Cataract Falls

The Bay Area is home to many beautiful waterfalls, but Cataract Falls located about an hour north of San Francisco is one of the most stunning. Be sure to head out on this hike after a recent rain.

The Trail 

Cataract Falls is a 3-mile total out-and-back hike that gains 750ft in the first mile. Unlike Alamere Falls, where you trek for 4 miles to get to the falls, you start to see cascading waterfalls early on in this hike, and continue to see more scattered throughout the rest of the trail. Most of the hike is shaded, but you can end up shedding layers pretty quickly since you’re climbing uphill the first 1.5 miles. 

If you need a restroom break, there is public restroom at the top of the trail as you reach Laurel Dell Rd. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 

Parking

Parking at the trailhead is limited, so it's best to do this trail on a weekday or early on the weekend. An alternative parking area is at the top of the trail on Laurel Dell Rd, where there is also a public restroom. 

Getting There

The drive to the trailhead alone is beautiful as you pass Alpine Lake on Bolinas Fairfax Rd. From downtown Fairfax, take Bolinas Rd southwest and continue along it as it turns into Bolinas-Fairfax Rd. Trailhead will be on your left as you pass Alpine Road. The drive from downtown Fairfax is just over 8 miles. 

Contact Information

Sky Oaks Ranger Station: (415) 945-1180