Hike? More of a leisurely walk, but beautiful nonetheless. I recommend going after it rains so you can see the waterfalls flowing. There are tons of bridges along this trail. If you're ever looking for an easy hike this is the one for you. Bring your camera - very scenic. read more

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Hike was very beautiful. Loved hearing the sound of water most of the hike. I wish the waterfalls were full of water in the summer, but I guess I'll have to come back in the winter to see it again in it's full glory. My friend and I brought sandwiches and we sat on the rocks by the water to eat. So peaceful! I wasn't expecting so many stairs! It was super tiring, but surprisingly, I wasn't sore the next day. Parking is a little confusing. I parked in an unmarked curve off of Bolinas. The area has space for maybe 10 cars. Get there early...or late enough so the early hikers leave and you will have a parking spot. read more

first time here so a little bit hard to find this place and parking as of where to start. our group was determine though lol. started our hike about 11:30 and finish about 3:00. we stopped at the picnic area and return back so total did about 4 miles total. reason we stopped was because of the drought the very small waterfall we seen already wasn't that great so we decided not to see anymore lol. decent workout for me though!!! im six months pregnant so it was hard for me doing stairs and all but man the way back wasnt so bad. and the next day i loved how i felt. read more

Cataract Falls Trail - posing on the bridge. - Hiking Near Me

Beautiful trail of moderate difficulty. Trail goes downhill first and uphill after. Need to pace yourself and bring plenty of water. There's a waterfall and plenty of scenic locations on route. Great trail for a day hike. read more

It was very nice. However, my eyes were mostly on my foot as the steps could be unsteady and steep at some parts. We read that this trail was kids friendly so we brought along kids. We were all beginners are we only go hiking once a few months. It is safe to say that all the people I went with were tired the moment we started our way back to the car. The view was great though. There were a lot of mini waterfalls (if you can call them that). read more

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I've been coming here since 2013 and while it is a beautiful hike, it can be relatively challenging, as most of the journey is a steep climb. it has also become quite crowded on the weekends, however, fellow hikers are extremely friendly. In my opinion, this is still one of the most beautiful hikes in the Bay Area. read more

To clarify-- There are 2 different hikes around Cataract Falls. There is an 8 mile loop and then there is a 2.5 mile out-and-back. I'm writing a review for the 8 mile loop. It's very steep at the beginning and end, and there are plenty of rolling hills during the loop. Bring lots of water and food. Don't bonk. My flabby body was okay for the first 3 or 4 hours, but my knees started to suffer the last hour. The hike took about 5 hours to complete. But there are beautiful waterfalls and a lake. The top of the hill when you're above the trees and fog is beautiful. And there are some really great spots to dump a body. read more

So there are 2 different hikes that people typically do for Cataract Falls: a 7.7 mile round trip loop or a 2.6 mile roundtrip loop. I did the 7.7 mile one and it was beautiful! One other yelper said that this was a "stairmaster with fresh air and trees and waterfalls." That was no joke, there were literally tons of stairs! The most strenuous part of the hike is in the beginning and slightly strenuous at the end, but totally worth it. You get to see tons of waterfalls, trees, flowers, and even a lake! We got a little confused so I think it would be helpful to know that the 7.7 mile round trip loop takes you through several trails. First starting at Cataract Creek Trail (1.4 mi) to High Marsh Trail (2.1 mi) to Kent Trail (1.5 mi) to Helen Markt Trail (1.7 mi) and back to Cataract Creek Trail (1 mi). read more

FYI, the first footbridge to get was taken out by a landslide as of 2-9-14!!! Trail is closed. Hopefully they can fix it fast. Such an amazing place. read more

Lovely shaded hike with plenty of waterfalls along this route. This is definitely one of my top 5 hikes in the Bay Area.. Parking: - Pantoll Campground (google map will take you straight here - $8 for parking) Trails (that we took): - Hiked Old Mine Trail (1.5 miles) to Rock Springs Parking Area - Then hike Cataract Trail (3 miles, steep incline) this trail goes longer, but we turned back right when we hit Alpine Lake (This is 9 miles round trip) It does get cold at times because of all the shade so I would suggest bringing an extra layer. Bring snacks so you can sit by the water and enjoy the scenery. read more

