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Bon Tempe Lake

4.5 (28 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 8:30 pm

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Map of the area.
Joyce H.

Took an insane 12 mile hike loop past Bon Tempe Lake (actually a reservoir) to Alpine Lake and back. I love hiking here because the paths here can take you from a lake paths to wooded areas, river streams, flowing waterfalls, flooded marsh areas, maintained grass meadows, overgrown and waist high grain stalks to vistas and back- all on one hike. It's such an amazing display of nature. Overall the paths are well marked, have a ton of visitors, and trails are worn and easy to follow. There can be a little scrambling on certain trails but you usually see where trails continue easily. There are a lot of trails with lots of various lengths for every kind of hiker. If you visit, make sure you bring cash to help pay for parking and make sure you follow your map or hiking guide. It's easy to get lost.

Bon Tempe lake
Jennifer N.

Bon Tempe Lake is located in the Mt Tamalpais watershed area. It can be easily accessed once you drive through the town of Fairfax and then travel a short distance on Bolinas-Fairfax road. The watershed area has a parking fee of $8 which you can pay via credit card at a self pay kiosk. It's located in a small parking area to your right once you drive by the entrance booth (there is sometimes a ranger there who can give information but not take payment.) It's a less crowded area than driving further to the Cataract Falls trailhead, yet still allows for a variety of hiking options from easy to moderate to harder. I come here to embark from one of my favorite loop trails which is over the Bon Tempe Dam, along the Kent trail which takes you to the shores of Alpine Lake, up Stocking Trail to the Rocky Ridge Fire road which leads you back down to the Bon Tempe lake area. Those trails are all within Mt Tamalpais state park but it's nice to be able to access them from this area. Bon Tempe lake is a peaceful lake with its own trail that you can do a loop around if you prefer not to climb up the harder mountain trails. Fishing is allowed in some areas and the trails have a beautiful array of wildflowers in the spring. In the drought prone Bay Area, the appeal of this area is to see some type of water feature - even though nearby Alpine Lake was shockingly low this week (05/22/21) Love embarking on hikes from this area and afterwards, there's plenty of local dining options when you drive back through Fairfax. Review #28 of 100 review goal in 2021

Edna G.

One of the best locations for many great trails! The best way to get here is going to the 'Mt Tamalpais Watershed' where you pay an $8 parking fee. There is no attendants but a pay machine that you can pay cash or card. Very convenient. There is a porta-potty if you have to go. Unfortunately, there is no available map for your use. I would suggest to use the 'AllTrails' to know where you are going. There is plenty of parking even on a weekend but the parking is on gravel. This lake is on the other side of 'Apline Lake'. The trail we took, took us to both. Actually, the trail we took was the 'Kent trail' to 'Stockings Trail'. This was an awesome trail to take, about 5 miles loop. It takes you to many small waterfalls and rivers, big trees, large logs, bridges and stairs were killer! Don't come here if you've partied the night before. I totally regret it as it was killer on my body! Hahaha... Some trails can be deceiving but you have to go through rocks, bridges and water beds so make use of those waterproof hiking shoes! Because of the waterfalls, water puddles and lake, beware of ticks! There is a lots of them but you can avoid by wearing long pants and socks if you can. Check your clothes before entering your car. Most of the trail is shaded but towards the end was open space. Many of the trails are very narrow for one person. I believe this is one of the most beautiful most scenic trails I have gone through so far. I would definitely come back here to do it again! It's a great workout! The lake is beautiful and pictures don't do justice compared to being there. [38/100]

Saw some deers along the way.
Marlene G.

This is such a beautiful trail to hike. It's about 4 miles around the lake. Its clean and a relatively easy hike. Lots of trees and shade! It's dog friendly. Don't forget to pay for parking, $8.00

Joan W.

