Cataract Trail

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The Cataract Trail is located just a few miles North and West of the summit of Mount Tamalpais. You can clearly see the summit of Mount Tam along the drive to the Cataract trailhead, but along the trail itself there are too many trees to be able to see it.

The trail is pretty steep in parts, but is a good workout, and you can continue hiking for at least another mile after you reach the Laurel Dell at the top of Cataract. You might even be able to hike all the way to the top of Mount Tam from Cataract, but that would be a several hour hike if it is in fact possible.

I highly recommend this hike, especially if you are in need of some exercise.

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Photos

Mount Tam Summit and Lake
The fire lookout building is on top of the mountain there at the top right, and the water in the foreground is from a dam. I took this photo by hiking up away from the road (Bolinas) for about 5 minutes.

Same Lake
Same lake as in the previous photo.

Dam, looking South
Along Bolinas road, just another mile or so to the Cataract trailhead.

Retained Water
View from the dam.

Narrow Road
The last couple of miles along Bolinas look like this. Lots of greenery, lots of trees and shade, road constantly turning hard right or left, and narrow.

Looking North at Dam
Beautiful day.

Lots of up to do ...
Lots of green along the route as well.

First Waterfall
There would be lots more of this along the trail.

Green Grassy Rocks
These were all along the creek. Must be the creek gets some good runoff going during the rainy winter months.

Trail high above the creek
Deeper section of the creek where some water can pool.

Wide section of creek
Cool open area right here.

Looking upstream
On my way back down at this point.

Looking downstream
Still pretty high up on the trail though.

Muir Woods-esque
With all of that greenery and accumulated water.

Steep Stairs
Lots of small sections like this on this trail.

Fin
One last look up river from the trailhead. The dam itself is just around the corner on the left.