Cataract Falls Trail

Welcome to Travel Tuesday! You know I love and adore waterfalls, so I’m gonna be bringing you on a hike to Cataract Falls Trail today! (The name is kinda redundant, but it’s pretty, so we’ll allow it.)

Cataract Falls Trail

Cataract Falls Trail | @fairyburger

Distance: 3.3 miles (out + back)
Elevation: 1082 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: <2 hours
Trailhead Address: Cataract Trail, Stinson Beach, CA 94970
Parking: Small lot + some parking spaces available on the side of the road!

Cataract Falls Trail | @fairyburger

If I recall correctly, I hiked this trail back in…April of 2019! (Slowly but surely, I’ll catch up to all the posts I back-burner-ed!)

Cataract Falls Trail | @fairyburger

This is one of the most popular waterfall trails in Marin County! Try to get there early or finding parking is going to be somewhat of a nightmare.

Cataract Falls Trail | @fairyburger

There are scattered waterfalls along the trail and it’s often shaded, so it’s great choice for a hot day.

Cataract Falls Trail | @fairyburger

That being said, it’s probably prettiest just after rainfall though so there’ll be more waterfalls! Just be extra careful as it can get somewhat slippery!

Cataract Falls Trail | @fairyburger

The trail follows Cataract Creek and although short, it does have some elevation gain (lots of steps!), so it provides you with a nice workout alongside pretty views!

We stopped at the Dipsea Cafe afterward for brunch/lunch — the food there was super tasty! (Here’s a sneak peek at one of the things we ordered!)

Cataract Falls Trail | @fairyburger - Have you ever hiked the Cataract Falls Trail in Stinson Beach, CA? Check it out here! #waterfalls #travel #california


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11 comments

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  1. What a beautiful trail! I love waterfalls so would definitely enjoy this one! I’d love to visit! Thanks for sharing it with us!

    1. I hope you get to sometime! Waterfall trails are ao gorgeous! <3
      Farrah recently posted…Discovery Point Trail in Crater Lake National ParkMy Profile

  2. I love hikes that have waterfalls in them too! I like that it’s mostly shaded too so you can enjoy it on a summer day!

    1. Agreed! It gets pretty darn hot so I’m all about the shaded trails in the summertime! :]
      Farrah recently posted…Discovery Point Trail in Crater Lake National ParkMy Profile

  3. We love to visit California so it is always great to find things to add to the list for our next visit. A trip to hike the Cataract Falls Trail sounds like a great idea for a moderate trek. Who could pass on a trail considered to be the “waterfall trail”. Especially if I get a waffle treat when I am done.

    1. hehe, agreed! I hope you get to go visit it sometime! Mount Tam has a bunch of really pretty trails! :D
      Farrah recently posted…Discovery Point Trail in Crater Lake National ParkMy Profile

    • Cristina Reina on September 16, 2021 at 5:41 am
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    I absolutely love visiting waterfalls. I am adding this trail to my list. Also, that waffle looks so delicious :)

  4. This looks like such a pretty trail! I love that you can see a variety of waterfalls on it.

  5. This trail looks beautiful! I love that there are waterfalls all along the way, too!

    • kmf on September 16, 2021 at 7:07 pm
    • Reply

    Love this guide to the Cataract Falls Trail! Stunning photos and waterfalls!

  6. I’m always up for a good hike. A waterfall is just an added bonus.

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