Natalie Coffin Greene Park & Phoenix Lake

Locals know about the little park at the end of Lagunitas Road in Ross called Natalie Coffin Greene Park, 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 a shorter walk up to Phoenix Lake with your kids or dog.  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.

Although the parking lot is usually full on summer weekends, you don’t tend to see many around the lake. Even the park has never felt full to me. 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.  That can be a bit frustrating when it gets so hot in the summer!

(map of Natalie Coffin Greene Park)

(map of Marin Municipal Water District Watershed lands)

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset