Bon Tempe Dam 🚵

The Mount Tamalpais Watershed, including the area around Bon Tempe Dam, generally allows dogs on leash on most fire roads and designated trails. However, it's always best to check specific signage at trailheads as regulations can vary. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash for the safety of wildlife and other visitors.

Parking is available near Bon Tempe Dam, but a day-use fee is typically required. It's advisable to carry cash or be prepared for electronic payment options. Parking lots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

Yes, the area around Bon Tempe Dam offers several trails that are considered easy to moderate with gentle gradients, making them suitable for families. The wide gravel trail across the dam itself is an accessible option. Families can enjoy wildlife spotting and the tranquil natural environment. However, bikes are generally not permitted on the main hiking trails directly encircling Bon Tempe Lake, which is important to note for families with younger cyclists.

Bon Tempe Dam is a popular destination, and it can get quite crowded, especially on sunny weekends and during the spring wildflower season. To enjoy a more tranquil experience, consider visiting on weekdays or arriving early in the morning on weekends. Parking can also become challenging during peak times.

A popular option is the roughly 3.8-mile loop trail around Bon Tempe Lake, offering continuous lake views and diverse scenery. Trails like Shadyside and Sunnyside provide varied experiences, from shaded wooded paths to more open areas. The dam itself offers impressive views of both Bon Tempe Lake and Alpine Lake, with Mount Tamalpais in the background.

While the immediate trails around Bon Tempe Lake are generally not open to bikes, the broader Mount Tamalpais Watershed offers a network of fire roads and designated mountain biking trails. Cyclists often combine segments around Bon Tempe Dam with other lakes in the watershed for longer, more challenging rides. A popular option is a two-hour loop that incorporates the dam and explores four lakes, which can be found on komoot.

Bon Tempe Lake is a haven for wildlife. Visitors can frequently spot a variety of birds, including cormorants, egrets, herons, and ospreys. Other animals like deer are also common. In spring, the area bursts with wildflowers such as California poppies, sky lupines, and Douglas irises, adding to the natural beauty.

Bon Tempe Dam is located within the Mount Tamalpais Watershed, which is primarily a natural preserve. Therefore, there are no immediate cafes, pubs, or accommodation facilities directly at the dam. However, the nearby towns of Fairfax and San Anselmo offer a variety of dining options and lodging choices, typically a short drive away.

Bon Tempe Lake is stocked with fingerling rainbow trout, and both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught. Fishing is a popular activity from the shore. Visitors should ensure they have a valid California fishing license and are aware of any specific regulations regarding catch limits or species. It's also important to note that the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a warning regarding eating fish caught from this lake due to elevated mercury levels.

Public transport options directly to Bon Tempe Dam are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. It's recommended to check local Marin Transit routes for any bus services that might connect to the general area, but a final leg by taxi, ride-share, or a significant walk would likely be required to reach the dam itself.

Bon Tempe Dam was constructed in 1948 and is a crucial part of the Marin Municipal Water District's reservoir system, supplying water to Marin County residents. Its name, "Bon Tempe," is an Americanization of the Bautunpi family name, who ran a ranch and dairy that was removed to make way for the Bon Tempe and Alpine reservoirs. It stands as a testament to the region's water infrastructure development.