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 Legacy Project
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Lake Lagunitas Picnic Area

Constructed in 1873, Lake Lagunitas was Marin County’s original drinking water reservoir. Its importance as a drinking water source has diminished over the years however, as new, larger reservoirs have been built.

Despite its reduced utility, the lake remains an important place of respite and gathering in the shadow of Mt. Tam’s peaks. Along with easy hiking and spectacular scenery, the site boasts a number of historic and recreational features that make it popular with visitors and give it its unique character.

A Civilian Conservation Corps-era historic log shelter and redwood grove offer shade and beautiful areas to relax and picnic. Convenient trailhead parking and access to the mountain’s trail network are also major draws.

Enhancing the Experience at Lake Lagunitas

This project will address needed upgrades and repairs to the picnic areas and bathrooms. It will also preserve and interpret many of the site’s historic treasures, including the log picnic shelter, fish hatchery, and other buildings. Because of the lake’s popularity, the picnic and parking areas are also ripe with untapped public engagement and educational opportunities that will be explored further.

Scenic and peaceful, Lake Lagunitas is a much-loved spot for picnicking and hiking

The picnic facilities and restrooms at Lake Lagunitas are showing the effects of heavy use and deferred maintenance

Safety improvements will be made to slippery stairways

The popular log picnic shelter will get some much needed sprucing up and repairs

Restoration and interpretation of the historic pumphouse can help tell the story of Mt. Tam as an important source of drinking water for Marin

Timeline