Waterfall Milestone

Hike to Cataract Falls on Mount Tam in Marin

Cataract Falls on Mount Tam

Mount Tam’s Cataract Falls is the bobsled course of waterfalls: over a mile of twisting, turning, tumbling water—gushing, rushing, and making a splash! The real joy is hiking right beside Cataract Creek as it’s chugging on all cylinders, where the exclamations are 20- and 30-foot falls. Every winter, Cataract Falls transforms into a long stretch of fast-charging flows, churning with such spectacular force that it’s hard not to let out a huge ‘whoo-hoo’ when you see them.

woman hiking to Cataract Falls on Mount Tam

Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais

Cataract Falls on Mount Tam

The roar of the falls fills Cataract Canyon, an ideal place to hike, especially when it’s raining. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6-mile (one-way) narrow trail threads through ferns and redwoods along Cataract Creek. The first mile is a waterfall wonderland—at least half a dozen flows follow in short order, snap-crackle fast. Continue along the creek following the wooden and stone stairs to discover new surprises; falls just keep appearing around every corner, each about 20 to 30 feet high. Go with the flow.

Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais

The Cataract Trail is on Marin Municipal Water District land. From Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Fairfax, turn left onto Pacheco and immediately right onto Broadway. Turn left on Fairfax-Bolinas Rd. and drive 8 miles to Alpine Dam. This road sometimes closes during heavy rains in the winter, so check ahead to see if it's open. Cross the dam and park at one of the dirt pullouts within 0.1 mile of the dam. The trailhead is up on the left. Here's a map to the trailhead. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View