This place is a treasure. Hidden on Mount Tam, you could easily pass by this trail and not notice it. You'll take the back roads for about 30 minutes after going through the quaint town of Fairfax. Best time to come is after the winter season around January - March when the waterfalls are at its peak. I've come during the winter and summer, and the summer fails in comparison. It's also dog friendly and our little 15 lb. doxie-mix was able to tackle the trail easily. Parking is basically off the side of the road so just find a spot to park your car, but make sure you don't get too close to the edge, that's a good 6-8 foot drop! The trail is moderate difficulty so make sure you pace yourself. A lot of it is uphill for about 75% of the trail so make sure you take plenty of breaks. There are a handful of many waterfalls to see some great photo action. Note that a lot of this water is part of our local watershed so keep your dogs and children (and adults!) out of the stream/pools! Once you reach the top, there's a nice shady area with picnic tables to stop for lunch. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you as I haven't seen any refill stations. A HUGE word of warning, both times I've been on this trail someone has fallen, one where it was pretty serious. The first time we hiked this trail, the ground was moist and my friend who was wearing hiking boots still slipped and fell on her butt. Most recently I lost my footing due to the many small rocks on the trail while coming down but was able to catch myself. My friend was another story. Her foot got stuck and fell on top of a rock that was sticking out of the trail. The fall caused her to break two major bones in her leg. It took 3 hours to get her off the trail and into the ER because it took the EMTs 2 hours to reach us and airlift her out of the trail. Please be sure to make sure be safe, don't rush, watch where you're going, wear proper footwear, and always carry a basic first aid kit with you. The EMTs said that they're out on this trail about every 3 weeks due to an injury so it's not uncommon here! read more

What a beautiful treasure of Northern California. A real treat this time of year to be able to see all the colors of fall foliage. Saw a ton of banana slugs and salamanders. There isn't a sign to the falls on the road so we missed the turn as we walked a mile in the wrong direction. There also isn't a parking lot near the falls entrance. Couple suggestions below: 1. Layer up it is wet and windy this time of year 2. Road is closed to the falls so be prepared to walk a couple miles in on a paved road 3. Lots of bikers so pay attention to the road read more

I won't reiterate on the awesomeness of this hike, but I will share this tip with dog owners: Keep your dogs on leash. I ran into a park ranger who caught me red handed (my mistake, should have put my dog on leash!). Luckily he was in a good mood and let me go with a warning. Had it been more crowded on a weekend, I would have been issued a $200 ticket. He also commented on the number of complaints he had been receiving from hikers, many who want this hike completely banned of dogs. To all my fellow dog owners and lovers out there, lets keep this hike enjoyable for all. read more

