Top 13 Lakes around Marin

The lakes in Marin County offer a variety of outdoor activities, primarily focused on hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. While swimming and boating are generally prohibited to protect water quality, you'll find extensive trail networks. For example, hiking around Marin is very popular, with options ranging from easy loops to more challenging ascents. You can also find mountain biking trails and running routes in the vicinity.

Yes, several lakes are excellent for families. Lake Lagunitas is particularly ideal, offering a mostly flat 1.5-mile loop trail perfect for kids, biking, and strollers. It also has a large picnic area, restrooms, and drinking water. Phoenix Lake is another great option with gentle slopes suitable for family hikes and bike rides, and it's a good spot for wildlife viewing.

Leashed dogs are permitted on trails around several lakes. You can bring your dog to Bon Tempe Lake, which features a popular 4.1-mile loop trail. Soulajule Reservoir also allows leashed dogs on its trails and ranch roads.

For easy hikes, consider the 1.5-mile loop trail around Lake Lagunitas, which is mostly flat and offers beautiful views. Phoenix Lake also has trails with gentle slopes suitable for a relaxed walk. For a slightly longer but still accessible option, Alpine Lake features a peaceful 2.8-mile loop trail.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at many Marin County lakes. Bon Tempe Lake is known for good trout fishing due to regular stocking. You can also fish for bass at Phoenix Lake and Nicasio Reservoir, which also offers crappie. Soulajule Reservoir is a tranquil spot for bass and occasional crappie, while Stafford Lake is good for warm-water fishing like bass, bluegill, and catfish. Lake Lagunitas allows trout fishing with a limit of two per day. Remember to check local regulations and permit requirements.

Soulajule Reservoir is often described as one of the prettiest hidden spots in the Bay Area. Located in remote northwestern Marin County, it offers a tranquil fishing experience and sweeping views from its surrounding hills, away from busier areas.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. Bon Tempe Lake is home to diverse bird and animal life. At Phoenix Lake, you might spot turtles, river otters, and various birds. Lake Lagunitas is known for deer, red-tailed hawks, and waterfowl. These areas provide excellent opportunities for nature observation.

Access and parking are generally available, though conditions vary. For Soulajule Reservoir, access and parking are free. Stafford Lake, however, charges a parking fee. Many lakes, particularly those managed by the Marin Municipal Water District, are accessible via trailheads with designated parking areas, though specific details can vary by location.

Many of Marin County's lakes are reservoirs with historical significance related to the region's water supply. Alpine Lake was formed by the Alpine Dam, completed in 1917, and Phoenix Lake is one of seven reservoirs created by the MMWD in 1912. Lake Lagunitas is the oldest lake in the Mount Tamalpais watershed, and Bon Tempe Lake was formed by a dam built in 1948.

Generally, swimming and boating are prohibited in most Marin County lakes, as many of them, like Kent Lake, serve as sources of drinking water for the Marin Municipal Water District. This restriction helps maintain water quality. Always check specific regulations for each lake before planning your visit.

Bon Tempe Lake is popular for its diverse bird and animal life, spring wildflowers, and excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. It features a scenic 4.1-mile loop trail with varied landscapes, including redwood groves and open spaces, and offers impressive views of both Bon Tempe and Alpine Lakes, as well as Mount Tamalpais.

Alpine Lake offers a peaceful and scenic environment, often quieter than other nearby lakes. It's an excellent spot for hiking around its wooded shorelines, with a 2.8-mile loop trail providing beautiful views. While not regularly stocked, anglers can still find bass and occasional rainbow trout.