Lake Bon Tempe, Rocky Ridge Hike (1/31) Preview

As far as Dick Jordan (writing from far-flung Eugene, Oregon) can recall, the Tuesday Meanderers have never done this hike in the MMWD Watershed in the past nine years.

Here's Wendy's description of the hike: "After we cross the dam we have about an hour of uphill walking, but we’ll take it slowly admiring the sweeping views of the lakes and checking out the early wildflowers. Lunch by the lake."

Directions to trailhead: Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard into Fairfax. Jog left and make an immediate right in front of the movie theater.  

The first left puts you on Bolinas Avenue. Follow this until you see the sign on your left for Lake Bon Tempe and Lake Lagunitas. 

Follow the road to the Sky Oaks Ranger Station. Pull over and park on the right and pay the $8 day-use fee (unless you own an MMWD pass). You can use a credit card, $1, $5, or $10 bills (but not coins or $20 bills) at the automated pay station.

Annual watershed area parking passes for Marin residents are $60 ($30 for those 62 and older). You can buy them online or at the MMWD main office in Corte Madera.

Then continue driving toward Lake Lagunitas. When you reach the right turn marked Lake Bon Tempe, turn right onto a dirt road that takes you to the parking lot by the dam. 

Click here for a Google Maps map that shows the trailhead at the Bon Tempe dam.  Click on the teardrop icon to get directions and driving times from your location.

Portables at trailhead. Time: 25 minutes from COM.

25 minutes from the College of Marin to Deer Park School. Carpool from St. Rita Church in Fairfax at 9:20 a.m.

Weather forecast: As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service forecast for the day of the hike was a slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. (Click here for an updated National Weather service forecast.)

More on this hike: Dick thinks he may have done this hike with his wife and a friend some years back. Unfortunately, he no longer owns a copy of the Martins' book, Hiking Marin, which may or may not have details on the hike.

However, the Hiking Project Website shows a hike that may be the one that Wendy plans to do (although perhaps in the reverse direction).