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 Reporter |
Summary: Cataract Falls actually consists of about 7 separate cascade along Cataract Creek. They are all in the neighbourhood of 30 ft. to 60 ft., and are all quite different and quite impressive when Cataract Creek is flowing well. The best time to see these waterfalls is after a good rain. If it hasn't rained in a while, Cataract Creek will probably just be a little trickle. The hike is an absolutely gorgeous hike along the creek through a forest of Redwoods. You are never far away from the next waterfall as you climb up and past the rushing creek. It is non-stop excitement, but takes quite awhile to complete this hike because you are always stopping to look at the waterfalls and take pictures. For more info and pictures, see my website. Trailhead: Take Hwy #101 to San Rafael, and take the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. exit. Drive 6 miles to Fairfax, and turn left on Pacheco Rd. Take an immediate right on Broadway, then first left on Bolinas Rd. Drive 7.8 miles to Alpine Lake, and park at the hairpin turn just after crossing the dam. Parking is limited. The trailhead is on the left at the hairpin turn. Alternatively, you can park at the other end of the trail, on West Ridgecrest Blvd. at the Laurel Dell picnic area. From the Mill Valley / Stinson Beach / Hwy #1 exit on Hwy #101 north of San Francisco, drive 1 mile to Shoreline Hwy. Turn left and drive 2.5 miles to Panoramic Hwy. Turn right and drive 5.2 miles to Pantoll Rd. Turn right and drive 1.4 miles to Ridgecrest Rd. Turn left and drive 1.6 miles to a small parking area on right. The trail is marked "Laurel Dell". (Lat:37.9365 Lon:-122.63774) Trail Guides for Cataract Falls - Mt. Tamalpais: California Waterfalls by Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Outdoors) California Hiking by Tom Stienstra and Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Outdoors) Hiking Marin by Don and Kay Martin (Martin Press) Best Seasons: Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Marin Municipal Water District, (415) 945-1195 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Leon Turnbull, who has posted 18 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Viewer on 3/3/2008 Hiked early march after rainy winter. Absolutely beautiful. only disappointed saw little insect life and no animal life. not even a bird or duck. 
Reviewed by BB on 2/5/2007 Beautiful waterfalls! Prepare to be awe-struck at every turn. Rainy season is the best.
Reviewed by Viewer on 5/31/2006 Great hike! The falls were beautiful. Definately start the hike from the dam and start early morning. The trail can get crowded in the afternoon. Get ready for A LOT of stairs!
Reviewed by MBN on 4/8/2006 Awesome Hike! I recommend parking by the dam and hiking up because it's nice to have the downhill stroll for your return. It just rained last night, so we were next to rushing water and beautiful moss covered trees and rocks the whole time. Beautiful waterfalls. Be ready for lots of stairs.
Reviewed by LN on 12/30/2005 Did this one yesterday with some friends - lots of stairs, but the scenery is well worth it. Good idea to park at the hair pin turn and hike up the mountain - nice to have the downhill return trip after all those stairs. Great time to do the hike - waterfalls are full, and everything is lush and green.
Reviewed by Shane on 12/28/2005 Wow! I just hiked this with my dog in the middle of a serious rain storm and the river was flowing like crazy. The water was pouring down the canyon, all of the falls were spectacular. I highly recommend this hike in during a good rain, you won't regret getting a little wet. I will be back again! And at the top near Laurel Dell the fog was swirling around and coming off the ridge. Fantastic!
Reviewed by Mark on 10/10/2005 Hike was nice. But since it hadn't rained in some time, most of the falls and creak beds were mostly just a trickle. Our dog liked a standing pool near one waterfall where he was able to swim a little. We started from the dam and it's mostly uphill the whole time, could be strenuous for some. If you don't want to hike up the entire mountain, I would suggest the alternative starting point at the Laurel Dell picnic area -- then it's downhill until you want to turn around.
Reviewed by Gina on 3/20/2005 Awosome hike! Brang my dog, lovely waterfalls and many different trails to choose from. Trails in excellent condition, lots of stairs. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Marin County Hiking, Marin County Trails, Marin County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||