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    Phoenix Lake

    4.6 (73 reviews)

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    Phoenix Lake in the far side of the lake has a stretch with redwoods.
    Rachel H.

    Great little hidden hike around Phoenix Lake is a highlight in Marin. We love to walk in nature, and some days we want a strenuous hike with some grueling, "work hard for" views, other days we just want an easy, mellow hike, mostly flat with some gentle ups and downs and the reward of a gorgeous view. Phoenix Lake is the later. The complete walk around the lake can be done in 45 minutes, coming in at three miles. A gentle walk around a small watershed is especially wonderful in the first few weeks in November when the leaves are in the process of turning in the area. There is some up and down steps and some sheer drops on the backside of the lake, so if you bring an older hiker (parent or grandparent) you might just aim for half of the hike without the steps & ups and downs, which will still get you around half the watershed. If you mountain bike, you can start from the parking lot here, and peddle out towards the Laguintas Watershed from Phoenix Lake. The one major limitation of hiking at Phoenix Lake is its very small, parking lot. You may not find a spot to park, or may have to wait a while.

    Chris L.

    One of the most gorgeous Lakes on Planet Earth! I come here occasionally to mountain bike around the Three Lakes. That bike ride is cleverly named "The Three Lakes Ride." On a spring or summer day there's bound to be lots of people here. The locals pretty much know how beautiful this area is. The easiest way to access the lake is to park at Natalie Coffin Greene Park. Then it's a brief slight uphill hike to get to the lake. The lakes in this area are part of the Mount Tamalpais watershed. That is, the water is actually used to provide a Municipal Water Supply. That's why they don't allow you to jump in the lake. So please don't do that. The Marin Water District is in control of this land, and they have Park Rangers who helped watch out for hikers. I happen to meet a very nice Ranger today, who happened to see my bike left near a trail, ans was afraid something had happened to me. He actually waited a half hour to make sure I was okay. The only bad thing about this lake is the access. There are literally only 23 parking spaces at Green Park, which is the main entrance to get to the lake. This morning, at 6:45 a.m., there were literally only four spots left. The spots were all taken at 7 am.

    Joan W.

    To walk around the circumference of the lake is a little under 3 miles. I think most people come just for this and to picnic afterwards but you really can veer off go off on all sorts of different trails in all directions. I've done a few different variations like hiking up to Bald Hill (around 3 miles RT with an amazing view), Deer Park, and to Bon Tempe Lake. You can even get to Mt. Tam from here. My favorite trail is the Bill Williams Trail because it's canopied in trees and you feel like you are in the deep in the woods. During the rainy season there are waterfalls on this part of the trail. The parking situation is pretty sparse, there are only a handful of spots so unless you want to be that person that idles in their car and stalks people waiting for someone to leave it's best to just park in downtown Ross and walk an extra mile. I actually like Bon Tempe and Lake Lagunitas better because you see more lake and I enjoy the drive out there however Phoenix lake is better if you want something closer to civilization and don't want to pay $8 for parking.

    Rebecca C.

    It's been a long time since my last visit to Phoenix Lake. I did the hike recently around the lake and soaked up all the breathtaking viewpoints of the lake. I couldn't stop taking pictures! The hike from the parking lot is a gradual incline and some steps before you see the lake. The majority of the trail is flat with a few inclines here and there. It's a great hike if you want to get your heart rate up. There are some pretty cool steps about the half way point. The redwood trees are stunning, you don't have to go to Muir Woods to see these magnificent giants. Getting to the lake can be a bit tricky. Turn left at the stoplight in front of the Marin Art and Garden Center in Ross. Parking is limited so make sure you get there extra early on the weekends.

    Ryan A.

    I feel so guilty to now only being exposed to this wonderful outdoor location right in my backyard. I guess this falls into the "better late than never" saying as I was very happy to spend some time trekking it up at this location. Fearing the parking situation I decided to show up early, and when I say early, I mean over an hour before a group activity either to wait or worst case explore the area. Found a parking space right away and started the journey solo for an hour, absolutely stunning grounds and connects to many other local trails, so forget about a short trek if that is what you believe you stumbled upon. A huge plus is the fact that the multiple trails offer different levels of exertion, and me being the foolish self that I am, I found the most difficult one to hike solo (Eldridge Ridge). I feel bad that I missed out on all the other trails today, but count me in for round two through 20 or until all are complete. Side note, beware of the three leafed menace that is overtaking paths during the warm months.

