Lloyd Lake and the Portals of the Past
On the north side of JFK Drive, Lloyd Lake reflects the Portals of the Past: the marble entrance portico of a Nob Hill mansion that was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. The portico was moved here in 1909 as a memorial and is one of the most photographed views in the park. Morning fog makes it especially atmospheric.
Spreckels Lake and its model boats
Spreckels Lake, built in 1904 on JFK Drive near 36th Avenue, is home to the San Francisco Model Yacht Club, whose members sail radio-controlled boats on weekends. It is also a reliable place to see turtles, ducks and geese. The bison paddock is just to the west.
Rainbow Falls and Huntington Falls
Rainbow Falls, built in 1930, spills down a hillside near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in the middle of the park, below the Prayer Book Cross. Huntington Falls on Strawberry Hill is larger and drops into Blue Heron Lake. Both run on pumped water and can be switched off for maintenance.
The Chain of Lakes and quieter ponds
In the west end, North Lake, Middle Lake and South Lake form the Chain of Lakes along Chain of Lakes Drive, ringed by willows and cypress. Elk Glen Lake, Metson Lake and Mallard Lake are smaller and quieter. Near the Haight Street entrance, Alvord Lake sits beside the Alvord Lake Bridge of 1889, the first reinforced-concrete bridge in the United States.
Frequently asked questions
Are there waterfalls in Golden Gate Park?
Yes, two: Huntington Falls on Strawberry Hill and Rainbow Falls near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Both run on pumped water.
What are the Portals of the Past?
The marble entrance portico of a Nob Hill mansion destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, moved to Lloyd Lake in 1909 as a memorial.
.jpg){kind=link}