Cataract Falls Hike

​Join us for another Saturday adventure at Mt Tam State Park!

​​We are planning a quick (moderate-to-high-intensity) hike: Cataract Falls Hike

​​The hike is moderate-to-hard on the challenge scale and will take 2–2.5 hours to complete. Be sure to bring water and snacks and dress in layers, as the weather will be unpredictable, especially on the seashore.

​​We have one car and 3 total spots. If you want to bring a vehicle and can give rides to others, message us on WhatsApp (and add your name to the spreadsheet). We'll add more spots if more vehicles become available. Add your name or car to the spreadsheet when you sign up (don't change someone else's entry--honor code).

​ 

​​What to Expect:

• ​​We will start from the Cataract Trailhead and go all the way to Laurel Dell Road. We’ll return the same way we went. If it becomes too tough for folks to return, we can drop them off at the Laurel Dell Picnic Area and pick them up in vehicles on our way back.

• ​​Stunning views of at least five waterfalls and hike one of the best trails in Mt Tam State Park. The trail lights up with waterfalls and greenery after the rain, so this week’s rain should help a lot!

• ​​About 1000 ft elevation climb on our way up.

• ​Slipper surface but enough areas with railings and maintained steps.

• ​​​Diverse landscapes: forests, grasslands, canopies and waterfalls.

​​

​​Details:

​​Total distance: Approximately 3 miles

​​Duration: About 2–2.5 hours

​​Parking: Available near the entrance of trails; likely to fill up quickly

​​Restrooms: Available at the Laurel Dell Picnic Area (midpoint of the hike)

​​What to Bring: Water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes with ankle support, sunscreen, layers, hiking sticks, rain jacket or umbrella

​Necessary: bring an extra pair of shoes and a bag that can fit your hiking shoes so that you can wear the extra pair after the hike (to not soil the vehicles); a towel so that you can dry yourself and not wet the vehicle interiors after the hike; have great treads on your hiking shoes soles to be able to handle muddy surfaces

​Caution: Entering the water is not allowed; mostly roadside parking; paid parking at the watershed

​​

​​Where to Meet:

​​Meet at the Marina Greens Parking Lot at 7:00 a.m. We’ll wait a few minutes for latecomers but will start promptly to stay on schedule. If you’re running late, let us know via our WhatsApp community, and we’ll help you join the group at the parking lot.

​​We’ll finish the hike back at the starting point. Those interested can join us for an optional late lunch or meal in town to relax and chat after the hike.