A couple buddies and I did a ~6 mile roundtrip hike on the Cataract Falls trail from Alpine Dam to Ridgecrest Drive. The temperature was in the high 70s or low 80s, and it was a good workout as well as gorgeous. If you go on a weekend with good weather, be sure to get there early because parking is very limited and the hike is relatively popular among local hikers. It is preferable to park near the Alpine Dam access point off of the Bolinas-Fairfax road because the hike is all uphill and coming back will be much easier. There is no parking lot, so people park on the small shoulders on the side of the road. There is also access and a small parking lot if you are coming from Ridgecrest Drive, but you hike down to the falls. I prefer to hike hard coming up, enjoy the falls, and have an easy hike down rather than having to trek all the way up after getting to the bottom. I would classify the hike as a moderate, to at times, a strenuous hike as the hike up to the midway point of the falls consists of over a mile to a mile and a half of uphill trail and numerous steps. The path is mostly shaded so even on a hot summer day, you will be protected from the sun by the dense stand of trees and vegetation. April and May just after rainstorms are the best time to visit as the water will be running, but I can only guess that the source of the water near Mount Tamalpais can dry up during the hot summer months in July-September. We made multiple stops going up to Ridgecrest, took many pictures, and enjoyed the view of the entire Bay Area at the end. Be sure not to miss this view - all you need to do is cross a short-grass knoll, cross the street from the parking lot on Ridgecrest, and hike a few yards up a cliff. From this amazing vantage point, you can see Bolinas Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the Coastline all the way down to Pedro Point near Half Moon Bay, Devil's Slide, the entire city of San Francisco, the Sunset District, the tips of the Golden Gate Bridge towers (the bridge is behind a hill from the vantage point), Sausalito, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island, Emeryville, the Berkeley Hills, Oakland and entire East Bay down to Alviso, the Moffett Field Hangers and many other items of interest. It is a view of the Bay Area from a perspective I had never seen, and the hike back down is nearly completely downhill. This is a must-do hike on a sunny and clear day. We left the Newark/Fremont area at about noon, got to the Alpine Dam area and started the hike at 2:00 PM. We completed our hike in 4 hours without rushing and with many breaks. On the way back, we did not stop to eat, but I would recommend the small, but charming town of Fairfax (drive east from the trailhead on the Bolinas-Fairfax Road and it will take you to the center of town), or Stinson Beach (drive west on the Bolinas-Fairfax Road until the road dead-ends at Highway 1, then turn south (left) and the town is within a 10-15 minute drive from the intersection) which has few small, eateries which can get packed on weekends, but serves locally caught seafood. Prior to our trip, when hiking Muir Woods in September of 2011, my sister, brother and I had eaten at Sand Dollar. The food there is above average although a little pricy (I had their Cioppino which was good), and the live jazz music on weekend nights really provides a good ambiance. read more

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OH yeah, the best hike, really. Out of tons I do on the mountain. I have hiked this hike only 2 times before. I have hiked it the opposite way more, like form Rock Spring to Alpine. This hike is so scenic...so invigorating as my friend says, a stairmaster with fresh air and trees and waterfalls. AHHHHHHHHH read more

Such a beautiful hike! Park at the Fairfax start by Alpine lake and get the hard part out of the way. In terms of skill level, I'd say this one's more moderate due to the quick elevation gains, sets of stairs, and narrow walkways! Went yesterday and loved this hike. Note that bathrooms aren't directly at the top of the falls (and Cataracts Falls themselves aren't clearly marked - they're the falls with a pool below them right before the trail marker to keep getting to Alpine Lake). Beautiful scenery and awesome views of Bolinas, Stinson, and the ocean if you hike up to Ridgecrest Road at the very top. Bring layers as it gets quite chilly in the shade, and lots of water - enjoy! read more

Highlights: -road to trailhead is currently closed (via fairfax/bolinas rd) -dog-friendly -ample parking -multiple falls along the trail -not too crowded -best after a rainy week read more

This hiking trail has a lot going for it. In terms of difficulty, I would say it is moderate; most people won't have any problems with it. I start at the Rock Springs trail head for two reasons. First, there is parking here. Second, this part of the trail is not too taxing, especially reassuring for those of us who want to avoid long, steep stretches. Begin by passing through a large, open meadow, and after just a few minutes you're into another world. The calm sounds of a mountain stream that runs parallel to the trail set a peaceful mood. Towering redwood trees stand in all their timeless majesty. The shades of the sun that cascade through the trees are constantly changing. My spirit is instantly refreshed. I've hiked here countless times, enjoying the seasons and the different flowers that light the way. If you can come right after a rain storm, you'll see the falls at their best. "My" portion of this trail, from the trail head to the just before the falls, is flat in many places, with intermittent, manageable ascents and descents. However, as you get close to the falls, the path slopes dramatically, but when it does you're less than 100 yards from them. Keep going; it's worth it! Once I'm at the falls, I take it all in and then turn around to hike out. Novices may want to tread carefully as there are frequent rocks and roots, but veteran hikers will consider this trek... a walk in the park (sorry, couldn't resist!). read more

