Phoenix Lake Loop via Gertrude-Ord Trail: A Scenic, Family-Friendly Hike in Marin
Tucked away in the Mount Tamalpais Watershed just behind the charming town of Ross, California, the Phoenix Lake Loop via Gertrude-Ord Trail is a 2.8-mile hike perfect for hikers of all ages. With a modest elevation gain of just 223 feet, it’s a great choice for families with kids or anyone looking for a relaxed nature walk with beautiful scenery. While there is tree cover on some parts of the hike, I would recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and glasses, as it can get quite bright and warm in this part of Marin. The hike is short enough that you don’t need water, but it can be a nice addition if the heat is strong when you visit.
This hike provides beautiful views of the crystal blue water
The trail begins at Natalie Coffin Greene Park, where you’ll find a small parking lot and a portable bathroom. I visited on a late Wednesday afternoon and had no trouble finding parking. However, as this trailhead is very popular, parking can fill up quickly on weekends or holidays, so plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
There are opportunities to veer off the trail for closer views of the lake
Stairs rising up into the trees once you turn off the main path
The hike starts with a short incline toward the lake. From there, you cross the spillway and follow the wide gravel road which winds clockwise along Phoenix Lake. Once at the far end of the lake, you’ll veer off the main path and ascend a wooden staircase onto the Phoenix Lake Trail, which skirts the lake’s backside through a denser, shaded forest. The trail gets smaller during this portion of the hike, but it was well maintained during my visit. Be sure to keep an eye on the ground, as there are some tree roots that can pose a tripping hazard.
Along the path, there are many fallen tree stumps
Eventually, the trail reconnects with the main loop, passing by the Phoenix Lake Cabin, a local historical landmark. From there, it’s a short walk back to the spillway and parking lot. If you find yourself getting tired along the way, you’ll find benches scattered throughout the route that are perfect for a quick rest or a quiet moment to soak in the view.
The historical old cabin at the end of the lake
Wildlife is abundant here. During my visit, I spotted deer in the brush and watched swallows skim across the lake’s surface. Acorn woodpeckers are also a common sight, as they love to collect acorns and store them in holes drilled into the tall trees.
An Acorn Woodpecker perched on the side of a tree
Overall, this short hike is perfect if you’re looking for something more on the accessible side that is still very scenic. If you’re craving a bit more distance or a challenge, you’ll find several longer variations on AllTrails that link with other nearby paths for a more extensive hike.
Happy hiking!
There are many benches along the trail to provide a rest stop