In 1967, the family of Natalie Coffin Greene gave 25 acres of Phoenix Lake land for a park in her memory. Locals know about the little park at the end of Lagunitas Road in Ross, although they may not know its name. Most people think of it as the shady little park just below Lake Phoenix, and the place to park your car and set off on a hike or or mountain bike ride on the extensive Marin Municipal Water District’s watershed lands and Mt. Tamalpais. It is a very private, secluded and peaceful spot to set out on a day hike or bike ride. The park also makes a great destination in and of itself. It has picnic tables, Ross Creek running through it, and restrooms.
The fire road up to Phoenix Lake continues around the north side of the lake, and connects with fire roads running throughout the watershed lands up to the top of Mt. Tam. The south side of the lake is strictly a hiking trail, so no bikes allowed. However, dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash. The round trip walk from the park up and around the lake is about 2.7 miles.
The tiny parking lot is usually full on summer weekends, so it's better to bike in. Up at the lake, there are a couple of benches for relaxing and enjoying the view and the quiet; you can also fish, but there are no people or boats allowed in the water, which would be nice to cool off in the summer!