A hidden gem in Ross, CA ~ Phoenix Lake

Last weekend the public schools in Marin County had off for “ski week”. We didn’t ski we went hiking instead. The day stated by waking up early in the morning, a light breakfast and then we were out the door. My son and I drove north and decided to cruise through LarkspurNatalie Coffin Greene Park . We took Magnolia Ave to Kent Ave until we weaved our way to Lagunitas Ave in Ross eventually ending up at to do a leisurely hike around Phoenix Lake.

On the drive to Phoenix Lake you’ll see some of  the most beautiful homes in Marin County. Large and stately, brown shingled and gargantuan! You’ll also notice about 50+ “no parking” signs littering the street of Lagunitas Ave.  I’ve never seen so many no parking signs in one stretch of pavement before. Along the drive you’ll also see lots of walkers with strollers, dogs on leashes and groups of bikers. The drive in itself and the homes that you get to see is worth the trip itself.  Just before you hit the park on the left is the Lagunitas Tennis Club, take a minute and stop in the lodge. It’s beautiful and spectacular and a perfect pit stop before you head on in for your hike.

The road to Natalie Coffin Greene Park / Phoenix Lake deadends into a tiny parking lot with maybe 15 parking spots at most. If you’re smart you’ll just park it and wait for the next person coming down the hill to jump in their car because there is no parking in Ross that’s close to the park. You can’t park at the tennis club so your only option is to either park near the elementary school at Ross’ entrance and enjoy the long walk to the park’s entrance or just sit a while. A spot will finally open up.

Once you get out of the car make sure to bring your water bottel. There’s only one water fountain and that’s after the first curve in the road if you start walking towards the left.  The path is wide and flat and its shared with runners and bikers alike.

 Towards the end just past the log cabin the path leans to the left and you walk along the water’s edge and up narrower trails. It takes a leisurely hour and a half if you stop to look at stumps, interesting moss patterns on trees and/or to take pictures. 

Phoenix Lake in Ross, CA is a hidden gem. Bring a picnic, bring your family and bring your dog (leash required) everyone will have a blast and its only 10 minutes drive from Mill Valley and Tiburon/Belvedere.