The views of the very best drop are distant but unobscured, creating this drop arguably one of the most outstanding on The complete hike. Have a breather here prior to heading on.

Skirting an inlet along Alpine Lake Enjoy the thicker second-development redwoods because the trail continues southward along the reservoir, and ascend another staircase with a wooden railing, shortly coming on the southern conclude of Alpine Lake. From below The trail follows Cataract Creek, which features an First list of tiny cascades right down to the correct which is well-known with photographers.

The Cataract Trail loop is about 7 miles, beginning at the falls and ending within the falls. Here is the form of trail that’s ideal for a rainy day whenever you’re itching to obtain outside.

In Marin County’s scenario, that sometimes means the winter months. If you're able to time your trek to coincide using a break in stormy temperature, you’ll get to see the falls at their finest.

Round a remaining-hand bend and rise steeply up the east lender, cresting an outcrop with onward views all the way down to a small but Attractive falls and glossy pool. This place is sometimes generally known as Helen Markt Falls and makes for a pleasant snack spot and, if warm more than enough, a swimming hole.

Will you be tired of crowds with your hikes? To start with, shame on you for receiving up so late and going so gradually. Did you really need Philz prior to deciding to got within the trail?

Tumbling cascades The stone and picket steps carry on thereafter, along with the path rises to a taller, 20-foot cascade that is certainly partly obscured via the overhanging bay laurel. A wooden fence prevents hikers from approaching the creek’s banking institutions, which might be notoriously slippery.

Cataract Falls is really a mile long number of smaller cascades, tumbling by way of a steep redwood-lined gully inside the Mount Tamalpais watershed.

Smaller cataracts previously mentioned the trail junction Just after a short uphill, the incline quickly mellows out, reflecting also the temper on the stream, which right here is way slower-flowing and rippling in modest pools.

There were even a few smaller sections with water functioning in excess of them. Even with out rain, the path is uneven and there are plenty of rocky stairs, so mountaineering boots are constantly a great guess.

Bearing still left normally takes just one over the Helen cataract falls hike Markt Path, which is sometimes combined with other tracks to form a much longer loop. The Cataract Path, on the other hand, proceeds ideal, quickly finding the creek once more.

Sporting our new footwear A path post and sign mark the start on the path, in the beginning wide and gentle since it flanks a moss-laden wall on the appropriate and drops into the shores of Alpine Lake on the left. The reservoir was dammed in 1917 to supply consuming h2o for Marin people and today doubles as being a recreation location.

I beloved this hike. Cataract Falls is one particular waterfall soon after Yet another while you ascend 1,000 feet via some stunning forest. As soon as at the top you can easily add extra length by next any with the trails at the highest and looping back again all around.

I assumed it had been good because of your article Keeping the newt, but later after wanting up the species, it had been Fortunate my Buddy didn’t working experience additional irritation from touching the newts.

It was raining and however darkish outside after we still left the house. The Solar started to crack from the clouds as we drove down Fairfax-Bolinas Road. It’s a windy highway but I managed not to get vehicle Unwell (acquire!). We reached the trailhead at 8:30 am and parked close to the two other cars and trucks previously there.

This beautiful spot is a means station on various hikes in the area, and there are actually a pair of pit toilets that hikes can use.