HomeCaliforniaCorte Madera › Octopus Trail

Octopus Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 39 Google reviews · Running trail in Corte Madera, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Octopus Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicDog-friendly

What runners say about Octopus Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (39 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Steep in spots but there are several trails for novice to experienced hiking and some great views along the way!”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Short easy hike that connects to others and a great view.”

Did the 'loop' that begins with the fire access road in about 30-40 minutes. Parking is difficult -- once you get near the fire access road just look for any safe turnoff.

★★★★☆ — Devon , Mar 2024

Great hike! Steep in spots but there are several trails for novice to experienced hiking and some great views along the way!

★★★★★ — Ryan , Mar 2019

Short little trail--between-trails. Nothing tried to kill us, that gives it 4 stars.

★★★★☆ — Eric , Feb 2020

Easy, nice smell and breathable hiking trail, also good trail for dog walking. Lots of shadow at corner by corner in summer time.

★★★★★ — Jong , Dec 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 39 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“If you're navigating with Google, a lot of the trails are not marked and those are some of the better views and detours (that take you off the fire road.”

More trails like this →

🐕 Dog-friendly 4 mentions

“Easy, nice smell and breathable hiking trail, also good trail for dog walking.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Octopus Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.

Where to find Octopus Trail

Corte Madera, California

Get directions

Running trails near Corte Madera

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Camino Alto Open Space Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 80 reviews

Mill Valley, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Wood & grassland preserve on a ridge spanning 170 acres popular for hiking, cycling & horse-riding.

under a mile away

Alto Bowl Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 4 reviews

Corte Madera, CA

Scenic

under a mile away

Corte Madera Town Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 293 reviews

Corte Madera, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Baseball, soccer and tennis courts, plus a skate park offer sports and recreation.

under a mile away

Blithedale Loop Trailhead

4.1 ★★★★☆ 14 reviews

Larkspur, CA

LoopNatural surfaceDog-friendly

under a mile away

Horse Hill Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 28 reviews

Mill Valley, CA

Natural surfaceScenic

under a mile away

Blithedale Summit Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 61 reviews

Mill Valley, CA

LoopScenicDog-friendly

1.5 miles away

All running trails in Corte Madera, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.