Buck Wild!
Hike to Buck Gulch Falls in Novato
Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.
The half-mile journey meanders through a gloriously lush landscape thanks to the Arroyo San Jose creek coursing alongside the path, lots of moisture in the air, and greenery shining across the rolling hills enshrouding the valley.
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Just wear some high rubber boots with good treads or hiking shoes you can safely get wet, at least if you go in the coming days. Water levels from the creek are elevated, making two creek crossings potentially wetter than they usually are.
You’ll know when you’ve reached the first crossing, early in the hike. We recommend looking for one of the two wooden planks acting as a convenient bridge to get over the water. The trail is well marked with signage at a fork, directing you to the falls.
Meanwhile, enjoy the surroundings and the beauty of oaks and big-leaf maples, along with tree limbs coated in bright green moss and the symphony of water growing louder as you get closer to the grand oasis. The second creek crossing, close to the falls, is a bit trickier during and after plentiful rain. High rubber boots with good traction help, or a real skill for crossing a bridge composed of downed tree limbs. You can always pack an extra pair of wool socks! We saw plenty of kids and dogs crossing over safely with the help of parents and pawrents (including Weekend Sherpa’s unofficial mascot, Gus the bulldog, who got carried over the crossing, and loved the hike). Just use good judgment, or wait for a drier stretch of weather when the flow will likely go lower.
Either way, the waterfall is worth it for its power-flow into a mossy grotto, likely to taper off during dry spells (summer is not a good time to go). Things can dry up quickly, as Californians well know, so head out in the coming weeks for an optimal experience. Flow for it!
From Hwy. 101, take the Ignacio Blvd. exit, then head west. Turn left on Fairway Dr., and the trailhead is at the end of the road. Park along the road. Trailhead. Dog-friendly.
