Rush and Tumble

Hike to 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.

There are several ways to get to the falls, but recent road closures (due to the January storms) have made some of the entry points inaccessible.

We recommend starting at Rock Spring parking area and following the Cataract Trail to Laurel Dell picnic area, an oasis in its own right, shrouded in redwoods and green ferns. Continue another half-mile on Cataract Trail to the top of the falls. Hike down a series of wooden and rock steps.

The sound of water is a constant companion even if you don’t yet see the falls—the first of which is reached within a quarter mile. Keep going down, stopping to observe the deep grottoes created by the multi-flowing tiers.

Woman at overlook watching Cataract Falls on Mount Tam in Marin

A wooden bridge crossing over Cataract makes a good turnaround point; in the distance you can spy Alpine Lake, its bright blue hue tempting you to carry onward for a longer out-and-back hike.

Woman hiking at Mount Tam to Cataract Falls

Park at the Rock Spring trailhead on Mount Tam (map). Follow the Cataract Trail for about 1.5 miles to the Laurel Dell picnic area. Then continue on the Cataract Trail another half-mile to the top of the falls. You can continue down the trail another 0.75-mile to get the full waterfall. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View