Bon Tempe Lake
 
Bon Tempe Lake Close Up
 
Alpine Lake
 
Phoenix Lake
 

Living in Marin means one can easily enjoy the benefits of the stunning Pacific Coast to the west and the vast San Francisco bay to the east. But did you know that Marin is also home to at least 21 lakes?

Many of us know about the big ones. Bon Tempe Lake, located near Fairfax, is for some the most beautiful, with its royal blue water and golden hillsides dotted with lush green trees. Fishing, and hiking and biking around Bon Tempe are very popular. Just adjacent to Bon Tempe is Lake Lagunitas, favored by many for picnics, and its shady, more level grade. Alpine Lake is also a popular destination in the Fairfax area. Phoenix Lake, in the hills above Ross, is another favorite, as is sunny Stafford Lake in Novato.

Further exploration of the county, however, reveals many more scenic lakes. For example, in the area called Double Point just north of Bolinas, you’ll find Bass Lake, Pelican Lake and Crystal Lake. Bass Lake is the only lake in Marin (that we know of) that allows swimming – it even has a rope swing. Two other lakes in this area are Ocean Lake and Wildcat Lake.

Farther out, towards Point Reyes you’ll find the Soulajule Reservoir and the Nicasio Reservoir.

Though often requiring a hike of some sort, the sapphire and emerald lakes of Marin County offer a peaceful alternative to the beach and the bay and are well worth the effort.

Have you been to some of these lesser known lakes? Please share your opinion of them.

Marin County Lakes: 

Hagmaier Pond South (Bolinas area)
Abbotts Lagoon (Drakes Bay area)  
Kent Lake (Bolinas area) 
Bass Lake (Double Point area, just north of Bolinas)
Crystal Lake (Double Point area)
Mill Pond (Double Point area)
Ocean Lake (Double Point area)
Pelican Lake (Double Point area)
Wildcat Lake (Double Point area)
Alpine Lake (Fairfax area)
Bon Tempe Lake (Fairfax area)
Lake Lagunitas (Fairfax area)
Nicasio Reservoir (Inverness area)
Scottsdale Pond (Novato area)
Stafford Lake (Novato area)
Big Lagoon (Point Bonita area)
Rodeo Lagoon (Point Bonita area)
Soulajule Reservoir (Point Reyes NE area)
Arroyo Sausal Reservoir (Point Reyes NE area)

Credit for all photos: Vicens Vilà 

Follow along as the full list unfolds – 100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live

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Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors