Bon Tempe Lake, body of water
Bon Tempe Lake is a reservoir in Marin County's rolling hills, surrounded by dense forests of redwoods, Douglas firs, and oak trees. The lake covers about 140 acres and is held back by an earthen dam that collects water from Lagunitas Creek.
The lake was constructed in 1948 with the support of the older Alpine Dam, which helped manage water flow in the system. Building the reservoir required moving the Bautunpi family's ranch, which had previously occupied the site.
The name Bon Tempe comes from the Bautunpi family who farmed and raised dairy cattle on this land before the reservoir was built. Today, visitors experience the place as a quiet refuge where the community values both water conservation and access to nature.
The lake sits about 720 feet (220 meters) above sea level and is best visited early in the morning or during off-peak times when fewer people are present. Parking lots can fill quickly on weekends, so arriving early or visiting on weekdays is recommended.
The water contains elevated mercury levels, which is why health agencies advise against eating fish caught here. Despite this caution, fishing remains popular, though the lake has paused fish plantings to help prevent invasive species from spreading.
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