Bon Tempe is the lake that is visible looking out from the East Peak of Mt Tam. To walk around the whole lake is around 4 miles and a little under 2 hours. It's is more of a walk than a hike but there are numerous trails around that can give you more incline like taking Fish Grade to Phoenix Lake which is around 2 miles one way. What I like about Bon Tempe is that half of it is very sunny and the other half is very shaded so you get the best of both worlds. There are small little rocky beaches along the walk if you want to sit and look out at the lake but unfortunately swimming is forbidden though fishing okay with a permit in selected areas. It's very quiet here, it's a nice place to meditate or be able to listen to nature. To get there take the Sky Oaks road and park the same place you would for Lake Lagunitas or you could veer off on Bon Tempe Road which takes you near the damn. I don't like this road as much because it's a dirt road with rocks that is harder on the tires but this road is better if just there for fishing near the damn.

Kevin B.

I've come here 3 different times to go fishing, and each time I went home empty-handed. Boo hoo, right? But I'll say this... if you're gonna go fishing and not catch any fish, I can't think of a more scenic place to do it than Bon Tempe Lake. The lake/park is just a 10-minute drive up the hill from downtown Fairfax. Once you arrive in the parking lot, you feel like you're in another country (think "Sound of Music" meets "A River Runs Through It"). This is nature at its finest. The whole area is beautifully manicured and pristine. You won't see litter or cigarette butts on these grounds. There are plenty of options to set up your fishing pole. And they stock the lake monthly with fresh trout. Even though my fishing buddy and I have been 0-3 on catching anything, we always have a wonderful time soaking in the tranquil surroundings. If you're not into fishing, you can come here to jog, hike, picnic, etc. Even dogs are welcome (as long as they are on a leash). Everyone is welcome. Though keep in mind, the rangers will check to see if you have your fishing license (so be prepared). I don't care if I ever catch a fish at Bon Tempe, because at the end of the day, I always drive away from here with lovely memories and peace of mind.

Katie B.

Bon Tempe is one of the many trailheads around the base of the sexy little vixen that is Mt. Tam in Marin County. There's no real incline or difficult patches, it's just a whole lot of lush forest area to keep you company and some water-y things (dams, rivers, basins) that no doubt keep the area so lush. You can fish in designated areas, but be mindful of the signs as some of the water areas are a drinking water source, so steer clear of bathing in them or letting your four-legged friend loose. I saw a couple people jogging the same path I was on and then a couple in regular clothes/flip flops, so I'm thinking it's pretty much a "hike" that is what you make of it. We were only supposed to do a 3-mileish hike, but ended up not looping where we should have and ended up walking a brisk 6.9 miles instead. I would have preferred the 3-mile course, as again, there was no intensity keeping my intrigue and after awhile, stopping to smell the nonexistent roses just gets annoying! The gent's review that has the directions to the base of this trailhead is pretty on point.

Azalea hill overlooking Bon Tempe lake, a great view of the area :)
Wolfe S.

This lake is a great destination for a shorter trip into Marin. The paths north of the lakes are sunny, while the southern paths are shady, so you can find the right temp for you based on the day's weather. It's right next to Fairfax, for a bite to eat afterwards either at one of the many restaurants or the amazing all-organic grocery store Good Earth. Cataract Falls and Carson Falls are both beautiful sights in the mid-south and western portions of the park respectively.

Human feces in the parking lot!--3rd time this month that I've seen this

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Review Highlights - Bon Tempe Lake

both. Actually, the trail we took was the 'Kent trail' to 'Stockings

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Cataract Falls Trail - 1.10.26

Cataract Falls Trail

4.7(257 reviews)
2.4 mi

I had forgotten just how gorgeous this hike is--the scenery is incredible the entire way. Be…read moreprepared for a steady climb through most of the route, with plenty of wooden stairs, gnarly roots, and rock steps, but the stunning views make every bit of effort worth it. There are many great spots to stop for photos, take a break, or enjoy a picnic--we did all three. Thanks to the recent rain, there was still plenty of water flowing, which made the trail even more beautiful. The picnic area at Laurel Dell is especially serene, with a babbling brook nearby. There's even an outhouse, which is always a welcome sight. I actually found climbing up much easier than descending as one has to really pay attention to their footing. We were happy seeing Alpine Lake again knowing we were close to end of hike.

