California's Crystal-Clear Lake An Hour From San Francisco Is A Secluded Haven For Fishing, Wildlife, And Trails

In Marin County, California, on the northern slope of Mt. Tamalpais (or simply Mt. Tam for those in the know), you can find five reservoirs that help supply water to residents and provide recreation opportunities for anyone who likes secluded lakes and mountain views. The widest of these lakes is Bon Tempe. The 140-acre reservoir dates back to the late 1940s, when the Bon Tempe Dam was built on Lagunitas Creek. It's about 25 miles north from San Francisco, and the drive will take you just under an hour (if there's not much traffic). Although it's not far from the city, Bon Tempe Lake feels worlds away. It's a scenic and relaxing spot with clear water where you can fish, hike, and spot a variety of wildlife.

When it comes to fishing, Bon Tempe Lake is a great place to catch rainbow trout, bluegill, and largemouth bass — make sure you have the required state fishing license. The lake isn't open to boats, so you'll be casting your line from the shore. One angler on FishBrain noted: "Very clear water where you can see huge bass. Great location with vegetation and fallen trees to make perfect cover."

If you're coming in from San Francisco and need some fishing gear before you get to the lake, Marin Outdoor Trading Co. in San Anselmo is on the way and will likely have what you need; plus, staff are happy to provide advice on fishing in the region. One thing to note: the lake hasn't been stocked with rainbow trout since 2025 over concerns about invasive golden mussels. Keep an eye on California's Department of Fish and Wildlife website for future stocking dates if you want the best chance to catch rainbow trout here.

You can walk all the way around Bon Tempe Lake along a 4.2 mile loop trail. The west side of the trail takes you through the forest, which means more shade, while the eastern stretch is more open and sunny. Plan which way you take the loop based on whether you want to get more sun at the beginning or end of your hike. It's particularly pretty in springtime along the east side of the lake with colorful flowers popping up along the hillside — which also makes this a good place to see California wildflowers.

The trail does have some ups and downs, particularly on the west side, and it can be muddy during winter with the seasonal rains. However, overall it's a relatively easy hike on a well-maintained trail along a pretty lake. One Redditor posted: "I couldn't believe how beautiful the scenery was. Lush water, trees, quiet, peaceful, and a great view of Mt. Tam. Made me feel I was in a different state. Didn't know a place like this existed in the bay. It's a nice getaway and a great place to relax." 

Along the east side of the lake is the Pumpkin Ridge Trail. This 1.5 mile one-way trail takes you up into the hills above the lake, and you can link it with the Alex Forman Trail, which continues north up to the Sky Oaks Trailhead. From there, you can take a number of other trails farther up into the mountains. The south end of Bon Tempe Lake is not far from Lake Lagunitas, which has an about 1.8 mile loop around it.

As you spend time around Bon Tempe Lake, you'll likely see all kinds of wildlife. As one AllTrails reviewer said of their hike here: "Very pretty views. Cool wildlife like butterflies, squirrels, lizards, turtles, ducks, and others." You may also see deer and California newts. It's a popular place for birdwatching in the area. From ospreys to wild turkeys to belted kingfishers, you have a chance to spot all kinds of birds. During winter, you might even spot bald eagles.

Make sure to pick up a day-use pass to park at any of the trailheads in the Mt. Tam Watershed. They're available at Sky Oaks Headquarters. If you live nearby, some regional public libraries have free passes available for residents to use.

Bon Tempe Lake is less than 15 minutes from Fairfax, the eclectic little town where mountain biking was born, so you can pick up any snacks that you might need for your lake visit. There's no camping here; however, if you want to pitch a tent nearby, Mount Tamalpais State Park has camping, trails through the redwood forest, and ocean views.