Cataract Falls

Cataract Falls resides in the Mt Tamalpais Watershed near San Rafael in Marin County, California. A collection of nine separate falls, they start streaming near Laurel Dell and join the Alpine Lake eventually. The hike to the Carson Falls start at the signed trailhead running alongside the south-western arm of Alpine Lake, which would direct towards a fork, at which point continue right and begin the ascent. The upwards path would encounter a wooden pedestrian bridge over Cataract Creek to its eastern side. The farther upwards trail leads to another fork directing to the Laurel Dell Picnic Area.

At this fork, head right and take the final climb to the top of the falls while passing by a fenced lookout point. Alongside Kent trail, High Marsh trail, and Helen Market trail, the Cataract trail is part of the famous loop trail near Fairfax, California, with the total length around 12.4 kilometres. The Laurel Dell Picnic Area, designed with picnic tables and restrooms, is an ideal place to sit back, relax and reinvigorate oneself with energy snack bars. Recommended time to visit the waterfalls is on foggy days after monsoon, and only leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.