Beautiful well maintained area for hiking with easy to more challenging levels of difficulty. Mid week, afternoon parking was no problem and I scored a small, personal victory by checking out a parking pass for free from the public library. It was amazing to be in such a peaceful place, so close to our urban area. read more

A post on NextDoor.com caught my attention. Someone had just moved to the neighborhood and was asking how they could hike without paying the $8 parking fee they'd noticed in some areas. The deluge of responses made it clear: if you're paying to park in Marin County, you're doing something wrong. With only a single exception in memory, I don't think I've paid to hike anywhere in the county and these days all I do is hike. But, if you want to hike the grounds of the Mount Tam Watershed it is true that there's a $8 cost to that. You can get around this by purchasing an annual parking pass or checking a pass out from the Marin County Library system. Bon Tempe Lake is my favorite hike within this area of the Mt. Tam Watershed. With an easy to follow, well-trod, 4.8 mile path around the lake's perimeter, and situated only minutes from downtown Fairfax, Bon Tempe is a quintessential Marin experience. You're in nature, beside a gorgeous, placidly serene lake yet only 10 minutes from a good brunch or latte. There's nothing difficult about the hike around the lake and though it isn't flat, it's elevations are quite gentle. If you need more, add a loop around Lake Lagunitas (the two paths intersect) to increase your hike by another 1.2 miles. Fishing is allowed here (but no swimming) and the parking area - for Bon Tempe in particular - fills up early on weekends. All the more reason to make time for Bon Tempe on a weekday. There's lots of hiking options here in the Watershed but for my money, the half-shaded-half-sunny path around Bon Tempe is the loveliest of them all. read more

Bon Tempe Lake - Hard to believe, but this is only about 10 minutes from Downtown Fairfax. - Hiking Near Me - Fairfax, California

This is actually just one of several reservoirs that make up the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. There are also creeks and a dam that add to the features. One of the main roads to get up there is just above the town of Fairfax in Marin County. It is a windy road but short, like 10 minutes or so. There are also a lot of bikers who like this area, so watch out on those narrow roads. Once you get closer to the park, the pavement stops and you will have to drive on large gravel for quite a bit, so don't be bringing your high end luxury car here. Lol Once there, an $8 parking fee through a kiosk awaits. I did a 6 mile loop starting at the dam and starting on Alpine lake. Easy start for the first mile or so, with most of it being lakeside. Then the middle 3 miles goes deeper into the forest cover and is more strenous, a constant climb that will speed up the heart rate. Love doing this amongst forest air. Deep in city confines...not so much. The descend will bring you back to where Alpine Lake and Bon Tempe Lake meets, by the dam. The top of hike is exposed and rocky but still gorgeous. Actually reminded me a bit of Tahoe with rocky trails and exposed blue skies. There will be a view of the lower elevations of Southern Marin County. There will also be many glimpses of neighboring Mt. Tam. And after that great morning workout, I was able to have a nice relaxing outdoor meal at one of the many charming independent restaurants in Fairfax, just 10 minutes down the road. Great way to start my stay-cation. read more

Bon Tempe Lake - Scorched and scarred Redwood. But still stands strong. - Hiking Near Me - Fairfax, California

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This lake is one of the reservoirs in the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. There are about seven reservoirs that were formerly part of Lagunitas Creek, which now form the main water supply for southern Marin County. The Marin Municipal Water District was actually the very first water district in the entire State of California. It's really a fascinating history. If you have a chance, go visit the Pine Mountain tunnel. 100 years ago, miners blasted a long tunnel through Pine Mountain. Hard to imagine! They have sealed the eastern end of the pipe, but you can still go up there and visit. There's hardly any more dynamiting going on anymore, so it's pretty safe. I love to bike around the Lakes. I start usually at Natalie Coffin Greene Park in Ross, and then bike on from there. I usually take Shaver grade up and come down on Sky Oaks Boulevard. From there I like to go to the Filter Plant Road, which is a pleasant downhill. As others have noted, this is one of the most beautiful areas in the entire San Francisco Bay Area. All of the lakes are absolutely gorgeous. Keep in mind that on the weekends it can be extremely busy and tough to get a parking spot. Today, I came on a midweek morning and had no trouble whatsoever. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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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] read more

