Cataract Falls Hike

Cataract Falls Hike

Cataract Falls Hike

Location: Marin County, Ca
Difficulty: Moderate
Features: Dog friendly, hiking trails, kid friendly, waterfall access, bird watching.

A 7 mile moderately trafficked loop, Cataract Falls Trail is a definite site to see. Located near Fairfax, the trail features stellar view of the waterfalls and the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. The loop also includes interesting scenery stretching to the Pacific Ocean.

The trail is located west of San Rafael in Marin County, nearby the Alpine Lake Dam. The trail head is found on the left side of the road at the hairpin turn after crossing the dam. The trail goes through a steep redwood-lined gully as well as a narrow single-track into the wooded hillsides into forests of young redwoods The trail ends at Cataract falls.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Gear Up For The Hike

The elevation at Cataract Falls is approximately fifteen hundred feet, so it is important to gear up for the hike. The trail goes through a steep gully as well as into a narrow single-track into the wooded hillsides so it is important to gear up!

2) Stop By Laurel Dell Picnic

The hike can go around three to four hours so might as well bring lunch! The Laurel Dell picnic area is the perfect spot to enjoy a good meal.

3) Bring A Camera

The hike is undeniably every photographer’s dream. You surely don’t want to miss getting a snapshot of the picturesque view at Cataract Falls. Moreover, the trail features stellar view of the waterfalls and the Mount Tamalpais Watershed!

Want to take a great shot but only bringing your phone? Check out this attachable 8x Optical Zoom smartphone lens.