You may think you have to travel to the Sierras or Yosemite to find impressive waterfalls – one of nature’s more tranquil and mesmerizing sights. However, the Bay Area has about 25 waterfalls and some of the best are located here in Marin County.

Depending on the time of year and amount of rainfall, these falls can vary from a trickle to a torrent, surrounded by either verdant greenery or newly blossomed wildflowers. The site of mushrooms and ferns in the winter and fall months, chirping birds and flowers in the spring, shade from the summer heat…no matter the climate or season, a journey to the falls is always a treat.

Cataract Falls. Photo by Sathish J
 
Dawn Falls. Photo by Vicens Vila  
Alamere Falls.
Photo by Brandon Levinger

One of the more hidden gems is Carson Falls in Fairfax. Either a 3-mile trip, out and back (or an extended 7.4 mile loop, if you wish), Carson Falls is tucked away in a small canyon in the Mt. Tamalpais Marin Municipal Water District and consists of four falls, the largest at its base measuring 35-40 feet. There are no signs marking the falls or trailhead, but if you can find your way, the hike will reward you with an incredible view of the north flank of Mt. Tam, a peek at Alpine Lake and sightings of red-tailed hawks soaring about.  

Also hidden away in Fairfax is Cascade Falls, which is smaller in scale and situated along San Anselmo Creek. The short, pretty hike makes this a popular destination, though these falls are best viewed during the rainy season when the grotto truly comes alive.

There’s another Cascade Falls in Marin, located in Mill Valley in the area behind Old Mill Park. Mill Valley’s Cascade Falls are by far the easiest to get to and there’s a nice bench you can perch on to watch the water flow. Though, like the Fairfax version, they only tower at about 20 feet.

Another easy-to-reach cascade is Dawn Falls in downtown Larkspur. Located in lush Baltimore Canyon, Dawn Falls can be reached by a short mostly-level walk under the Redwoods from the trailhead that starts at the end of Piedmont Road. About 20 feet high and active in late winter and early spring, Dawn Falls and its surroundings make you feel as though you’re miles away from civilization.

Slightly more imposing is Cataract Falls, which can be accessed via trailheads either in Fairfax (near Alpine Lake) or Mt. Tam’s Laurel Dell trail on Ridgecrest Road (by way of Mill Valley and Panoramic Highway). Cataract Falls is made up of seven cascades which flow along Cataract Creek, and the area is ensconced in Redwood Trees, big leaf maples, and Douglas fir.

The most impressive falls in Marin are Alamere Falls, and as such, they also take the most determination to reach, requiring a moderate 8.4-mile round-trip hike along the Coast Trail from Palomarin Trailhead near Bolinas at the southern end of Point Reyes National Seashore. The trail first takes you along the coast where you’ll tower over the ocean and encounter breathtaking views. On clear days, you can even see out to the Farallons. The trail then dips inland where you’ll pass by Bass Lake and a ridge overlooking Pelican Lake – both gorgeous detours. The end of the hike takes you back out towards the coast; you’ll know you’re near your destination when you see a caution sign for the falls (the final portion of the trail is unmaintained and a bit rocky with poison oak a real nuisance). However, those who are undeterred continue on to one of our area’s most majestic sights – Alamere Falls, which from the brink, flows 40 feet over a cliff in a whitewater shower cascading directly into the ocean and literally slicing green plant life into the otherwise rocky terrain. This is one of only two falls in California that spills directly into the ocean.

The next time you need to get away, but time and budget are limited, try heading out in search of our falls. They make for awesome treasure at the end of the trail.

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Posted by:  Frank Howard Allen Realtors