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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 read more

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It's in the middle of somewhere. It feels like nowhere, but it's somewhere. Marin County can be magical like that. Just take the 101 north, take some random exit, and head west. For Bon Tempe Lake and other parts, all known but seemingly unknown. I want to write about lottery tickets and dashboard blotters, but I'll have to stick with walks around lakes and enjoying the view, if not the weather. See, the temperature isn't always bon. It's sometimes downright stifling. The path around the lake shore is amazingly consistent. You might annoy a lot of fisherpeople, but you're smart enough to go off the path to avoid someone's cast. There are plenty of trees, but they're not in the right places. It makes me miss Mammoth even though it's nothing like Mammoth. Remember to get ice cream on your way home! read more

Absolutely stunning hike! It takes a couple of hours to hike but it's perfect! You get beautiful views of the lake and little water falls. I did it while carrying my son and it was the perfect workout! read more

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. read more

Bon Tempe Lake - Hiking Near Me - Fairfax, California

Bon Tempe Lake is a great place to fish at. The posted hours are incorrect. The place is open all week 7am through 8:30pm. The lake has a lot of grass underwater so beware fishermen. There are trails at this area too so enjoy. read more

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. read more

Bon Tempe Lake - Hiking Near Me - Fairfax, California

The trail around Bon Tempe Lake is around 5 miles and offers beautiful views of the mountains and lake on an easy "hike" that is both exposed and shaded. This is a great option for those that want a relaxing walk in nature with exposure to wildflowers, mountains, birds and fish. There are designated areas for fishing, a picnic area and a large parking lot (entrance fee required). The trail is relatively flat and becomes narrow in some parts. However, I would still recommend sturdy shoes as the trails are dirt paths and there are some parts with loose and rocky soil. We didn't encounter too many people but did see hikers of all ages and abilities on the trail, along with dogs. I would bring a hat, sunscreen and some water for this hike. While easy, you may be tempted to linger with all the sights available for viewing around the lakes. read more

Great 2-2.5 hour loop hike (depending on how fast you move), half of this hike in the shade. Dog friendly! Buy a parking ticket at the entrance and proceed down to the parking area/trail head, leave your ticket on the dashboard. Relatively easy hike with beautiful views of the reservoir, birds and woods. read more

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. read more

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This place has a cool little hike (5~ miles). If you're looking for a quick jaunt in the forest with a bit of elevation change, streams, views, and rocks, the Bon Tempe trailhead to Stocking Trail to Kent Trail is the way to go. Really gorgeous, and fun. It does get a little brisk in the winter, so layer appropriately. Or just come to fish and play with dogs. $8 for parking. read more

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. read more

Bon Tempe Lake - Azalea hill overlooking Bon Tempe lake, a great view of the area :) - Hiking Near Me - Fairfax, California

beautiful clean and sparkling lake nestled in the mountains behind Fairfax. They have a very pretty picnic area with lots of tables and some nice bbq pits. The area is mostly shaded and sits right next to a small creek (although there wasn't much water bubbling through when I visited this year) read more

This is such a beautiful lake , with amazing hiking trails that's why I gave it two stars other wise I would of gave it a zero on stars ! They charge you $8.00 to get in but then you go to use the port a potty and they are filled to the rim with human waste and there is no toilet paper ! Then I see people fishing in no fishing zones which is illegal , and one guy actually had three poles in the water ! It is also illegal to have your dog off leash or swimming and there is numerous dogs swimming in the water and off leash ! I do not recommend this place at all ! Where is the enforcement and where is the maintenance?? read more

Trails are not maintained at all (poison oak and scotch broom everywhere on trail)...warning: you will get ticks here! The picture is from the parking lot this morning-- human feces!!! This is the 3rd time this month that I've observed this revolting aftermath. For $8, trails and parking lots should be maintained!! read more

Bon Tempe Lake - Human feces in the parking lot!--3rd time this month that I've seen this - Hiking Near Me - Fairfax, California