Thank you fellow yelpers for the awesome directions. The gas station you make a left at isn't a Valero anymore, but it looks like one as the color scheme is the same. I came here on a Saturday afternoon and it was amazing. The trail is steeper than I originally thought and it was slippery. I don't own hiking boots, but this trail made me rethink this. There are many waterfalls and picture worthy stops along the way. The air is so fresh and I felt rejuvenated afterwards heading back into the city. Here are some tips... - Wear shoes with grip, it can be slippery - A light jacket should do as this trail can get your heart rate pumping from the stairs - Bring a snack or even lunch! - Be patient when driving the windy 8 mile stretch and be watchful for bikers read more

Breathtaking~~~ is the word that sums this place up. I would've never thought there was a such an amazing spot right across the Golden Gate Bridge. Bf and I went on a hike here on the most beautiful day. Through the old trees with decades of history, we saw the blue skies with a few white marshmallowy clouds~~ the sun peaking through the leaves. The sounds of the leaves brushing up against each other in the light cool breeze, birds chirping and water coming down the mini waterfalls made me forget about the many stresses of everyday life... for the moment that I was there every worry in the world disappeared and everything was perfect. For the first time in forever~ I felt calm and at peace. I can say this is definitely one of my favorite hikes I've done. read more

This was my second time hiking up Cataract Falls, but I can't say that I actually hiked the first time. I basically went up to the first landing and said I was done ha! The second time around I was ready and enjoyed the trail. At certain points in the trail, I thought I was in an Indiana Jones movie, the terrain is pretty awesome. Wear good shows, bring snacks and lots of water. I think the best time to hike the trail is after it has rained for a few days. The falls are rushing down and it's BEAUTIFUL! I know it's hard to take hikes during the week, but if you can it would be the best time to go. It's not crowded at all. On the weekends, it's kinda crazy. So if you have time to drive up during the weekday on a nice sunny day take that chance. When you reach the highest point, there is a lovely picnic area waiting for you. Take the time, use it wisely and be ready for the hike down :) read more

Came here on a Saturday morning around 10am and there was still street parking right by the trailhead. By the time we came back cars were parked waaay down the road. So come early if you want good parking. The trailhead has 1 porta potty, not the best but could have been worse. Better than trying to pee in private on a crowded trail though. The trail is pretty steep as soon as you leave the lake, pretty close to the beginning, but there are lots of viewpoints to stop and admire the scenery/catch your breath. The trail was incredibly green and you're basically hiking next to the river and lots of little falls the whole way up. At the top we turned right and looped around on the high marsh trail. Glad we did this, the scenery is a little different in some parts as there are more views and you come out of the forest for a little. Also it was noticeably less crowded on the high marsh trail, though we still passed several larger groups of 5-10 people. Once we finished the loop and got back to cataract falls the trail was noticeably more crowded, there were tons of people going up. Lots with dogs, even a few people with babies. So it's definitely doable for families but might be slow due to the steep incline. Overall a gorgeous hike but would be nicer with less people. So come early! read more

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this place is so freakin awesome! I dont care how much in shape/active you are, this place will kick your butt. You find yourself constantly stopping to take pictures. its so serene and beautiful. Pros: beautiful scenery, awesome weather, TONS OF SHADE, trails are wide,not boring, awesome workout Cons: only 6 miles long, parking sucks if you come later in the day Bring a camera and a tripod. this place is the shit. read more

I am an avid hiker and I have trekked through most of the Bay Area's premier or most talked about hikes. Cataract Falls/Alpine Lake is one of the most beautiful hikes there is. This hike is strenuous, not difficult. To me, difficult means navigating cliff edges or crazy slick mud and multiple fast moving river crossings like the trail out to Hanak'api'ai Falls from the gusty, then brutally hot Kalalau Trail in Kauai. Kauai was Strenuos and Difficult. Cataract Falls Loop is Strenuos. I hiked the 10.5 mile Berry Creek Falls Loop at Big Basin the previous week and The 7.3 Miles at Cataract was a tougher hike. Saturday June 20, 2015 there was only a trickle in those falls. Still, in spite of dryness and drought, this is a BEAUTIFUL TRAIL beginning to end. Alpine lake is definitely below its normal level. Marin County has some world class hiking. read more

