.marincounty.org/~/media/Images/Departments/PK/Open%20Space/Baltimore%20Canyon/Map%203%20Baltimore073114.pdf

A semi-secret spot on the Eastward down slope of Mt. Tam. Choose the flat fire road trail (at the start of the trailhead off Crown Road) to let your dogs run free off leash…if you veer off to the left or right from the fire road, the steep but incredible switchback trails will grant you a true “deep in the woods” vibe (on these trails there is a leash requirement). The fall is the perfect time for this trail- the wet, earthy, beautiful decaying leaves smell is medicine for the busy overworked soul…

After a run in at Bon Tempe Lake with a Ranger who nearly ticketed me for having my dogs off leash (luckily I “only” got a “warning” only because I had just gotten stung by a bee and was in a bit of a panic since I have had anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting before but was just fine this time with a small localized swell) I happily made the trek up Evergreen with Ella and Murphy.

To get to “Crown Road” in Kent/Woodlands (coming from The College of Marin in Kentfield) go down College Ave. and turn right just after Woodlands Market on Woodland. Ave. and make a left onto Evergreen. Once you get to the top after all the twists and turns of Evergreen Road, you’ll be deeply rewarded by the majestic vista’s of Mt. Tam and the Valley below that outstretches through Larkspur to the Bay.