A winter storm transforms Bay Area trails into something magical. Hillsides glisten green, quiet creeks turn into rushing cascades, and dormant waterfalls roar back to life, spilling over mossy cliffs and tumbling down rocky canyons. From easy family strolls to challenging climbs, there’s no shortage of incredible Bay Area Hikes With Waterfalls to explore.
The best part? No matter where you live, you’re never far from a Bay Area waterfall adventure. Whether you’ve got an hour or a full day, there’s a waterfall hike waiting. Ready to go?
Marin Waterfall Hikes
Cataract Falls | Fairfax | 3.9 miles | Moderate | Dog Friendly
One of the most beloved Bay Area waterfall hikes, Cataract Falls truly shines after winter rains. Starting near Alpine Lake, the trail follows a fern-lined creek beneath a canopy of redwood trees. As you climb steadily up the mountainside, a series of cascading waterfalls unfolds – gentle trickles in dry months become roaring cascades after a storm.
Be prepared for stairs and a solid climb (just over 1000 feet of elevation gain). Along the way, there are multiple viewpoints and places to pause, so you can enjoy the journey as well as the falls themselves…