This 10-mile out-and-back day hike to Cataract Falls in Marin offers a rewarding mix of lush redwood forests, creek crossings, and seasonal cascades. We’ll start at Bootjack campground to add some extra mileage. After a short climb we will descend steadily to Alpine lake, one of Marin’s seven fresh water reservoirs. We’ll pause near Alpine Dam for lunch, before making our way back.
The return journey is a continual climb back the way we came, The first mile is steep, followed by a more modest grade until the final mile, which is downhill to the trailhead.
Don’t let the beauty or the initial descent fool you, this is a strenuous hike—but no more so than some of our other hilly hikes. Water should be abundant along the trail, but will need to be purified for drinking.
What to bring: 10 essentials, enough water, layers, trail map trail map and compass.
Length
10 mi
Elevation Gain
2,146 ft
Estimated time
5.5 hr
Itinerary
6:30 am*
Meet at Lakeside Landing
6:35 am
Depart
7:15 am
Arrive at trailhead
9:15 am
Breakfast at the Lake
Pack your own
10:00 am
Resume hike
1:30 pm
Back in SF
*Daylight savings time takes effect Saturday night. Go to bed early!
