MT. TAM WATERSHED: 3 LAKES TO TUCKER TRAIL

MT. TAM WATERSHED: 3 LAKES TO TUCKER TRAIL

Hike Date:  Saturday, October 5, 2024

Leader:  Gary Weiss

Leader Email:  gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415 279-5570

SF Carpooling Meeting Location: Whole Foods;  2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below.
Please only show up at at the meeting place if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

East Bay Carpooling Meeting Location: Rockridge BART, bottom of the escalator.

Carpooling Meeting Times:  9:00 AM from SF OR Rockridge, departing shortly afterwards.

Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  8.5 miles (IF HEAT PERSISTS WE'LL DO A SLIGHTLY SHORTER, ALMOST ENTIRELY SHADED ALTERNATIVE - same times & location)

Elevation Gain: 1450'

Description: After scouting the full route I decided to change it up a bit from the one originally posted.  We now start at the Lake Lagunitas parking lot.  We'll begin by climbing to the top of Pilot Knob where we'll view what happens when idiots think it's a good idea to do a controlled burn during the driest month of the year.  The top of the Knob still has one of the most amazing views on the mountain. Next we'll meet the Tucker Trail a short time later, one of my favorite trails through the redwoods.  After some more beautiful redwood forest we'll walk  along the full length of the shady side of Phoenix Lake.  Next is a bit of uphill giving us dramatic views of the surrounding area and Mt. Tam's profile.  We'll return to the cars walking the full length of Pumpkin Ridge, with views of Lake Bon Tempe.  This hike includes several ascents and descents, but all are gradual.  Dogs are always allowed in the Marin Water District.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring plenty of water, lunch, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them.  And chocolate!

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.

(Possible alternative meeting place for those who prefer to carpool the last couple of miles to avoid paying the $8 entrance fee. Please let me know if you're interested in meeting at the Fairfax Parkade: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZptYEJZWnpGsBHXP9)

Trailhead Meeting Place: Exit Hwy 101 at San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Continue on Sir Francis Drake, bearing left at the Red Hill intersection to stay on Sir Francis Drake for a bit over 6 miles.  Once in Fairfax and you've passed the giant Good Earth store, turn left immediately past a tiny gas station on your left, then an immediate right onto Broadway past the theater.   Left on Bolinas Rd past the 7-11, then left to stay on Bolinas Rd.  Continue for about a mile until you see a large sign on the left that says: Lake Lagunitas, Alpine Lake, Bon Tempe Lake..... Turn left here.  At the pay station pay $8, then continue to the very end of the road.  Park anywhere.  We'll meet across from the porta-potties.  Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving distance, there and back: 50 miles from SF; 60 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees, including bridge & entrance fee - from SF:  $11;  From Rockridge BART: $12

(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)