Nestled atop Mount Tamalpais in California’s Marin County, the West Point Inn isn’t just about stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. It boasts a long-standing tradition in the warm summer months – their famous monthly pancake breakfasts.
The Inn itself is steeped in history. Built in 1904, it served as the western terminus for the Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais Scenic Railway, a popular tourist attraction nicknamed the “Crookedest Railway in the World.” Passengers could disembark and board a stagecoach for further exploration of the area.
After the railway’s closure in 1929, the Inn transitioned into a rustic overnight lodge managed by the Marin Municipal Water District. Today, it’s run entirely by volunteers from the West Point Inn Association as a preservation the area’s of living history.
These dedicated folks hold several events per year to raise capital for the building’s maintenance. The most popular? Their infamous Pancake Hike fundraisers, held on the second Sunday of every month from May through October.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pancake Hike
What’s the schedule?
Breakfast is served first-come, first-served from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.
How much does the breakfast cost?
The price of breakfast depends on exactly what you choose, but it’s generally $13 for adults and $8 for kids.
Do they take credit cards?
Nope, the pancake breakfast is cash or venmo only.
How long is the hike?
This totally depends on the trail you choose, but it generally takes 1-1.5 hours each way.
Is it difficult?
The difficulty can vary depending on the trail, but there are trails suitable for most fitness levels.
Can I drive to the inn?
No, unless you have special prior permission from the innkeeper and have a valid disabled parking placard. Everyone else hikes or bikes in.
Is it dog friendly?
Yes – dogs are welcome everywhere but the main patio as long as they are well behaved and on a leash, and you’ll even see several water bowls for them throughout the property.
Is it kid friendly?
Heck yeah! I was amazed at how many families with little ones I see at the end of the hike. The hike in can be kid friendly depending on the age and fitness level of each child, with some trails being easier than others – the Pan Toll Trail is the most direct route with the least elevation change.
What are the views like?
The views from the West Point Inn are truly spectacular and overlook the San Francisco Bay!
My Experience at the Pancake Hike
My mother, a trooper who just landed from a cross-country flight to celebrate the long weekend, was surprisingly enthusiastic about the whole idea of waking up at five in the morning to hike through a mountain when I pitched it. So, we set our alarms early this past weekend and loaded up the husky into the back of the Range Rover to begin our journey to Mount Tamalpais.
The day started off cool and misty, the air thick with fog that clung to the redwoods like a second skin. As we climbed Mount Tamalpais, the world outside our windows was a blurry watercolor. But then, like a scene from a movie, we broke through the fog line – the sun bathed us in its warmth, and the world exploded into color.
We opted for the Rock Spring Trail, which was recommended to me by the innkeeper as the prettiest route. The path meandered in and out of the forest, sunlight dappling the ground through the canopy of redwoods and douglas firs. Hudson, ever the explorer, strained at his leash, eager to be the first one on the trail.
Every so often, the trees would part, revealing glimpses of the the horizon, blanketed in a surreal canopy of coastal fog that reminded me of whipped marshmallows. Each vista was a constant reminder of our destination – and the delicious reward that awaited us at the end.
The hike took us a little longer than originally planned, so by the time we made it to the West Point Inn, the line had begun to snake its way around the side of the historic lodge, already bustling with activity by 9:30 am. Hikers of all ages milled about in good spirits, and we joined the queue undeterred.
It took a good thirty minutes to inch our way closer, the which gave us a chance to observe the lively scene – young volunteers bustled about, flipping pancakes and carrying orders out to the picnic tables, while families in line fill the air with happy chatter. It’s also a phenomenal opportunity for taking in the hummingbirds, which dance around the little feeders hanging from the porch almost constantly.
We finally reached the front of the line, and decided to go for the full works – we ordered blueberry pancakes, drizzled with organic maple syrup, two sausages each for a protein boost, and a side of fresh cut fruit.
Finding a table proved another minor challenge. The most scenic shady picnic tables scattered around the front of the building were in high demand, even early on. The atmosphere, however, was one of camaraderie, and most groups readily shared their tables with newfound friends.
We snagged a shady picnic table on the side of the building next to a friendly family who’d also hiked the Rock Spring Trail. Conversation flowed easily, swapping stories about local hiking trails and upcoming local festivals while we scarfed down our breakfasts.
With full bellies and happy hearts, we headed back down the trail to our car and decided to take the short drive took us down the mountain to Stinson Beach. The Pacific Ocean, which we’d only glimpsed in glimpses on the trail, now stretched out before us in its full glory. The cool ocean breeze whipped through our hair as we strolled along the white sand, the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Some Final Tips for the Pancake Hike
- While venmo is technically accepted, but cash is king here due to with spotty service.
- Wear sun screen and carry extra water, the summit is always sunnier and warmer than you think.
- There is no electricity at the West Point Inn, so bring a battery pack if you think you’ll need it.
- Cell service is likewise hard to come by in Mount Tam, so be sure to save your directions offline.
- Try to park by eight thirty in the morning at the very latest to secure a parking spot at the trailheads.
- Head straight in to order a cup of coffee + oj to sip on while you’re waiting in the pancake ordering line.
- Mentally prepare yourself for the long lines when you get there – waiting over an hour later in the morning isn’t uncommon!
- Pick Pan Toll Trail for the least strenuous route, Rock Spring for the prettiest, and Stinson Beach Community Trail for a real workout.
