The Walk In
Park along the roadside and expect about a quarter mile up a slight incline to reach the tree and the outlook beyond it. It’s an easy walk, not a hike, but wear real shoes. Families who like a little adventure tend to love this one.
The Light
The Hippie Tree is a massive old eucalyptus, and its canopy filters the late afternoon sun into something soft and dappled instead of harsh. It’s usually fog-free up there too, even on days when the coast is socked in.
What to Wear Here
Up at the tree it’s eucalyptus grey-green, warm bark, and dry golden grass on the hillside, all lit soft and dappled. Neutrals are the safe start here: cream, oat, tan, soft grey. For color, borrow from the hill. Sage, olive, warm rust, dusty rose. The one thing I’d skip is heavy black or a deep cool color, because against bright golden grass it goes darker than everything around it and pulls the eye off your faces. More on my what to wear page.
Why I Keep Coming Back
I’ve photographed dozens of families under this tree over the years. The bay views from the outlook are the kind that stay with you. It’s one of my favorite spots in all of Marin.
