There’s something undeniably magical about standing atop a mountain and gazing out over a thick blanket of clouds. And in the Bay Area, it’s a sight we’re lucky enough to experience frequently, at spots like Marin’s Mount Tamalpais or Mission Peak in the East Bay.
But this phenomenon — commonly called a “marine inversion” or “fog blanket” — isn’t just a feast for the eyes. It’s also rooted in some fascinating atmospheric science.
Keep reading to learn how this “sea of clouds” actually forms, and where (and when) to go hiking in the Bay Area for the chance to see it for yourself…