Tamorama!

Matt Davis, Coastal, Cataract Trails on Tam

06.22.2017

Wide-open coastal views, wildflowers, and a waterfall—get spring-loaded on a 6.5-mile (round-trip) hike that links together Mount Tam's Matt Davis, Bolinas Ridge, and Cataract trails. Start off weaving under a canopy of Douglas fir, oak, and bay trees before breaking out to a meadow festooned with golden poppies, purple lupine, and iris.

Expansive views from here stretch up and down the coast: to the south lies Ocean Beach, and as you round the bend in the trail, the turquoise waters of Bolinas Lagoon sparkle. Bolinas Ridge Trail’s singletrack brings an unbeatable vantage of Stinson Beach (look out for hang gliders!), and en route you’ll pass the rusty remains of a car that crashed decades ago. Laurel Dell picnic area makes a nice, shaded place for a break with its clutch of tables and a grill. Here you can take a 10-minute detour to the mist-covered rocks and big leaf maples of Cataract Falls.

The home stretch crisscrosses the creek via Cataract Trail and culminates in a beautiful descent on Old Mine Trail—a little used gem with some of the biggest views you can find of San Francisco, Oakland, and the North Bay. Hot Tam!

BONUS: As part of California State Parks Week, Mount Tamalpais State Park is hosting Bio Blitz (Support Climate Resilience) on June 16.

Begin at the Pantoll Ranger Station parking lot off Panoramic Hwy. (map) where you can also pick up a trail map. It’s $8 to park. Cross the highway to start the Matt Davis Trail. After 1.5 miles go right at the intersection with the Bolinas Ridge/Coastal Trail. Follow Bolinas Ridge/Coastal Trail for 1.75 miles. Turn right on the Willow Camp Fire Road and go up to Ridgecrest Blvd. Cross the road and continue on dirt road to Laurel Dell. Take a side trip to Cataract Falls, then head to Rock Spring via Cataract Trail. At Rock Spring, cross the parking area and bear left up a signed fire road toward Mountain Theater, then bear right on Old Mine Trail. Follow it back to Pantoll. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View