Top 20 Lakes around Corte Madera
Best lakes around Corte Madera offer a variety of water-based recreation and natural exploration opportunities. While Corte Madera itself features man-made lagoons and a significant marsh, the surrounding Marin County area provides access to several notable reservoirs. These water bodies are integral to the region's landscape, supporting diverse ecosystems and serving as popular destinations for outdoor activities. The area's geography includes tidal marshes, creeks, and reservoirs nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais.
Best lakes around Corte Madera
- The most popular lakes is Phoenix Lake, a lake that offers family-friendly trails for hiking and biking. It is known for its incredibly blue waters and is a popular spot for outdoor recreation.
- Another must-see spot is Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing, a facilities area that provides ferry service and access to a car-free island for hikers and bikers. The island offers a rich history and natural beauty for exploration.
- Visitors also love Bolinas to Fairfax Road, a trail that features a nice climb through magnificent trees and a lovely lake in the middle. This route is a key component for road bike rides through Marin.
- Corte Madera is known for man-made lagoons, tidal marshes, and reservoirs. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from urban waterways with walking paths to larger reservoirs offering hiking, biking, and fishing.
- The lakes around Corte Madera are appreciated by the komoot community, with 27 upvotes and 34 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing
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Bolinas to Fairfax Road
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Narrow without shoulders but usually little traffic and those that drive are used to respect the many bikes that share the road.
Bring water, as the next fill up after Fairfax is either at Mount Tam or Stinson.
From here West Ridgecrest Road continues to climb toward the Rockspring intersection which either goes left to the summit of Mount Tam or right to Pantoll and the Panoramic highway.
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Bothin Marsh Preserve
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For more info, check out: marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/divisions/open-space/bothin-marsh
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Remillard Park π³
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Phoenix Lake
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Tips from the Community
The Angel Island Ferry Landing in Ayala Cove offers regular passenger ferry service to Tiburon and San Francisco. The Angel Island to Tiburon Ferry provides a 15-minute crossing of the Racoon Strait to the Tiburon Ferry Terminal. The island is car-free, providing safe trails to hikers and bikers. Unlike the Tiburon and Sausalito ferry piers, private boats can moor at Ayala Cove Pier under Angel Island State Park's rules. Late in the day, lines can grow long, and on busy dates, visitors may be left waiting at the pier when the ferry reaches capacity.
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Your description paints a vivid picture of an incredible biking experience. The road may be narrow, but it sounds like the tranquility and minimal traffic make it a perfect spot for a peaceful and scenic ride through Marin. For more info visit: https://ustransportationcompanies.com/highway/limo-car-services-in-shrewsbury-massachusetts/ Professional Limo Car Services in Shrewsbury MA
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This island is the largest in San Francisco Bay, with a long history. It has been a hunting and gathering location for the local native tribes, a haven and supply stop for Spanish explorers, a cattle ranch, a place to process hundreds of thousands of immigrants, and a refuge for the military dating back to the Civil War era, up to the 1960s. The island's transition into a California State Park took over to protect the remains of the former immigration and quarantine stations, as well as military defense installations, and allow visitors to enjoy this beautiful hidden gem surrounded by the urban Bay area. Ayala Cove is the landing area for Angel Island State Park and is only accessible by ferry. It is a passage from Tiburon or a longer ride from San Francisco. From here, the entire island is car-free and reserved for hikers and bikers to explore this fantastic island.
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Small park with a waterfront path that has benches for soaking in the views!
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Nice climb through magnificent trees and lovely lake in the middle.
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On Shaver Grade Road, you get to ride along the incredibly blue waters of Phoenix Lake.
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Landing of the short ferry from Tiburon or the longer ride from San Francisco. From here the entire island is car-free, reserved for hikers and bikers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular lakes for outdoor recreation near Corte Madera?
While Corte Madera has local lagoons and marshes, the most popular lakes for recreation are found in the surrounding Marin County area. Phoenix Lake is a favorite for family-friendly hiking and biking. Bon Tempe Lake is known for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, while Lake Lagunitas offers a charming loop trail, picnicking, and fishing.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes near Corte Madera?
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Phoenix Lake features gentle trails suitable for children and is great for wildlife viewing. Lake Lagunitas also has picnic areas and a pleasant loop trail, often shaded, making it ideal for families. Lagoon Park in Corte Madera offers walking paths and picnic areas around its lagoon.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes and surrounding natural areas are rich in wildlife. At Phoenix Lake, you might spot turtles and river otters. Bon Tempe Lake is excellent for birdwatching, and Lake Lagunitas is known for sunning turtles and various waterfowl. The Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve is a significant habitat for various bird species, including great blue herons and egrets, as well as rodents and raccoons.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near Corte Madera?
Yes, fishing is permitted in some of the Marin Municipal Water District reservoirs. Bon Tempe Lake is recognized for its rainbow trout and bass fishing opportunities. Lake Lagunitas also allows trout fishing. However, fishing is not permitted at Lagoon Park in Corte Madera.
Are there hiking trails near these lakes?
Absolutely! The area offers numerous hiking opportunities. Phoenix Lake has family-friendly trails with gentle slopes. Bon Tempe Lake features scenic trails like Shadyside and Sunnyside. Lake Lagunitas has a pleasant 1.5 to 2-mile loop trail. For more options, you can explore the hiking guide for Corte Madera, which includes routes like the Corte Madera Marsh Path and Phyllis Ellman Loop Trail.
Are there cycling routes available around the lakes?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Phoenix Lake offers trails suitable for biking. The Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path, which passes through Bothin Marsh Preserve, is paved and offers connections to other areas. You can find more cycling options in the cycling guide for Corte Madera, including routes like the Paradise Beach County Park loop.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Corte Madera?
The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful with wildflowers around Bon Tempe Lake. The shaded trails around Lake Lagunitas are pleasant during warmer months. Winter offers opportunities for hiking in the watershed. Always check local conditions before your visit.
Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on leash at many locations. For example, you can walk dogs on leash around Phoenix Lake. Always check specific trail regulations as rules can vary by park or preserve.
Where can I find parking for popular lake trails?
For Phoenix Lake, parking is available at Natalie Coffin Greene Park. For other lakes and trailheads, it's advisable to check specific park websites or trail descriptions for parking information.
Are there any historical sites or unique landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, the area has historical significance. The Ayala Cove - Angel Island Ferry Landing provides access to Angel Island, which has a rich history as a hunting ground for native tribes, a supply stop for explorers, an immigration station, and a military post. The island is car-free and offers historical exploration alongside natural beauty.
Can I kayak or canoe in the Corte Madera area?
Yes, Corte Madera Creek offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Public launch points, such as Higgins Landing, are available. The calm waters of the creek are suitable for all experience levels and provide scenic views, including those of Mount Tamalpais.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails near the lakes?
Yes, the Bothin Marsh Preserve features a paved section of the Sausalito-Mill Valley bike path, which is wheelchair accessible. This preserve offers a quiet inlet and opportunities for birdwatching.
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