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I did this hike with friends this past weekend and it was gorgeous. The trail starts out very steep with a mix of stairs and stones...and then evens out as you continue. There are waterfalls at every turn and everything is so green and lush! I felt like I was hiking on a tropical island somewhere, instead of in the North Bay. February and March is an excellent time to come here after it rains, as the waterfalls are going full force, so check it out soon. Don't forget to leave some time at the end to check out the very cute little town of Fairfax, CA. We did a little shopping and had some pizza and beers and a local restaurant. (Btw, I found this hike on WeekendSherpa.com, my go to guide for outdoor trips and weekend getaways in the Bay Area.) read more

My boyfriend and I hiked this trail one weekend after it had been raining constantly and the falls were so pretty. I would suggest layering up since it was pretty cold and there wasn't much sunshine on the trail. We got there around 10am on a Sunday and the trail wasn't too packed when we started. It got a little busier as we hiked back. It's not too hard of a hike, we saw some kids along the trail as well so if you're someone who doesn't hike all that much I would definitely suggest cataract falls. Theres even picnic tables at a certain point so you can stop and take a lunch break if needed. We will definitely be back, maybe when it's a little warmer. The drive there is absolutely beautiful as well. read more

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This by far is the most beautiful hike I have been on. Stunning views around every corner and it wasn't too crowded. We went on a Sunday though the weather wasn't great. We were hit with rain, sleet, hail and snow all within about 20 minutes in. That in my opinion added to the beauty of the trail. I'll be taking many more trips here in the future! read more

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If you fall down you'll break your butt and end up in a wheelchair. I know that, I'm not STOOOPID The things you overhear on hikes. This is one of the best smelling hikes I have ever been on. Not a very strenuous hike, but it is very beautiful. read more

It's a very beautiful hike. The sound of the streams and waterfalls were very calming. The first mile hike is a bit steep, but the stairs are super helpful. I went during the summer so it hadn't rained but the water is still there. Probably best to go after a good rainfall for better waterfalls. read more

Cataract Falls Trail - Hiking Near Me

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Even though there wasn't a whole lotta water falling because of the season, this was by far one of the most beautiful hikes I've been on. This is a steep climb, but short if you stop right before the Luarel hike split which makes for a 2.67 mile hike there and back. Absolutely stunning combination of light, contrast, and colors coming from all abouts. tips: Mosquitos. Lots. Especially when the water is still. Either keep moving or use bug spray. read more

My friend from out of town and I decide to go hike Cataracts Falls and it was pretty awesome. I had read a few reviews about how the drought affected the waterfalls, but we went a few days after it rained and the waterfalls were flowing just fine. The drive to the trail entrance itself is one long windy road through the hills. You'll know your almost there after you pass the 8 mile marker and you cross a dam. Parking could get challenging as there isn't a lot, and you just gotta find space on the side of the road or something. I saw people force to park on the other side of the damn and walk across and up the hill before they even get to the entrance. The climb itself was good. My friend and I did the Falls part, and than afterwards, did some of the trail before deciding to head back. The beginning part is a pretty big incline up. I didn't think the Falls part was challenging, but I was stopping everywhere to take pictures of different views of the waterfalls and to admire the view, so i had plenty of breaks. Plus it was really chilly and nice, so I didn't even break a sweat. This probably be a totally different story if it were spring or summer. read more

Parking is very limited with roadside parking along Fairfax-Bolinas Road but don't let that deter you because there is a wonderful hike along Cateract Trail which offers some close views of Cateract Falls and diverse foliage. The climb up can be a bit challenging for some folks as the trail climbs in elevation quite quickly but the return trip back down Cateract Trail is a breeze. I've been two times: once in mid August and the other time in late winter. You'll see water running in both times of the year which is like day and night but late winter will definitely offer some of the best sights to see Cateract Falls flowing at its best. Summertime hikes are better if you want a more reasonable temperature to do the hike as you won't be faced with those cold temperatures that winter brings. Even though the Bahiker website specifies that this "out and back" trail is only a 2.6 round trip route, it definitely feels more like a 4 mile adventure. Anytime you climb 450 feet in half a mile, you'll definitely be glad it's just that 450 feet elevation climb and not a few thousand feet climb like some places in Yosemite or Mount Diablo. There is not a lot around the trail area like restrooms or paper maps so just do your research beforehand and enjoy what Cateract Falls offers and then hit up Fairfax for an after hike meal. read more