    Denisa L.

    It was a great hike! A little under 3 miles.. Lots of shade! It was hard to find parking. We had to park down the street & walk up. It wasn't that bad... about 15 min walk up.

    Kevin B.

    Phoenix Lake is still one of my favorite places to hike. As I mentioned in my previous review (2015), this park is a "slice oh Heaven on earth." Or, at the very least, it's like a little piece of Europe in our backyard. Pros: - Spectacular scenery (the lake; the trees; the friendly wildlife) - can't beat it! - Dog-friendly (so long as they're on leash) + Biker-Friendly. - plenty of benches with beautiful, lake-side views - hiking trails for all fitness levels (if you're not much of a hiker, you can still enjoy yourself without working up too much of a sweat.). - the entire property is beautifully landscaped and maintained. Everything is immaculate! - bathrooms in the parking lot Cons (actually, I only have two... but they're big ones): - The parking situation. You have this spectacular park and only 15 parking spaces in the lot. What really sucks is that there's plenty of space in their parking area to accommodate more cars, but they don't open it up. And then the nearest spot to park your car is a good half mile away. It really takes away from the whole experience. - If you've never been here before, it's kind of hard to find. Don't rely on GPS because it might take you on a wild goose chase. All in all, Phoenix Lake is totally worth a visit. Whether you're a hiker or biker, there's plenty to see here.

    lizard
    Ron L.

    Here's a multipurpose getaway not far from civilization. It's a cute little lake that offers a good range of options. One is to hike around the lake itself. This is a short jaunt which, while not very easy, is still easy enough for most people to do. I just went around the lake with a hunny that needs walking sticks for these kind of trails and did not have them this time, and a 7-year-old girl, and they both handled it fine, although my hunny was a little tired at the end. The beginning is tough if you're out of shape because it's all uphill, but it's not a steep uphill. And there are several wooden staircases on the foot-traffic-only portion, one is the infamous 70 steps. Your dog will love it too. The other is to use Phoenix Lake as a trailhead for a long trek into the Marin Watershed. Eldridge Grade starts here, and you can hike or bike to the top of Mt. Tam. Or you can bike to Five Corners and go in many different directions, and the trails range from somewhat flat to quite gnarly. The scenery is typical inner Marin County: muy bueno. The lake is pretty even when it's low on water. Lots of shade on the trail, with several exposed areas. We even heard a coyote howl, then saw that same coyote a few minutes later. Little water and few restrooms. For more photo options, you can go on the long treks. As a bonus, there's a small picnic area at the small parking lot. I'd love to give it 5 stars, but there are two things that probably can't get fixed: (1) Small parking lot, and the surrounding streets are No Parking zones, so you're looking at a much longer walk if you need to park outside. Weekends are the worst. You can solve this problem by buying one of the surrounding little abodes for only five million dollars, and walking in; such a deal! (2) Most mountain bikers are considerate, but on the first portion, we were almost run over by a yahoo who came around a blind curve fast without bothering to slow down. I found in my mountain biking days that this is to be expected, and as much as the biking community pleads for everyone to be considerate and SLOW DOWN on these blind curves, the yahoos will always be with us to spoil it for the rest. A gorgeous hike that I hope you can fit into your schedule.

    John M.

    St Patrick's Day brought a welcome respite from the rain. To celebrate all things green on this day, the girlfriend & I made it out to Phoenix Lake, yet another hidden pocket of outdoor beauty in Marin. At the trailhead to the lake there is a parking lot, but it's tiny. To get 1 of these precious few parking spaces, the best time to go is during the week, on a Holiday, right when most folks are heading to pubs. At least that's how it worked out for us. The Phoenix Lake area isn't nearly as big as some other outdoor places in Marin, but there's no lack of little hiking trails through the hills surrounding the lake. Also, despite it's smaller size, Phoenix Lake still delivers that mystical sense of isolation that so many places in Marin provides. Not too far away is the city, but there's no hint of that here. Phoenix Lake is a beautiful little hidden gem that is a wonderful & not distant place for fresh air, outdoor activity & quick decompression, if you can find parking.

    View of the lake
    Shira W.

