The Cataract Falls Trail, located in Marin County near Mount Tamalpais, is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning series of cascading waterfalls and alpine lake views. The looped trail is roughly 8.0 miles round trip if starting from the Cataract Trailhead near Alpine Lake. It is a very challenging hike, featuring steep sections and stairs as it ascends through a lush forest of redwoods, ferns, and moss-covered rocks. If you are looking for more of a soft adventure (although it's still not really soft), you could hike out to the falls and back for a 3 mile hike.

The trail follows Cataract Creek, offering picturesque views of multiple waterfalls, especially during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak.

Pet-friendly: Yes, but must be leashed and picked up after

Soft adventure: Definitely NOT unless you go to the falls and back

Fee: None