WOW!! I realized that I miss hiking in Marin. Cataract Falls is an awesome hike with plenty of incline and steps for those of you masochistic like myself who actually enjoy such things. It's not a very long hike (just under 3 miles) but it'll definitely make you sweat. The views are worth it, so I'd suggest getting out there to smell the intoxicating scent of nature and watching the rolling hills and soaring eagles instead of your tv. "Moderate" as bahikes.com would describe it but noteworthy: it is steep in some places - my police friend was struggling a but, told him to lay off the lattes and scones since they have since graduated from the days of coffee and doughnuts you know.... ;) Parking is simple at Rock Springs. Not crowded in the am's, at least it wasn't when we were there. Nothing short of awesome so do check it out! read more

We did the 2.6 roundtrip hike from the trail head on Bolinas-Fairfax Road to the top of the waterfall. So beautiful driving there (WATCH OUT FOR THE BIKERS! They are everywhere and it's kind of scary at times) and coming up on Alpine Lake. There are a lot of stairs, but it's relatively easy if you go at a slow pace. Every view is gorgeous and the fact that it's so short is nice too! Bring a picnic lunch, grab a rock, and enjoy the view at the end of the trail! read more

Great, challenging hike for the whole family, with lots of cool spots to stop and enjoy Alpine Lake and Cataract Falls. Recommend parking on the side of the road and starting at the trailhead off the sharp bend in Fairfax-Bolinas (http://goo.gl/maps/s2IYv). That way you can work your way uphill as far as you can go, then turn around and head back downhill. Many steep sections with stairs, nice little bridges, amazing trees and foliage. read more

o m g. How grateful and appreciative I am to be living near such natural wonders. Originally I planned for the 7 mile hike, but opted for the shorter 2.6 mile hike (lack of time). This was a great eye opener into the longer 7 mile trail which I am planning to hike very soon! Beautiful green, lush trees, plants and water. Just beautiful. I am so excited to start the longer hike. Make sure to bring some picnic food because it can get a little tiring. It starts out steeper in the beginning but levels a little bit out as you progress in elevation. A LOT of bikers - so all you bad drivers out there, let the better driver take the wheel! ;) read more

The road to the trailhead was closed so we ended up driving around to pantoll area and hiked from there to the trail. The trail is great. Mostly paved/dirt path, nice scenic waterfall and river viewpoints to take breaks. The falls themselves were meh. The elevation gain was a little tough but not too bad. Almost all of the trail is shaded which felt great on a hot day and it wasn't too crowded around a 10am start. read more

A great little hike. We started at the bottom, and went up. Lots of falls on the way up, and great foiliage at this time of year. Lots of steps and roots, so a walking stick might be helpful. There is an outhose at the top by Laurel Dell. read more

The trail and the falls were pretty fun today. Though this is not why you should go. You should go because you love rolling hills, redwood groves, and driving / biking in the clouds. (Even writing this review is putting a smile back on my face :D!) We took the Google route to this hiking trail, via Shoreline Hwy to Panoramic Hwy to Ridgecrest for 1.6 miles to park on the small lot off to the right. The whole drive was one candied rainbow after another -- with landscapes so perfect it would make Yosemite barf. This particular lot promised us the back-route access to Cataract Falls from the Laurel Dell trail. This means, a quick and easy trot *down* to the falls, turning back only to see all the fancy waterfalls. Sure... you have to hike all the way back *up* afterwards, but by then you would have happily and effortlessly enjoyed all the falls. With endorphins running high, I'm sure you'd forgive the semi-steep hike home. read more

Loved this trail such beautiful scenery ! Going up was tough but well worth it . The trail leading to the picnic area is about 2 miles up . So a total 4 mile hike or you can keep going . There's also a bathroom at the top of the trail . read more

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