    Phoenix Lake is a great place to go for a lifetime of workout motivation. I love biking the trails here up to 5 Corners, but it's always humbling to have a 60-year-old woman pass you on the way up. Since it's Marin, she's most likely been training since I was born. Regardless of your speed, the trails here are so much fun. From the parking lot in Ross, it's a quick climb to the beautiful lake where hikers and dog walkers share the trail. There's an easy, shaded loop around the lake for hikers, but if you stay to the right of the lake, the trails continue up Mt Tam. There are multiple paths to choose from, but I like the one up to 5 Corners. It's a nice, continuous upward slope to five more paths. There's one that continues up the mountain at the steeper incline and another that allows you to race down to Fairfax. You can also coast down the one you just came up. What's really nice thing about Phoenix Lake is that there are trails for any level. It's a hiker and bikers' playground with endless possibilities for adventures.

    Heaven on Earth? Quite possibly.

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    Lovely lake to hike around. You can also mountain bike to Mount Tam from there. Parking can be challenging on weekends.

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    My favorite easy hike in Marin! It's a 3 mile trek to go around the reservoir. Always very serene and rarely crowded.

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    Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals - Fish 1

    Lake Berryessa Boat & Jet Ski Rentals

    (350 reviews)

    We love Marty and his crew!! They really take the time to…read moremake sure that we were happy and would enjoy our day on the lake. They made sure we had everything we needed and really made us feel special. They are easy to use as they make it easy to book, register, and get onto the lake - way better than any other place to rent boats! Josh and Jeremy were GREAT! We highly recommend and will definitely be returning next summer!!!!

    *Great & Amazing Experience, I will come again sometime*…read more This was my first time choosing to rent from this company. I was worried that I had to rent a U-Haul pickup truck to tow their equipment. No Worries!! After making a reservation online, you show up on time. Time is important, it was quite a drive and I was 30 minutes late to my reservation. It was all good, I made it on time to enjoy the jet skis! Upon arrival, a person will brief you everything. Once completed, you follow the person towing your rental to the launch gate. Parking is $20, cash only! From there, you will enjoy your rental! Despite my experience, I did ran through a problem during my rental. I followed their rules and yet I got a warning light. Called the phone number they have given me, luckily I was with a buddy. They sent guys out to tow the jet ski, thank you! After we got back, no problems or damages were found on both jet skis. Small issue was oil overfill during the time the jet ski went through maintenance. It was understandable but I was given $25 for my next rental and refund back. We've taken it with care and hope someday to return to have fun!! S/O to the staff, thank you once again :)

    Natalie Coffin Greene Park

    Natalie Coffin Greene Park

    (12 reviews)

    Natalie Coffin Greene Park is a quiet, scenic gem that's perfect for a peaceful walk or a bit of…read moremountain biking. There's a small parking lot near the entrance and a few paths that lead you right into the park. The shaded trails make it a pleasant stroll and it was surprisingly uncrowded even on a weekend, which made for a very relaxed visit. The area is clean and has a calm, natural beauty. Definitely a lowkey scenic spot worth checking out. Just a heads-up: some of the trails aren't very well maintained and a few of the small cross bridges have been removed, so watch your step. Still, it's a lovely place to unwind and enjoy some nature away from the crowds.

    This was our first time at this particular park and we wanted to check out Phone Lake lake! We were…read moreactually out there rose garden nearby and I looked up on yelp what other good walks or trails were nearby and everyone kept boasting about Phoenix lake! Come early or prepared yourself to wait for someone to finish the hike which is about 20 minutes maybe 45 if you have a dog that wants to sniff everything along the way. Lol there's only about 20 parking spaces and the next area you can park in is a good mile away! Lol , unless you want a longer walk, be prepared to wait and politely turn off your car so you are not admitting aerosol into the park. There's actually a sign that says this which I've actually never thought of but I think it's cute and very quaint of them to add that particular sign. There are two trails you can go on a road road, our dog started off on the high road probably because horses can go on that road and my puppies liked the smell! Lol we ventured out towards the lake. My dogs got tired and we had to loop back. So sadly, we didn't get out to the lake this particular time, but we have to go earlier in the morning next time. There's also bathrooms that are regular bathrooms as well as a couple of benches in a waiting area along the way perhaps it's like a little cabin outdoor area picnic benches, but it looks like the park is used for something with a bigger group of people. We started our walk around 2 PM and this was our 6 mile walk for the day so I'm pretty sure they were tired. Since we have working dogs, they like to walk a lot but sometimes they get lazy. I was also very impressed with all the foliage coverage and the fact it was 2 o'clock in the afternoon and we weren't getting sunburned!! so I was very excited for that especially since our huskies have their own winter coats! Lol we will definitely come back here again to check out Phoenix lake and walk all the way out but probably first thing in the morning so we can get all the way there and back!

