Hike to the Mountain Theater
A short walk from the parking area at Rock Creek Springs takes you by the outdoor Mountain Theater, formally known as the Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheater. This 4,000 seat theater was built by the Conservation Corp in 1933, a few years after the railroad abandoned operation. The theater is home to the annual Mountain Play, established in 1913.
Next Stop at the West Point Inn
A relaxed, 45 minute hike from the Rock Creek Springs parking area on Panoramic Highway takes you to the historic West Point Inn, built in 1904 at the west end of the railroad, constructed in 1896 to take tourists from downtown Mill Valley to the east peak of Mt. Tamalpais. The rail line navigated a remarkable 281 turns to reach the 2,600 foot peak. The West Point Inn also served as a stopover on the rail line for transfers to the stagecoach to Stinson Beach.
At the West Point Inn you can obtain water, tea, and coffee. On special days through the year the Inn Associations has pancake breakfasts and other events. You can rent the inn for private parties or stay overnight in rustic rooms in the inn building or in cabins. One year we attended a private New Years party at the inn, with a feast by the fireplace and overnight accommodations in a screened cabin, cozy in a down sleeping bag. A light snow during the night covered the area in white.
Note that you must hike to the inn; no motorized vehicles are allowed.
Madeline’s Walk to the Inn
On a recent Sunday, Madeline walked to the West Point Inn from Rock Creek Springs and back. She ended the afternoon with a dive down to Stinson Beach and a late lunch at the Parkside Cafe. Here are the photos from her walk:
