The Presidio’s Mountain Lake is one of the last surviving natural lakes in San Francisco, and the only natural lake in the entire Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Its history goes back thousands of years, having served as a central watering hole for the indigenous Ohlone tribes, Spanish conquistadors, and generations of San Franciscans. The lake has survived a new highway cutting down its size, locals releasing their pets into it, contamination from pesticides, and many other threats. The Presidio even removed an alligator from the lake back in the ’90s.
Many visitors to the lake and surrounding park are unaware of the area’s fascinating history and subsequent conservation efforts. Read on for everything you never knew about SF’s Mountain Lake.
What’s the history of Mountain Lake?
The native Ohlone people inhabited this part of California for over one thousand years, depending on Mountain Lake as a bountiful watering hole. In 1776, Spanish Lieutenant Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza arrived in California with his expedition, setting up camp near today’s Presidio Officer’s Club. After the arrival of the Spanish, Mountain Lake served generations of settlers and eventually suffered the consequences.
The last century dealt the heaviest blows to Mountain Lake. In 1897, the nearby golf course used the lake for irrigation, dropping the water level significantly. Then in 1939, the construction of Highway 1 cut the lake down to size on its western shore. The resulting vehicle runoff and nearby pesticides damaged Mountain Lake’s water quality and natural ecosystem. Given these major environmental changes, it’s frankly remarkable that the lake has survived for so long.
So… what’s this about an alligator?
Over the years, well-meaning locals have been known to release their pets into Mountain Lake, damaging the ecosystem even further. The Presidio has found goldfish, turtles, and even a five-foot sturgeon living there.
Perhaps the most remarkable story is that of “Golden Gator,” a three-foot, two-inch alligator that a bird watcher spotted in the lake in late July of 1996. The wayward reptile captivated national news headlines for months, and the Chronicle even flew out Florida gator hunter Jim Long to try and capture it. Long spent three days trying to track the gator to no avail, and eventually returned to Florida, defeated.
It wasn’t until October that a couple of zoo keepers set sail on the lake and finally managed to reel in the Golden Gator. The animal lived at the San Francisco Zoo for a few months and was eventually sent to New Orleans (with much pomp and circumstance) to be released into the bayou.
What is the Presidio doing to preserve Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake has been in distress for decades, but the Partnership for the Presidio is working hard to restore the area’s natural habitat. They’ve worked closely with scientists and volunteers to improve Mountain Lake’s water quality and reintroduce local species.
Some native floral and fauna you can see there include the western pond turtle, the Pacific chorus frog, the three-spined stickleback fish, and submerged aquatic plants. The lake is a popular destination for birdwatchers who can spot 65 different bird species congregating there.
What can you do in Mountain Lake Park?
Mountain Lake Park is a 16-acre park on the southern edge of the Presidio. The restored area is a lovely picnic destination with reservable picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, and paved pathways that are accessible for wheelchairs.
Can you bring dogs to Mountain Lake Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in most areas of the Presidio, including Mountain Lake Park. There is a designated dog play area on the eastern edge of the park.
Can you fish in SF’s Mountain Lake?
No, you may not fish at Mountain Lake due to ongoing conservation efforts. You can fish off the Presidio’s Torpedo Wharf near Crissy Field.
Can you swim in SF’s Mountain Lake?
No, you may not swim in Mountain Lake.
Where is Mountain Lake?
Mountain Lake is a 4-acre natural lake located in Mountain Lake Park in the Presidio of San Francisco. The park is located on the southern end of the Presidio right next to Highway 1.
Visitors can reach the lake via the Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail, a 2.7 mile walking route that connects Mountain Lake to the Golden Gate Bridge; or via the Mountain Lake Trail, which will take you past Andy Goldsworthy’s beautiful Wood Line sculpture and multiple playgrounds.
Are there other natural lakes in San Francisco?
There are two other natural freshwater lakes in San Francisco. They are Lake Merced and Pine Lake, which are fed by the same underground spring near the San Francisco Zoo.