    Safe Harbor Loch Lomond - Tam in the background of a refreshing walk

    Safe Harbor Loch Lomond

    (17 reviews)

    This is a really nice place to come for a walk. I discovered it after a trip to Andy's which is a…read moregreat market. It's about a mile and a half from the beginning of the parking lot to the end and back. There are bathrooms at Andy's as well at the beginning of the trailhead. The trail is along the water and you can see Mount Tam, the Richmond Bridge, and the East Bay in the distance as well as East and West Marin Island which are close in distance. Many birds like herons flock to this area. It's great for a stop to walk around if on a drive through China Camp.

    Some marinas are well-managed. Loch Lomond is not one of them…read more The location is charming--the weather's usually pleasant, the views are lovely, and Andy's Market next door is a gem. But none of that makes up for the absolute disaster that is this marina's management. Power at the slips is unreliable--often dipping as low as 206 volts on a 50-amp pedestal, well below safe standards for sensitive equipment. Report basic maintenance issues, like leaky spigots, and you'll be met with silence. Maybe it's a revolutionary self-cleaning dock feature that I'm not privy to. Far more troubling, though, is the culture of selective rule-making and enforcement. Pat, the harbormaster, zips up and down the dock on a scooter, seemingly deciding who gets harassed and who gets a pass. Christine splits her time between marina duties and bartending at the yacht club, bringing inconsistency and attitude to both. In fact, the dysfunction here is so pronounced that it made headlines. A Marin Independent Journal article from 2013 (with several follow-up updates) details a surreal incident in which a marina regular bit off Pat's finger during a dispute in the vacant lot next door (now occupied by the housing development known as "The Strand"). The man had been building a catamaran out of Home Depot parts--destined for Hawaii. Sounds unbelievable--until you've spent time here. Then it just feels like another day at Loch Lomond. I briefly served as the entertainment director for the yacht club, and while the members were gracious and welcoming, their warmth couldn't compensate for the mismanagement that defines the harbor itself. Avoid--unless you're nostalgic for chaos.

    Petaluma Stand Up Paddle - One of our Newer Ohana stopped by on the way to a cocktail party

    Petaluma Stand Up Paddle

    (30 reviews)

    We've been talking about trying out some kayaks on the Petaluma river for a while and we finally…read moredecided to do it. What a great experience! With six of us (including three kids and a dog), we needed two tandem and two single kayaks. The guys at Petaluma Paddle were great. On the phone, Drew helped me figure out what we needed - at the river, Chad was super helpful and got us going quickly. We were in our way. About 40 minutes later we made it to the turning basin where we docked and then walked into town for lunch. The timing was perfect, left at around noon as the tide took us up the river and on the way back the Petaluma wind was at our back. Glad we finally made it out, was great to see Petaluma from the river. Will definitely be back!!

    Yelp doesn't only help when you're hungry. It helps when you want to be active as well…read more Today we decided to try something new. Something we've never done before. We decided it was going to be Paddle Boarding. I called Petaluma Stand Up Paddle earlier in the week to get the low down. Jessica filled me in on how things operate. Today, I got the pleasure of meeting Jessica and Drew the owner. They got us all set up and have us a tutorial for us newbs. We rented our boards for $20/hr Or $65/day. They offer downwind paddles and other guided tours in their 2 other locations. Paddle Boarding seemed very novice. Anyone can do it. And you should do it especially if you're looking for a good core and upper body workout. You can paddle into Petaluma and have some lunch and paddle back. We did paddle twards town but never made it all the way. I think they said it was about a mile ? Along our paddle, we saw Blue Herons and Egrets hunting for their lunch. We watched as they caught and ate the fish. While we paddled, a parade of ducks joined us in the paddle. There were so many birds everywhere. We also saw jellyfish in the river. That was unexpected and neat to see. On the way back, the Smart train passed right in front of us. The passengers on the train waved as we waived back. We will be back and will hopefully bring others along with us. THANK YOU DREW AND JESS AT PETALUMA STAND UP PADDLE :-)

    Phoenix Lake - hiking - Updated May 2026

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