Hoo-Koo-E-Koo, West Point Inn, Ben Johnson and Ocean View Trail

Parking for this route can be found at various points, depending on where you choose to start. A common access point is near the Old Stage Road Trailhead, which offers a relatively easy approach to the West Point Inn. Other starting points might include areas near Mill Valley for the Old Railroad Grade or Pantoll for trails connecting to the West Point Inn.

The Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Trail section is generally dog-friendly, requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, it's important to note that dogs are typically not allowed on the Ben Johnson Trail within Muir Woods National Monument. Always check specific park regulations for each section of your planned route.

Spring offers lush greenery and abundant wildflowers, making it a beautiful time to visit. Fall provides comfortable temperatures and often clear views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean. While winter hiking is possible, be prepared for potentially wet conditions and cooler temperatures, especially in shaded redwood sections.

Mount Tamalpais State Park generally has day-use fees for parking at certain lots, but there are no specific permits required for hiking the trails themselves. Always check the official California State Parks website for the most current fee information and regulations before your visit.

The terrain is highly varied, contributing to its difficult rating. You'll encounter wide fire roads of crushed rock and dirt, natural unpaved singletrack, and sections with constant climbing over rocky ground, especially on routes like the Old Railroad Grade. The Ben Johnson Trail offers soft pathways through redwood forests, while other parts can be exposed ridges with expansive views.

This route offers numerous highlights. You'll pass through the Cathedral Grove of Giant Redwoods and have opportunities to walk through giant redwood trees, including a redwood that you can stand in. The historic West Point Inn provides panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean. You'll also encounter the United Nations Theodore D Roosevelt memorial.

For a less strenuous approach to the West Point Inn, consider starting via the Old Stage Road, which is an unpaved, gravelly road with a mostly moderate incline. If you're looking for a significant challenge, starting from Mill Valley via the Old Railroad Grade offers a lengthy and constant climb. The route itself is long and challenging, so planning your start point based on desired difficulty and access to specific sections is key.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other notable trails. You will traverse parts of the Rock Spring Trail, Stapleveldt Trail, Temelpa Trail, Hoo-Koo-E-Koo Trail, and Matt Davis Trail. It also connects with the Dipsea Trail at Ben Johnson Trail Junction, which includes the challenging Cardiac Hill.

While there isn't a single named 'Ocean View Trail' for the entire route, many sections, particularly from higher elevations and around the West Point Inn, offer stunning panoramic views. You can expect expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Peninsula on clear days. The Ocean View / Panoramic / Alice Eastwood Rd Trailhead is a good indicator of these scenic opportunities.

The West Point Inn is a significant point of interest along the route and offers facilities, including restrooms. It's a popular spot for hikers to stop and refresh. However, outside of the Inn, facilities may be limited, so it's advisable to carry sufficient water and be prepared for backcountry conditions.

Given its length (~24 km) and difficult rating, you should bring plenty of water, snacks, appropriate layers of clothing for changing weather conditions (especially near the coast and at higher elevations), sun protection, and sturdy hiking boots. A map or GPS device is also highly recommended, as the route combines several trails.