Backyard Sierra

With bright blue water, ospreys soaring overhead and evergreens towering all around, Bon Tempe feels like a secluded lake in the Sierra Nevada. Surprise! It's one of the five pocket lakes on Mt. Tam's northern flank, and the water supply for many Marin homes. You'll never lose sight of this blue beauty as you hike the flat 3.8-mile trail that circles its shore; this lakeside loop is a solitude-seeker's haven, with just the occasional dog walker or fisherman (from late October through May, the reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout) sauntering by. Start this clockwise loop on the wide-open Sunnyside Trail with fantastic views of Mt. Tam; finish on the Shadyside Trail hiking through madrones, Douglas fir, and plenty of ferns. Along the way, savor the Sierra Nevada-like silence—just 3 miles from the big Pacific. Let the Bon Tempe roll!

BONUS: Post-hike, treat yourself to a tasty scoop of honey vanilla lavender ice cream from Fairfax Scoop in Fairfax (63 Broadway).

Bon Tempe Lake is on Mt. Tamalpais Watershed land. There is a day use fee of $7. To get there from Hwy 101 in Marin: Exit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. toward San Anselmo and follow it west 6 miles to Fairfax. Turn left on Pastori, immediately right on Broadway, then left on Bolinas (aka Bolinas-Fairfax Rd.). Go 1.5 miles on Bolinas Rd. to Sky Oaks Rd.; turn left. This takes you into the park. Make your first right after the entrance toward Bon Tempe. Drive .5 mile and park. Walk past the wooden gate and go left on the Bon Tempe Sunnyside Trail (right is the Shadyside Trail). When you get to the road, cross it and follow the wooden stairs and trail to the right. Continue right at the fork after 100 feet. When you reach the bathrooms, go up and behind them. Follow trail signs to make a big loop around the lake (map PDF). Dog friendly!