If you like to hike, get out there now! Wood sorrel, moss, and greenery have overtaken our local hiking trails. It is so beautiful to see, and makes all the mud worth it. This weekend, we ended up on a stunning stretch of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

Last time we visited Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, we stuck close to the other-worldy tide pools, teaming with giant green anemones and crabs. This time, we headed for Pillar Point Bluff,  an easy, mostly flat trail high above the Pacific overlooking the legendary Mavericks surf break.

The reserve is an oddly segmented park, where small communities of homes interrupt coastal hiking paths and beach access isn’t always a guarantee.

On the park map, it looks like Pillar Point Bluff has a dedicated parking lot with restroom facilities. I’d recommend passing on it — the restroom is basically a port-o-potty, and you’ll have to scale a hillside to end up on the trail. We learned from our mistake and followed the locals this time: park on the corner of Bernal Avenue and Ocean Boulevard in Moss Beach. The hiking trail begins there.

As we started our hike, we marveled that it was basically Fort Funston without the packs of off-leash dogs. Hikers walking past all seemed to be friendly local residents out for a seaside stroll. It was a lovely, relaxed time.

As you get to the far edge of the trail, there is a lookout where you might be able to catch a glimpse of surfers taking on the sometimes 50-ft high waves known as Mavericks. You’ll want to bring binoculars; the surf break is 2 miles off the coast. (Yes, this does mean surfers are ferried out by boat to surf there. Here is a very dramatic documentary trailer explaining Mavericks.)

This is a very easy and relaxed hike, perfect for kids, with spectacular views, and just a few minutes south of Pacifica.