Sports
Hike or Run around Phoenix Lake
Phoenix Lake provides a vibrant spring hike around the lake on a single track and fire road. It's a three to five mile hike or run. Dogs on leash are welcome.
is a small gem tucked into the shadow of Mount Tam. The lake is about three miles around and makes a great small hike or run. There is a small single track that begins at the Lagunitas Country Club, just before the entrance to the Natalie Coffin Greene Park. It takes off near a drinking fountain in the redwoods. This trail parallels the entrance road and goes all the way to the dam. It is a good alternative to the entry road with its car traffic.
Several springs along the trail are flowing more than we expected. The heavy rains have apparently pumped up the groundwater. Anticipation builds as you hear the spillway from a distance and begin to catch glimpses of it through the trees. The beautiful lake scene greets you as you break out of the woods and onto the dam. From there, we like to go clockwise around the lake.
The backside single track is shady and well tramped, and contains some striking flora. Right now, the irises are blooming mostly yellow and white. But with this heat, the wild roses, with their small airy foliage will soon be flowering. Their dainty pink blooms are a graceful contrast to showy garden roses.
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The base of the Phoenix Lake dam lies in Natalie Coffin Greene Park of Ross. There is parking there and shady picnic areas alongside the stream coming off the lake. Fingerling fish dart around in the stream. The picnic grounds are a great place on a hot day to play next to the stream.
The lake is a very popular spot for local residents. Mountain bikers head out past the lake to reach Shaver and Eldridge grades. Runners also use the lake access as a starting point for longer adventures up on Mt. Tam and environs.
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We recommend going midweek to avoid the crowds and limited parking. You can park in Natalie Coffin Greene park or just outside the park on Lagunitas Road - just don't park in the Lagunitas Country Club lot as it is private property. If you go on a weekend you may need to start at Ross Commons, and even there parking can be at a premium.
See the book "Hiking Marin: 141 Great Hikes in Marin County" for more details. Click here to go the Marin Trails website, where you can find more information about the book.
