More than 300 species of birds have been sighted on Mt. Tam. From this trail, watch for red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures. Also watch for squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits. Views are often clearest looking north into Marin County and east toward San Francisco Bay, especially when fog is covering areas to the south and west. But East Peak is high enough that it's usually well above the fog line and the sight of thick fog cover stretching toward San Francisco and the Pacific is dramatic.
Sunsets are often spectacular here.
Return as you came. From San Francisco, follow U.S. 101 north to Hwy. 1 about four miles to Panoramic Highway, turn right and continue for about five miles to the Pantoll Ranger Station. From Pantoll Road, follow East Ridgecrest Boulevard to the East Peak parking lot, where the road dead-ends. During the summer, the southern and western slopes of the mountain are often fog-covered.