MT. TAM: NORTH SIDE HIKE ALONG 3 LAKES

MT. TAM: NORTH SIDE HIKE ALONG 3 LAKES

Hike Date:  Saturday, August 19, 2023

Leader:  Gary Weiss

Leader Email:  gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415-279-5570

Meeting Time:  8:45 AM

Departure Time:  Shortly after 8:45 AM

Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  6.75 miles

Elevation Gain: 1000'

Description: Filling in the hiking calendar with one of my favorite short hikes for the warm summer days.  We'll start at the Bon Tempe Dam parking lot, following Alpine Lake for a while before getting to a beautiful single track trail that follows the perimeter of the lake.  At about 2.25 miles we'll head up one of the most exquisite slopes of the Van Wyck watershed, shortly arriving at Really Hidden Lake.  I make sure to visit this spectacular area frequently; it's one of the most peaceful spots on the mountain.  This is the first year that I can remember that there is still plenty of water in the lake this late in the summer.  From there we'll continue, gradually up a bit more to the Split Rock on Lagoon Extension.  From there we begin our descent to the Shady Side of Bon Tempe Lake - our 3rd for the day.  This beautiful trail will take us back to the dam and the cars. 
This hike is 95% shaded.  Dogs are always welcome in the Marin Watershed.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen, good hiking shoes and poles if you use them for a couple of steep downhills.

Weather Policy:  Hike will take place rain or shine. 

Trailhead Meeting Place: If you'd prefer to meet us at the trailhead, take US 101 to the San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake Blvd. exit. Stay on SF Drake for a bit over 5 miles. After passing a tiny gas station on the left there will be a quick left onto Pacheco and an immediate right onto Broadway. At the first Stop sign go left onto Bolinas-Fairfax Rd. Continue for about a mile until you see a large sign on the left that says: Lake Lagunitas, Alpine Lake, Bon Tempe Lake... Turn left here.  At the pay station pay $8 then continue on the road to the first (dirt) road on the right.  Take this for a while until you see a large parking area on the left.  If it's full you can either wait until someone leaves or continue on the road to the parking area at the end - then return. Google Maps Link
(Carpool to save on the $8 parking fee)

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving mileage to and from San Francisco: 47 miles

Entrance Fee: $8 per car