Trail Map of Cataract Trail Loop in Marin County

Moderate: 7.7 miles, Half day

Overview: Cataract Creek Trail offers a perfect excuse to play hooky from work or spend a vacation day in the woods. The creek's waterfalls provide a spectacular anchor for a 7-mile loop through the scenic lands of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. You could just hike a mile and a quarter to the top of the Cataract Creek Trail and return, but I figure if you're going to drive this deep into the Marin County backcountry, you may as well get a few hours of hiking in. The loop includes scenic vistas stretching to the Pacific Ocean, narrow single-track into the wooded hillsides into forests of young redwood and Douglas fir. Marin County has over 500 miles of trails; these are among the best.

Tips: Use extreme caution near the waterfalls: slips could be deadly.

Footing is tricky along the Cataract Trail, which is short but steep. Beginners can tire easily.

Parking is very limited; best to go on a weekday.

Poison oak is common along narrow sections of trail.


What to bring:
A map (download a PDF here)
Layers -- the climb will warm you up, but much of the hike is on even terrain so you'll cool back down.
Water and snacks -- you'll need the energy and hydration.
A camera and tripod if you're into photography.

Driving Directions:
From Highway 101 in Marin County, take the Sir Francis Drake Boulevard West exit and turn west. Stay on Sir Francis Drake for about five miles till you reach the town of Fairfax. Turn left in the turn lane just past the Valero gas station, then take an immediate right turn onto Broadway. Go about a block and turn left on Bolinas Road. Stay on Bolinas Road for about eight miles; you'll cross a dam and a find a small parking area at a sharp hairpin turn. The trail starts here.