Kent Trail - Alpine Lake, Redwoods and Hidden Lake
After days of being jam-packed with work and family obligations, we were ready to blow off some stress with a good strenuous hike. We chose to adventure to a unique and out-of-the way place, away from "the madding crowds". The rough and rugged trail on the backside of Alpine Lake and the "Stairmaster" known as Lower Kent Trail was perfect for our needs. Just a short drive from Fairfax and we were gone…
Unlike the trails that circle nearby lakes Lagunitas and Bon Tempe, the trail along Alpine only runs along one side and it is rugged. Because the trail does not encircle the whole lake, those who venture along it must go up the steep mountainside to do a loop or do an out-and-back along the lake shore. We like the solitude and the deep woods feel of the mountainside loop, and, with the recent rains, many of the small streams and waterfalls were flowing. The moss covered rocks were green and lush.
After a couple miles along Alpine Lake on Kent Trail, a trail junction marks where Kent Trail heads up the mountain and the Helen Markt Trail continues along the lake. Here we turned up Kent Trail to climb into a deep mixed forest where Foul Pool and Hidden Lake are tucked away. Kent Trail goes straight up the fall-line of the mountain, following an old pipeline. The first part of the trail has dozens of steps, and is quite a workout. As the trail reaches the higher elevations, the land flattens out and the trail passes Foul Pool in a hollow. The Pool is a small vernal body of water full of fallen logs and lots of little frogs.
Passing Foul Pool, we reached Stocking Trail. A left on Stocking Trail took us to Hidden Lake. Hidden Lake is larger than Foul Pool and in the winter, extends over many partially submerged fallen logs. It is very shallow and swampy with large bunch sedges in the middle, giving the place an eerie feeling. Lots of wildlife can be spotted here, so we took a break, found a good spot, and kicked back for a spell. One of our favorite places is a Redwood grove on the north side of Hidden Lake as the trail leaves the area. A small stream winds its way through large clumps of Giant Chain Ferns on the forest floor, with the huge Redwoods towering above.
Just a ten minute walk from Hidden Lake with its redwood forest and Giant Chain Ferns, is the rocky, dry and scrubby Rocky Ridge Fire Road. The fire road stretches along a ridge of serpentine that runs from Mount Tamalpais to Pine Mountain and northward. Gone is the rich fertile soil that supported the giant Redwoods. Here, plants survive the poor mineral soil and exposed conditions with small waxy leaves and a low profile. Prostrate Manzanitas, stunted trees and grasses are the prominent flora. The far-reaching vistas of Pilot's Knob and the East Bay compose the scenery out on Rocky Ridge. The open fire road drop is a nice contrast to the forested single track trails, and we finished the hike side-by-side, taking in the views.
Rocky Ridge Fire Road ends at Bon Tempe Dam, where the parking is located. There is no water available at Bon Tempe Dam parking area so be sure to bring your own water and snacks. This is a strenuous hike for adults and older kids. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Directions and details can be found in the book Hiking Marin: 141 Great Hikes in Marin County
Unlike the trails that circle nearby lakes Lagunitas and Bon Tempe, the trail along Alpine only runs along one side and it is rugged. Because the trail does not encircle the whole lake, those who venture along it must go up the steep mountainside to do a loop or do an out-and-back along the lake shore. We like the solitude and the deep woods feel of the mountainside loop, and, with the recent rains, many of the small streams and waterfalls were flowing. The moss covered rocks were green and lush.
After a couple miles along Alpine Lake on Kent Trail, a trail junction marks where Kent Trail heads up the mountain and the Helen Markt Trail continues along the lake. Here we turned up Kent Trail to climb into a deep mixed forest where Foul Pool and Hidden Lake are tucked away. Kent Trail goes straight up the fall-line of the mountain, following an old pipeline. The first part of the trail has dozens of steps, and is quite a workout. As the trail reaches the higher elevations, the land flattens out and the trail passes Foul Pool in a hollow. The Pool is a small vernal body of water full of fallen logs and lots of little frogs.
Passing Foul Pool, we reached Stocking Trail. A left on Stocking Trail took us to Hidden Lake. Hidden Lake is larger than Foul Pool and in the winter, extends over many partially submerged fallen logs. It is very shallow and swampy with large bunch sedges in the middle, giving the place an eerie feeling. Lots of wildlife can be spotted here, so we took a break, found a good spot, and kicked back for a spell. One of our favorite places is a Redwood grove on the north side of Hidden Lake as the trail leaves the area. A small stream winds its way through large clumps of Giant Chain Ferns on the forest floor, with the huge Redwoods towering above.
Just a ten minute walk from Hidden Lake with its redwood forest and Giant Chain Ferns, is the rocky, dry and scrubby Rocky Ridge Fire Road. The fire road stretches along a ridge of serpentine that runs from Mount Tamalpais to Pine Mountain and northward. Gone is the rich fertile soil that supported the giant Redwoods. Here, plants survive the poor mineral soil and exposed conditions with small waxy leaves and a low profile. Prostrate Manzanitas, stunted trees and grasses are the prominent flora. The far-reaching vistas of Pilot's Knob and the East Bay compose the scenery out on Rocky Ridge. The open fire road drop is a nice contrast to the forested single track trails, and we finished the hike side-by-side, taking in the views.
Rocky Ridge Fire Road ends at Bon Tempe Dam, where the parking is located. There is no water available at Bon Tempe Dam parking area so be sure to bring your own water and snacks. This is a strenuous hike for adults and older kids. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Directions and details can be found in the book Hiking Marin: 141 Great Hikes in Marin County
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