Entering Marin County, U.S. 101 enters some of the highest-priced real estate in a very expensive state for property. Land use restrictions prevent much growth outside established urban areas, and the largest ranches are owned by the rich and famous. Included in this is Skywalker Ranch, home to Star Wars director and creator George Lucas. U.S. 101 passes by much of this as a four to eight-lane freeway, but it does not hint at the value of the land it passes. The freeway passes through Sausalito, San Rafael (Junction Interstate 580), and Novato (Junction California 37) before it reaches Sonoma County.
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A second advance guide sign is posted for the pending interchange with Spencer Avenue and Monte Mar Drive (Exit 443). Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Indeed, U.S. 101 and California 1 pass into a tunnel at the top of the rise from the Golden Gate. Known as the Waldo Tunnel, it is one of a handful of tunnels in the San Francisco Bay Area (perhaps second in popularity only to the Caldecott Tunnels along California 24 and the tunnel in the middle of the Bay Bridge along Interstate 80) and is one of the widest tunnels, with four lanes passing under the hill. As for U.S. 101, this is the first tunnel on northbound since passing through the Gaviota Tunnel back in Santa Barbara County. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Both tubes of the Waldo Tunnel are painted with vibrant rainbow colors around the mouths of the portal. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The Waldo Tunnel is four lanes wide with no shoulders. A similarly sized tube is in place for southbound traffic. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/California 1/Redwood Highway reach Exit 443, Spencer Avenue and Monte Mar Drive into the city of Sausalito. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign along northbound U.S. 101/California 1/Redwood Highway is posted prior to Exit 444, Rodeo Avenue; Exit 445A, Bridge Way; and Exit 445B, Junction California 1 north. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Another mileage sign along northbound U.S. 101/California 1/Redwood Highway for the same destinations as the preceding sign: Exit 444, Rodeo Avenue; Exit 445A, Bridge Way; and Exit 445B, Junction California 1 north. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101 and California 1 reach Exit 444, Rodeo Avenue into Sausalito. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101/California 1 (Redwood Highway) is Exit 445A, Bridge Way to Sausalito and Marin City. This offramp provides access to the Marin County city of Sausalito, a picturesque city that rests on the shores of the bay with incredible views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign along northbound U.S. 101/California 1 (Redwood Highway) provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 445A, Bridge Way; Exit 445B, Junction California 1 north; and Exit 446, Seminary Drive. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/California 1 (Redwood Highway) reaches Exit 445A, Bridge Way to Sausalito and Marin City. Sausalito sits along the bay, while Marin City sits just west of the freeway. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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California 1 continues its course up the Pacific Ocean coast, with connections to Muir Woods National Monument (famous for being the filming location for the forest moon of Endor in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) and Mount Tamalpais via the Panoramic Highway. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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For the last time, northbound U.S. 101 separates from northbound California 1 at Exit 445B; California 1 will trace the coastline through Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties before returning to U.S. 101 at Leggett, which is the northern terminus of California 1. California 1 passes through more picturesque seaside communities such as Bodega Bay and Mendocino, and it passes along the eastern fringe of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 446, Seminary Drive. U.S. 101 passes over a branch of Richardson Bay here, just east of Tamalpais Valley. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This bridge carries U.S. 101/Redwood Highway over Richardson Bay, prior to the Seminary Drive interchange (Exit 446). Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 446, Seminary Drive. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit on northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 447, Junction California 131, Tiburon Boulevard east to Tiburon and East Blithedale Avenue, three-quarters of a mile. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign is located along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway and provides the distance to Exit 447, Junction California 131/Tiburon Boulevard and East Blithedale Avenue and Exit 449, Paradise Drive and Tamalpais Drive. Taking this exit to the west leads into the heart of Mill Valley. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Use Exit 447, Junction California 131/Tiburon Boulevard and East Blithedale Avenue to Tiburon and Belvedere as well as Angel Island State Park. At one time, a suspension bridge was proposed from downtown San Francisco north to Angel Island and then northwest to Tiburon, ultimately connecting with California 131. This bridge was never built, but plans remain in the California Department of Transportation Library's historical files. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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California 131 travels east along Tiburon Boulevard to Tiburon, which is located at the tip of a peninsula and offers incredible views of the bay and city of San Francisco. California 131 ends in downtown Tiburon. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Now on the offramp to California 131, turn right to follow California 131 east to Tiburon, Belvedere, and Angel Island State Park. Turn left to follow East Blithedale Avenue into Mill Valley. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit on northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 449, Paradise Drive and Tamalpais Drive, one and one-half miles. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Mileage sign along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway for Exit 449, Paradise Drive and Tamalpais Drive and Exit 450A, Lucky Drive. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway approaches Exit 449, Paradise Drive and Tamalpais Drive, next right. Mt. Tamalpais, which dominates the Marin skyline to the west of here, is best known for its outstanding hiking and driving trails. The mountain rises high above the headlands below, and it offers spectacular views of the ocean and San Francisco on clear days. