The Inkwells

07.07.10 - 9:22 am | Gary Hanauer |

(0)

Rating: C

The Bay Area's only creekside skinnydipping hole is located in the town of Lagunitas, next to Samuel P. Taylor State Park -- which, by the way, is one of 70 state parks and beaches slated for closure under the most recent California budget, which was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown June 30. A local favorite among teens and hikers, bicyclists sometimes use it as a stop-off point too. The site is now far more nonnude than nude, but a few "dippers" are seen from time to time at the Inkwell, which takes its name from two water-filled, stone "wells" that are used for swimming by local residents.

Legal status:

Private property next to Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Taylor is expected to remain open through at least the end of the summer of 2011.

How to find it:

Take Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west through San Anselmo, Fairfax, and San Geronimo to Lagunitas. After passing Lagunitas you will soon (1.5 miles later) come to the green Shafer Bridge. Park on the other (west) side of the bridge as soon as it is safe to do so and where parking is allowed. Walk back to the bridge. Take the trail that starts 15 feet east of the bridge. Access is also available from Taylor from various trails.

The beach:

The site's stone tubs really do resemble inkwells. From the bridge, the first one you come to is a six foot deep pool that measures about 15 by 20 feet. Some 10 feet away from it and to the left is a smaller pool that's maybe 20 feet deep. The water's pretty cool.

The crowd:

The Inkwell is often deserted. In the past, when in use, there were usually a few visitors to 25, with eight to 12 being typical. One reader counted 14 visitors, split evenly between the sexes on a warm weekday. Percentage of nude use varies, but is usually tiny.

Problems:

“No parking” and “no trespassing” signs posted; cold water; rocks obscured by water; difficult parking; jumping off rocks into water not advised.