The last few months brought a welcome gift to this thirsty land – RAIN! And with rain comes waterfalls and rainbows. I am twirling in the redwoods with joy! Constant clear blue skies can be as annoying as constant rain. Sounds strange, I know, but variety is the spice of life.
The best waterfall hike in Marin County is along Cataract Creek on Mt. Tamalpais (‘Mt. Tam’ among locals). With a handful of good waterfalls along the way, Cataract Waterfall is the most impressive one standing 60 feet tall and is reached toward the end of the hike.
Set aside a few hours as this 4 mile trek (out and back) has some very steep areas, but the spectacular scenery distracts you from the lactic acid you try to ignore as you walk back to the parking lot.
Everything is so green, so alive right now. These fantastic fern trees are just drinking it all in. I’d love to plant a few in our garden one day.
Two waterfalls in Marin County also worth mentioning are Cascade Falls (Mill Valley) and Dawn Falls (Larkspur). Although not as impressive as Cataract Falls, they are good options if you are short on time and stamina.
The drive though Mill Valley neighborhoods to Cascade Falls is quite charming with Craftsman style houses tucked among the moss and redwoods. You can park close to the falls, which is ideal for those walking with young children. Back through town, stop by the historical Depot Bookstore & Cafe for some good grub.
If you choose Dawn Falls, anticipate a mile walk from the parking lot to the falls with an incline only toward the end of the walk. If you choose to continue up the steep trail past the waterfall, you’ll encounter the Southern Marin Line Fire Road where dogs can frolic off leash. In town, reward yourself with frozen yogurt at Mag’s or a drink on the riverside deck at Perry’s. I love this grove of redwood trees on the Dawn Falls trail…
Looking up, you may be mesmerized by the redwood treetops but looking down, you might encounter some critter company.
You wouldn’t know it, but this little fella has small teeth on his tongue which he uses as a saw. His four ‘eyestalks’ detect motion, light, and chemicals and will grow back if damaged. The banana slug is the proud mascot for University of California in Santa Cruz.
Now close your eyes and enjoy the deliciously fragrant, moist clean air and the sound of a sought-after waterfall. Ahhh
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Cataract Falls | From Panoramic Highway, turn onto Pantoll Road. Where the road intersects with Ridgecrest Road, park at the Rock Springs Lot. Hike the Cataract Creek Trail to the left toward Laurel Dell. With limited phone coverage, you may want to print this map in advance
Cascade Falls (not to be confused with Cascade Falls in Fairfax) | Throckmorton Avenue in Mill Valley to Cascade Drive. Take Cascade Drive and look closely for dirt lot on right side with ‘Cascade Falls’ sign. After you view Cascade Falls, walk across Cascade Road to the sign marked “#131 Mill Valley Steps, Lanes, Paths” where Three Wells awaits you with another waterfall and three pools if there has been adequate rain.
Dawn Falls | From Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur, drive west up Madrone Avenue to dead end. Parking is very limited. View map here
:: Dogs on leash welcome on all three hikes ::
Slug source