Hiking, Then Drinking, Then Hiking Again on Mount Tam, California
The German Tourist Club is a not-so-secret-secret--a Bavarian-style bier haus on the flanks of Mount Tam, overlooking Muir Woods. If you can find the place, they’ll serve you a pitcher of German draft on the patio, between 2pm and 6pm weekends (except the second Sunday of every month). Lazy folk trek in 20 minutes from the end of Ridge Ave, but you should work up a proper thirst by hiking one mile into the Sun Trail from the Dipsea Trail. The rest of the research is up to you. And don’t tell ‘em we told you.
The Tourist Club is a slice of Bavaria tucked in the rugged shadows of Mount Tamalpais. Technically a private club, they open their doors on most weekends and three festival dates (Oktoberfest) where German beers flow and hundreds dance to polka on a dance floor overlooking the Muir Woods. Half the fun is snaking your way through the redwoods to find it. Nothing prepares you for the initial sight of the Alpine chalet poking above the redwoods, offering some of the best views in Marin County. While away the hours on the sun-drenched deck sipping beer, playing board games or dice. The most difficult decision is when to tackle the daunting hike back to civilization.
After passing the coffee house from the Muir Woods’ entrance, you’ll be given a choice to go right or stay on the main trail. Ascend with a crowd of hikers into the Redwoods to find the Tourist Club, where it's only open to non-members on weekends. Although this place is kid-friendly, "all unintended children will be given espresso and a dog", claims the patio sign. A 45-minute hike and another 40 descending steps after entering the clubhouse, it will lead you to Tourist bar. Treat yourself kindly to a Landjäger (German dried sausage) for $2 and sip on various beers on tap, a bottle of cider, or a glass of wine.
The Tourist Club is a German lodge nestled away in the Muir Woods just west of Mill Valley, California. It's a private club open only to members for the majority of the time, however on select weekends, they allow in the average explorer. On the menu are beers from Deutschland & Belgium (including dunkelweiss') and salty, calorie packed snacks to refill your tank for the hike home. It's a great day-trip destination to visit with friends filled with breath-taking views of valleys and mountains blanketed with gigantic redwood trees. The lodge is accessible only by foot from the east via a trail originating in Mill Valley or from the south and north by trails originating from the Muir Woods parking area. It's easy to get lost so bring a map or know your route beforehand. Also, the club is open publicly only on select weekends and at certain times so check their website carefully before planning a trip.
The German Tourist Club is a not-so-secret-secret--a Bavarian-style bier haus on the flanks of Mount Tam, overlooking Muir Woods. If you can find the place, they’ll serve you a pitcher of German draft on the patio, between 2pm and 6pm weekends (except the second Sunday of every month). Lazy folk trek in 20 minutes from the end of Ridge Ave, but you should work up a proper thirst by hiking one mile into the Sun Trail from the Dipsea Trail. The rest of the research is up to you. And don’t tell ‘em we told you.
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