Really great trails near Alpine Lake, Lake Lagunitas, etc. Nice views of lakes and rugged, winding terrain. Nice hike to Cataract Falls. Decent amount of parking. read more

Do you want an easy hike, a good hike where you can walk the dog, take the kids, have a picnic and observe different kinds of habitats? Then Bon Tempe Lake loop trail is the hike for you. Directions: go to Fairfax Bolinas Rd from Sir Francis Drake Blvd. from Fairfax, go to Sky Oaks Rd. from Fairfax Bolinas Rd and right after the ranger station, there is a little road that goes off to the right. Follow it and soon you should see a parking lot on your left. Stop there and you are at the trail. The hike: Once you hit the trail, you should walk to the Dam and walk along it. You will feel that you are stuck between the two lakes because you are. On the left is Bon Tempe Lake and on the right is the more desolate Alpine Lake. Also to your left is a great photo op of Mt. Tam if the fog decided not to cover the top. Once you finish walking the Dam, take the first trail to your left. Immediately, you will be immersed in the woodland of redwoods, Douglas firs and hardwood trees. This part of the trail is called Bon Tempe Shady side. The forest is quiet, even though Fairfax is not very far. Occasionally, you will see someone but it should be a friendly local. All too soon, the magic will end once you reach Sky Oaks Rd. Walk along it to the left until you reach a trail going to your left. This trail will take you along the Bon Tempe Sunny side. You could take a shortcut by walking along the road but if you want the less explored route, go to your left and follow the lake. The terrain is now Douglas fir and grassland. Soon, you should hit Pine Point without seeing many people. In about 20 minutes after leaving the road, you should hit it again until you reach another trail following the lake. Follow that and you will find grassland which is hot in the summer. All too soon, the hike will end and you will be back at the car. The hike overall is about 4 miles. My only criticisms are that it hits the road too often and part of it is hot in the summer. Still, it is a great hike because of the quiet spots, the Shady side, the easiness of the hike and the great dog walking opportunity make it five stars. read more

headed up there today for a jog. the trail was surprisingly easy with very little incline. gorgeous views of the lake, on both sides from the dam. fairly secluded and quiet. will return for an easy run in the evening time, since there is a 8$ day parking fee at the ranger station. hours are 7am-sunset. read more

Just did a training hike here last weekend with LLS, before one get's down to the parking area, there is a machine where one can pay for parking. The machine does take cash or credit card. I wasn't sure if I had been here before, it turns out that I have been here before. Marin County is gorgeous!!! We hiked about seven miles that day. We had a really good climb in the beginning, once we got to an area where it was evened out we could see beautiful veiws of the coastline. The trails we were on also get commonly used by mountain bikers, so, be aware of that. I also noticed a sign for ticks may be present when one is there, and one thing there also is, but I didn't see much of, poison oak. So many beautiful little lakes and resevoirs around here. Where we went hiking there was a fair amount of shade and sun. People are out fishing, and, again, just some gorgeous, beautiful veiws when your out there. Enjoy the scenery!!! Take supplies, and have a great hike!! read more

Beautiful and easy 3.3 mile hike. Not my first plan for hiking that day, but we took the wrong trail since the sign says to hike towards the dam and found this beautiful hike. The scenery is almost breathtaking. The hike is easy to do and about 70% shaded and cool. The trail seems to be well kept, so you can hike easily. Many people hike with their dogs and you can find lots of nature around you. Love it!! read more

so, this saturday morning i made a wake up call to the beau telling him this time to get ready for a wonderful hike to bon tempe, and in an hour we were riding in the jeep heading to fairfax that will lead us to a narrow, zigzag road. the 5 mile hike was moderate and there were some steep sections along the way. this place made you feel in a different world with it's ragged trails, which are narrow and overgrown with tall, dense thickets of shrubs. such fir and redwood trees blocked out the sky, making it look so lonesome to be out here. trails can be obstructed with dead trees and dry leaves can obscure the paths. you can be easily lost here. overall, i had an awesome experience! read more

Went to this trail in April, very nice weather, 5 miles round trip, an easy hike. You are going to encounter many different environments. It is a great place to spend half day there with your friends or families. read more