Gorgeous waterfalls just a stone’s throw away!

Don’t put away those hiking boots just yet. Bundle up and head out to the Bay Area’s parks and open spaces this fall, either after a storm or even while it’s raining, and you’ll discover a lush world of green grass, towering trees, and fascinating critters—big and small—who only venture out in wetter weather. And if you follow the right path, you can even find some spectacular waterfalls! Here are three hikes perfect for enjoying nature after, or during, a downpour.

Cataract Trail on Mount Tamalpias
Starting in Mill Valley, take Highway 1 to Panoramic Highway. You’ll head up Mount Tam until you reach the Pan Toll Station, where you’ll turn right onto Pan Toll Road. Drive for about 10 minutes and you’ll reach the Rock Springs parking lot.

Start hiking on Cataract trail following a small creek through a stunning meadow (look for wild turkeys!), to be engulfed by a canopy of oak trees, Douglas Fir, ferns, and other shrubbery that love a good drenching. The creek grows larger as you descend steep stone stairs and more challenging terrain into a small gorge, adorned with moss-covered boulders. After about 1.7 miles, you’ll hear the first of many waterfalls, but don’t stop there. If you can make it to the third mile, or to the High Marsh Trail cut off, a series of cascades awaits you below!

If you have two cars, leave one at Kent Lake on Kent Pump Road. Then when you reach the end of the Cataract Trail, you can dry off and warm up before driving the beautiful West Ridgecrest Boulevard back to Rock Springs parking lot. Click here for a Google map.

Maple Falls in the Santa Cruz Mountains
As you head south on Highway 1 just past Capitola, take Exit 435 for State Park Drive and head east towards Aptos. Then turn left onto State Park Drive to Soquel Drive. Turn onto Aptos Creek Road and drive about a mile to reach the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park entrance.

Support our state parks with an entrance fee and then drive another mile to reach George’s Picnic Area, which is near Steel Bridge on the map. As you walk on Aptos Fire Road, you’ll notice a symphony of raindrops falling from the branches of the majestic redwoods resounding throughout the forest. From the fire road, you’ll continue on Loma Prieta Grade until you reach the Bridge Creek Trail. From there, it’s about two miles or less through increasingly bountiful green trees, some adventurous creek crossings, and finally, Maple Falls! Click here for a Google map.

Alamere Falls in Point Reyes
Take (you guessed it) Highway 1 out past Stinson Beach towards Bolinas. Take a left on the Olema Bolinas Road (look carefully; Bolinas locals are famous for doing away with all signage directing traffic to the little beach town). Hang a right on Mesa Road, which will take you all the way to the Palomarin Trail Head (in winter, an SUV is advised as about a quarter of this road is unpaved). From there the directions are easy, but the nearly eight-mile trek is not for the timid.

Start walking along the Coast Trail, and watch the trail closely. You’re sure to see some beautiful pink and red salamanders moving in slow motion. At times, there can be so many of them, you have to watch your step so as not to hurt the little guys. From here, the trail cuts inland. leading you by a series of lakes, culminating with Bass Lake (fantastic for a swim in the summer time). You’ll then descend back toward the ocean, passing Pelican Lake before the Alamere Falls Trail appears on your left. This will lead you to the top of the falls. Getting down to the beach to look back up at the waterfall cascading down the coastal cliff can take some climbing skills. But with some friends and confidence in your foot and handholds, getting down to the beach is well worth it.  Click here for a Google map.

So Scotchgard those hiking boots, dust off the rain jacket, and explore our soon-to-be wet and wondrous Bay Area wilderness. Anddon’t forget to pick up a waterproof map at a local outdoors store before you head out!

—Rich Wright, Bay Club copywriter

LINK: https://onelombard.com/fitness/2014115trailblazer-winter-waterfalls/