Pumpkin Ridge and Sunnyside Trails

The hills of Marin's watershed lakes are blooming! The rattlesnake grass, lupine, and Douglas Iris carpet the banks of Pumpkin Ridge Trail and Lake Bon Tempe's Sunnyside Trail, making a wonderful spring show for outdoor enthusiasts. 

We started our hike at the base of Bon Tempe Dam in the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) lands. Parking can sometimes fill here, so backup parking is at Lake Lagunitas (if you're parking at Lagunitas catch the hike at Pumpkin Ridge Trail).

From the Bon Tempe parking area, Sunnyside Trail goes east along the lake. There is nothing like the scene of patient fishermen seated along the banks of the gloriously picturesque Bon Tempe Lake to slow your pace and alter your state of mind. The trail is dry and warm after the wet winter months and the views and wildflowers entice you to linger.

From the end of Sunnyside trail, cross Sky Oaks Road to go right on Alex Forman trail. This trail provides a connection to the beginning of Pumpkin Ridge Trail on mostly safe and scenic singletrack, crossing Sky Oaks Road to cut across a forested peninsula. At the end of Bon Tempe Lake where the Alex Forman trail ends, go out the Lake View Protection Fire Road, and back across Sky Oaks Road to enter the Pumpkin Ridge trail. An alternate route would be to hike along Sky Oaks Road to the start of Pumpkin Ridge trail, but on weekends car traffic can be an issue.

Pumpkin Ridge trail skirts a beautiful meadow dotted with stately oaks before rising in a series of steps to the ridge. The ridge contains a Madrone forest, with one large hardy specimen towering overhead as the trail reaches the ridgeline. It is rare for Madrones to get very big, but here and over on the adjacent Pilot's Knob, there are some remarkably ancient and large trees.

The irises along Pumpkin Ridge lie in dappled shade or sunny openings along the trail. The iris flowers range in hue from cream and gold to a delicate pink, to a full deep violet. Many of the deep purple ones are very short and nestle into the grass like springtime treasures.

The Pumpkin Ridge trail ends back along Alex Forman trail, where a right turn will take you to the top of the Bon Tempe Dam Road, across Sky Oaks Road from Shaver Grade. This loop hike is about three miles, but there are many possible variations. For a great family hike with small kids we recommend doing an out and back along Sunnyside Trail with a picnic or a fishing stop along the way.

Keep a watch out for poison oak. It is also leafing out vigorously this time of year.