Went here with a friend and her dog and had such a great time. Such a beautiful, peaceful hike and…read moredefinitely one of my favorites on Mount Tam. The drive in was beautiful too, the views of Alpine Lake along the way made the whole trip feel extra special before we even got to the trail. Be prepared for a lot of stairs, so it can definitely get your legs working, but the waterfalls make it completely worth it. Hearing the water and being surrounded by all the greenery made the whole hike feel so calm and relaxing. The views throughout the hike are gorgeous, and it's such a nice escape if you're looking for something peaceful and scenic. Definitely recommend checking out Cataract Falls if you're up for a little workout with a really rewarding payoff. Definitely will be coming back :)

Photos
Cataract Falls Trail
Cataract Falls Trail
Cataract Falls Trail - So pretty and green

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So pretty and green

Fairfax Open Space Preserve - White Hill viewed from Azalea Hill Trail

Fairfax Open Space Preserve

4.2(6 reviews)
4.2 mi

Okay, so here's my story. Film Night In The Park was showing "Rocky" one Saturday night in…read moreSeptember. Neither the Hunny nor the girl wanted to see it, so it was just me going to Central Marin to see this cheapo movie that became one of the most inspirational and biggest moneymakers of the 1970s. But I got there early so I could get some hiking in. The goal: White Hill. I drove down Glen Drive to the end, hiked for roughly half a mile, and at the fork in the trail, took the wrong fork: I went right instead of left. And ended up on this sharp uphill fire road that took me to some big, wide views of Fairfax. Nothing really special here, if you don't count the reservoirs as special. What you do have is a place to work those quads, build that cardio, and test your endurance as you attempt to get to the top of those hills to the north. And the trail does take you to the top, if you can make it. An unobstructed view of Mt. Tam, several neighborhoods of Terra Linda and San Anselmo, and the open space of San Geronimo Valley can all be seen from this trail. So really, it's typical Marin County outdoors, more unshaded grasslands than dark forest. This could be a good picnic area. Either you or your special someone can go for a few hundred feet, then down a narrow trail to your left, to come to a dense flat forest where you can spread out the blanket, pour the wine, and enjoy your vegan sandwich and organic fruit (hey, this is Marin County). Or you can huff and puff for as far up as you want, and then put out the blanket and eat something more substantial as you two enjoy the view. Fairfax Open Space Preserve is another option for outdoors lovers, but there are better choices out there. BTW, I had to turn around after an hour, the movie was about to start. But I did have that famous Bill Conti song on my mind. Because going up that hill is tougher than the staircase leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Good running destination from Forest Knolls.... 8 mile round trip. It's a great start for…read moremarathon training!

Photos
Fairfax Open Space Preserve - The preserve, as seen from White Hill

The preserve, as seen from White Hill

Fairfax Open Space Preserve - View from near the top.

View from near the top.

Fairfax Open Space Preserve - Newly graded fire road.

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Newly graded fire road.

Dawn Falls - Dawn Falls Trail

Dawn Falls

4.5(48 reviews)
2.9 mi

Dawn Falls Trail is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Larkspur, California. It's considered to…read morebe a moderately challenging route. It will take about an hour to walk through this beautiful redwoods round trip to the Dawn Falls. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running. The best part of the Dawn Falls trail is that it's not crowded but you may still see a few other people while exploring. This trail is open year round but the best time is from January through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. However, I do see local dogs roaming without their leashes. Only a few parking spots deter many visitors. However, if you will be willing to be patience, there will on a parkingspot for you. This trail is maintained so clean here, so please no littering! Enjoy!

*****pay attention *****…read more Word, to the ignorant drivers who have never been on switchbacks DO NOT come here. As you blast down the very single car lane, not paying attention and laughing away isn't cute. Be mindful of cars and pediatricians. Believe it or not its not all about you! The road to the trail is all kinds of messed up. It's a single lane through a neighborhood with very little turnouts. Believe it or not, there are huge redwoods along this road. If you have never been on a road like this, please park at the bottom of the road!!! PLEASE! Even the folks who were walking up the road to the trail aren't alert. It's sooo fun to be surrounded by people who believe it's all about them yes, im being harsh, but it was that bad!

