Almanac note · History and culture
Mill Valley starts its big trail story under redwoods
Old Mill Park and the Dipsea Race give Mill Valley a compact story: redwoods, a historic mill, steep stairs, and a trail route to Stinson Beach.
Mill Valley’s story feels easy to see at Old Mill Park. It sits at Throckmorton and Cascade, tucked into a redwood grove with picnic spots, a playground, an amphitheater, and the historic Reed Mill nearby. Even before you hike anywhere, the park gives the town a shaded, old-Marin feel.
Then there is the Dipsea. First run in 1905, the race leaves Mill Valley for Stinson Beach on a 7.4-mile course of stairs and steep trails. The race calls itself the oldest trail race in America, and the course is famous partly because it is beautiful and partly because it is hard.
Those details say a lot about Mill Valley. It is close to San Francisco, but the local rhythm still leans toward canyons, redwoods, hillside steps, and people heading outside before the day gets busy.
If you visit, Old Mill Park is the gentle stop. The Dipsea route is the bigger leg-stretcher. Either way, wear shoes that can handle hills, because Mill Valley has a way of turning a short walk into a climb.
Where to see it
Old Mill Park and the Dipsea Race start area in Mill Valley.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 2, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
Connected places
Where it fits on the map
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