An accomplished financial advisor in the San Francisco Bay Area, Darrach Bourke has been a senior vice president with San Mateo’s Emerson Equity since 2016. A resident of Corte Madera, Darrach Bourke ranks hiking among his favorite outdoor activities.

Many hiking authorities consider the Blithedale Loop one of the best trails in the greater Corte Madera region. Located just minutes away from Corte Madera in Larkspur, this loop trail covers roughly four miles with a total elevation gain of 1027 feet. The hiking website All Trails rates the Blithedale Loop as moderately difficult, and the wilderness recreation website The Outbound reports that it offers ample opportunities to spot wildlife.

Birdwatchers have sighted species that range from the red-tailed hawk to the Pacific wren. The Blithedale Loop passes through a series of mini-ecosystems that include California sagebrush land, chaparral shrubland with manzanita, and deep redwood forest. The area is also home to native wildflowers like the white star lily and blue hound’s tongue.