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Dawn Falls
Dawn Falls
Dawn Falls

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Lake Lagunitas

Lake Lagunitas

4.5(26 reviews)
0.2 mi

It was absolutely Beautiful. We hiked around the lake. It was an easy hike and so fun. They have…read morelots of picnic tables and so many trees. You have to pay for parking and it's at the station a little before you actually park I gave the lake five stars but the road to get up there two stars. It's a very skinny road and only one car can pass with two way traffic. Yikes.....But we made it and it was worth the trip!

Such a cool place -- and it's one of those locations that not too many people go to unless they are…read morein the area. Somewhat of a "locals" spot for hiking, biking, and trail running. In addition, it's also a beautiful drive up! The road eventually becomes one-lane, so drive slowly when the road bends. People like to drive a little faster than they should on it, unfortunately. The parking is ample. After you pay the entrance fee, you'll see several opportunities to park on your way down the road. The main Parking lot is all the way at the end where the bathroom and shelter/picnic area is. There's also a neat creek and man-made waterfall over here as well that comes from the reservoir up top. The hike itself is really fun. We hiked up to the top where the reservoir is and really loved the view. My Apple Watch says that our walk around the perimeter of the reservoir was roughly 2 miles. I wouldn't call it a hike, per se, but it was a nice, leisurely walk in a beautiful place which is just as nice! There are tons of redwoods, oak trees, and wild flowers here, but also poison oak. The trails seem pretty well-maintained, so there isn't much need to worry about poison oak as long as you don't wander too far off the trail. Great for kids, as there isn't much incline on this trail. I would definitely come back and try more of the trails here.

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Lake Lagunitas
Lake Lagunitas
Lake Lagunitas

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Carson Falls - Parking area

Carson Falls

3.9(26 reviews)
2.9 mi

Carson Falls are epic! Carson Falls drops about 80 feet…read more along Carson Creek. In the winter after storms: totally amazing! The creek swells and the falls roar. You don't just see it, you feel it in your mind and heart! I love the power of water falls! In the summer, the water falls are quiet, delicate, still stunning. Your peaceful serenity moment with zero crowds makes your heart melt with smiles. Bring your lunch. Or a book. Or just simply enjoy the magic of living! It's about 3 miles round trip. 2 hours. Steady but happy climb, totally doable! The kind of "easy enough for any day of the week, rewarding enough to brag about hike. Chase this one right after a huge storm must be spectacular! Trust me. You'll see why Marin locals try to keep it quiet. Who's adding this to their hiking list?

This is a case where the journey is more important than the destination…read more Carson Falls is located in a remote part of Marin County. When I was into mountain biking, I read a book about the biking trails in Marin. On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the toughest, the Pine Mountain area is a 6! Pine Mountain Road is not only remote, it's rocky. If you get in trouble out here, you're REALLY in trouble. I'll stick to hiking, thankyouverymush. First stop: Carson Falls. I went in March, there had already been a few showers that year, so I wasn't worried about the lack of water. I was spectacularly underwhelmed. I think the falls are around 25 feet tall, and it wouldn't take much for the creek to run out of water. The rock where you can gaze at the falls while eating lunch is nice, and the immediate area is home to an endangered yellow-legged frog. Oh well, so much for this destination. The journey - the acreage surrounding the falls - truly is spectacular. Especially in Spring, when the grass is still green. Forests alternating with low manzanita. The last quarter mile before Carson Falls is deep redwoods. Views of canyons, ridgelines, the Meadow Club Golf Course, both Alpine and Kent Lakes, and Marin suburbia in the distance. You can even see Mt. Diablo and Mt. Tam in the same shot. I made it up to Pine Mountain, which requires bushwhacking to get to the actual summit, and found two mysterious rockwalls hidden among the manzanita. If camping was allowed here, there are plenty of nice backpacking spots, but this is an area for storage of Marin drinking water so camping is out. The Carson Falls and Pine Mountain area is really nice if you're looking for a different outdoors jaunt. It's not undiscovered by any means, but it does offer an experience that's different from most in Marin County - or the entire Bay Area, for that matter.

Photos
Carson Falls - Super windy on a sunny day

Super windy on a sunny day

Carson Falls - Trailhead

Trailhead

Carson Falls - Posting

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Posting

Bon Tempe Lake - hiking - Updated May 2026

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