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 449, Paradise Drive and Tamalpais Drive. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign is located along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway prior to Exit 450A, Lucky Drive and Exit 450B, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. For some reason, Drake Boulevard is only listed on two of the five advance signs for Exit 450B. The other times, it is signed as "San Anselmo/Richmond Bridge." This is confusing, considering that Exit 451 also provides a short cut to San Quentin State Prison and the Interstate 580/Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 450A, Lucky Drive and Exit 450B, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Exit 450B connects to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, which leads east to the infamous San Quentin State Prison. The next exit (not signed) is Lucky Drive, Exit 450A. Notice how both signs have the same exit number, which is accurate. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 450A, Lucky Drive. This interchange is oddly configured and is not Interstate standard due to limited sight distance and limited deceleration lanes. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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These signs are mounted on a pedestrian overcrossing along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway approaching Exit 450B, Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Drake Boulevard leads east to San Quentin and the Richmond Bridge (it's shorter than going all the way to Interstate 580) and northwest to Ross and San Anselmo. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Through traffic on northbound U.S. 101 may decide to use the collector-distributor lanes of Exit 450B; there is no need for that traffic to merge onto the main lanes. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Signage for the Richmond Bridge and San Anselmo offramp is visible from the mainline of U.S. 101 north. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Still looking at the collector-distributor lanes, the left lanes of the c/d depart to the left, while the right lanes exit onto the Richmond Bridge exit as well as provide a connection to northbound U.S. 101. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Interstate 580 departs U.S. 101 at Exit 451 to cross over the northern San Francisco Bay over the Richmond-San Rafael bridge and meet Interstate 80 east of Richmond. Resuming in Oakland, Interstate 580 passes through Hayward, Pleasanton, and Dublin before crossing the Altamont Pass and descending into the Central Valley. It terminates at Interstate 5 southeast of Tracy and north of Vernalis. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway meets its last Interstate highway in the San Francisco metropolitan area here at Exit 451, Junction Interstate 580. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 452, 2nd Street/3rd Street (Central San Rafael), one-half mile. U.S. 101 passes over downtown San Rafael on an elevated viaduct. San Rafael was incorporated on February 18, 1874, and is home to 56,900 people (California Department of Finance 2005 estimate). Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Third Street leads west through town as a one-way street, then merges onto 4th Street and Red Hill Avenue upon reaching the city of San Anselmo. Second Street leads east out of downtown as a one-way street, then merges with Third Street en route to Point San Pedro Road. This route ultimately becomes a circle with North San Pedro Road, passing through vast open space lands. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 452, 2nd and 3rd Street (Central San Rafael). The Central Rafael offramp connects to 2nd and 3rd Street in downtown San Rafael. This interchange also provides connections to a bus stop located below the downtown viaduct. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 454, North San Pedro Road, one mile. The Marin County Civic Center is located at this exit; take eastbound North San Pedro Road to Civic Center Drive north. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Exit 454, North San Pedro Road leads northeast into Santa Venetia, with access to the San Pedro Mountain Open Space Preserve and the north side of the China Camp State Park. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The right lane of northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway becomes exit only for Exit 454, North San Pedro Road. The left four lanes continue north along U.S. 101. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 454, North San Pedro Road. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Coming to a rise on U.S. 101, this spacious valley opens up along northbound as it approaches the Freitas Parkway exit (Exit 455). Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The right lane exits directly onto Freitas Parkway (Exit 455) in San Rafael. The left four lanes continue north along U.S. 101. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along northbound U.S. 101: Exit 455, Freitas Parkway; Exit 456, Lucas Valley Road; and Exit 457, Marinwood. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 455, Freitas Parkway, which leads northwest to Las Gallinas Avenue and Terra Linda, the northernmost community of the city of San Rafael. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Of particular interest to science fiction fans is the exit leading to the home of the creator of Star Wars, George Lucas. While it is no phantom menace, one needs to pay close attention for Lucas' house (Skywalker Ranch) located on the north side of Lucas Valley Road. Just look for the tall fences and warning signs. Was Lucas Valley Road named for George Lucas? No, but his ranch is located along Lucas Valley Road nonetheless. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Being fans of the Star Wars franchise, we can't help but appreciate the name of Lucas Valley Road, but upon seeing this sign for "Smith Ranch Road," one has to wonder, "Who the heck is Smith?" Maybe Lucas and Smith built their ranches at the same time, but probably not. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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A weigh station is located within Exit 456, Lucas Valley Road/Smith Ranch Road. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Indeed, Lucas bought a good amount of what is now known as Lucas Valley to the west of the freeway, but we aren't sure how much of the development that encroaches on Skywalker Ranch was associated with his purchase. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign is found along northbound U.S. 101 after the Lucas Valley Road/Smith Ranch Road offramp and prior to Exit 457, St. Vincent Drive and Marinwood. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101 is Exit 457, St. Vincent Drive and Marinwood. The right lane becomes exit only for Exit 457. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 457, St. Vincent Drive and Marinwood. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101 at Exit 458, Nave Drive and Hamilton Field. The freeway now enters the city of Novato, the last city along northbound before leaving Marin County and entering Sonoma County. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Novato is home to 47,630 people as of the 2000 Census and is the furthest north city along U.S. 101 before the highway leaves Marin County and enters Sonoma County. While the downtown elevation is 18 feet above sea level, Mt. Burdell within the city limits rises to 1,558 feet above sea level. The city was incorporated on January 20, 1960, as a general law city. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The right lane becomes exit only for Exit 458, Nave Drive and Hamilton Field. The left four lanes continue north on U.S. 101/Redwood Highway. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Use Exit 458 to Alameda del Prado, a local city street. It connects to Pacheco Valle Open Space Preserve, which features a 2.7-mile hike. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 458, Nave Drive, Hamilton Field, and Alameda del Prado. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit is Exit 459, Ignacio Boulevard and Bel Marin Keys Boulevard. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to Exit 459, Ignacio Boulevard/Bel Marin Keys Boulevard; Exit 460A, Junction California 37 east to Vallejo; and Exit 460B, South Novato Boulevard. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101 at Exit 459, Ignacio Boulevard and Bel Marin Keys Boulevard. The next exit is Exit 460A, Junction California 37. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This sign indicates that Exit 460A/Eastbound California 37 is the best route to Sonoma and Sacramento, even though California 37 does not enter either city. However, California 37 and California 121 may be used to reach Sonoma and Napa, while California 37 connects to Interstate 80 in Vallejo. Interstate 80 continues northeast to Sacramento. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101 approaches Exit 460A, Junction Eastbound California 37. Exit 460B accesses South Novato Boulevard, which leads north into Novato (not to be confused with the business loop at Rowland Boulevard). Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101 reaches Exit 460A, Junction Eastbound California 37. While California 37 is marketed as the best route to Vallejo and Sacramento, it is not a freeway. The route from U.S. 101 to California 121 is an expressway, and the section of the route (former California 48) between California 121 and just west of the Vallejo city limits is merely a two-lane highway with passing lanes and a barrier between the two directions of traffic. This situation is dangerous and has contributed to a higher than normal frequency of accidents. Nicknamed "Blood Alley," California 37 will hopefully be expanded to four lanes for its entire length in the coming years (pending funding availability during the California Budget Crisis). Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 460B, South Novato Boulevard. The next exit is Exit 462A, Junction Business U.S. 101/Rowland Avenue. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The first business route along northbound U.S. 101 after leaving San Francisco is here in Novato. Beginning at Exit 462A and continuing north to Exit 463, the business route follows old U.S. 101 through downtown Novato before returning to the freeway. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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A Route 101 Business sign is posted prior to the Rowland Avenue interchange. This is the only indication that Exit 462A is a business route. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 462A, Junction Business U.S. 101 north and Rowland Boulevard. Rowland Boulevard east serves a major shopping center, which features retailers such as Costco, Target, and Marshall's. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 462B, De Long Avenue and downtown Novato. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 462B, De Long Avenue and downtown Novato. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit along northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway is Exit 463, Atherton Avenue and San Marin Avenue. Business U.S. 101 returns to U.S. 101 at this point. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Northbound U.S. 101/Redwood Highway reaches Exit 463, Atherton Avenue and San Marin Avenue. This is the final Novato exit. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to Petaluma (11 miles), Santa Rosa (27 miles), and Eureka (242 miles). Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The freeway ends shortly after the Atherton Avenue interchange. END FREEWAY signs are posted on either side of the now northbound lanes. The three northbound lanes will merge down to two northbound lanes. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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A frequently busy section of highway, U.S. 101 between Novato and Petaluma reduces to two lanes in each direction with cross traffic. Plans call for this section to be upgraded to freeway, with key intersections along the way removed. For now, an END FREEWAY sign is posted. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Pastoral grasslands surround U.S. 101 as it plies north toward Petaluma. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Construction of a new interchange at the Redwood Landfill access road was underway at the time this photo was taken. A construction sign advising of the work was posted prior to the future interchange. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The new interchange with Redwood Landfill access road comes into view as U.S. 101 crosses a rise. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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Access to the Redwood Landfill is likely to be taken at this point on northbound U.S. 101. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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The next exit is a left turn onto San Antonio Road. This rural road is the last exit along northbound U.S. 101. The highway will shortly depart from Marin County and enter Sonoma County. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
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U.S. 101 leaves Marin County and enters Sonoma County upon crossing San Antonio Creek. The northbound San Antonio Creek bridge was built in 1929 and expanded in 1979. Photo taken 05/26/06. |
Page Updated October 28, 2006.
