On weekends, when Marin draws dog lovers in droves, I’m glad to have Baltimore Canyon in my back pocket. Tricky to find, it tends to be overlooked, but locals know that this 2.2-mile loop to Dawn Falls—high in the hills above Larkspur—has lush foliage and a gushing, shal­low creek perfect for splashing canines. After­ward, sit­ting at a veranda table at the Parisian-style Left Bank brasserie on Magnolia Avenue, I dig into a civilized lunch of salade Niçoise, pommes frites, and pinot noir, and the waiter brings a bowl of water for my pooped-out pooch.

Baltimore Canyon Hike Directions: To find the Baltimore Canyon trailhead, go to the Lark Creek Inn on Magnolia Ave., then follow directions from bahiker.com/northbayhikes/baltcanyon.html. Left bank brasserie: 507 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, 415-927-3331, leftbank.com