Hawk Hill, California, Scenic viewpoint in Marin Headlands, California
Hawk Hill is a scenic viewpoint in the Marin Headlands sitting at 920 feet elevation with views spanning the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The area features informational displays and resting spots positioned along a hiking trail that connects to a nearby parking area.
During World War II, military fortifications and radar stations occupied this hilltop as a defense point monitoring naval activity in the bay. This strategic role shaped the landscape and its current use today.
The site functions as a research station where scientists study migratory birds and share their findings with visitors throughout the year. People gather here to witness one of nature's most dramatic movements across the sky.
Access to the hilltop is via a hiking trail approximately 1.5 miles long from the parking area, with multiple resting points along the way. Weather conditions can shift rapidly here, so bring layers and plenty of water for your visit.
Every autumn, thousands of raptors pass over this hilltop during their migration south, making it one of the finest bird-watching locations in Northern California. Scientists take advantage of this natural event to gather detailed data on bird populations and flight patterns.
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