WaterfallNear Me

Helen Markt Falls

Marin County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height
Not recorded
Location
Marin County, California
Access status
Published trail route and roadside trailhead documented; steep stairs
The walk
About 1.3 miles return
Ground & access
Many steep stairs and a steady climb beside the creek; called very rugged and demanding.
Live and Let Hike: Cataract Falls Trail (2023)

From the Cataract Trailhead on Bolinas-Fairfax Road just south of Alpine Dam, follow the Cataract Trail along Alpine Lake and then up beside Cataract Creek, climbing stone and wooden stairs past several cascades. At about 0.6 mile, cross a long wooden bridge, round a left bend and climb the east bank to an outcrop above a small falls and pool, sometimes known as Helen Markt Falls. The Helen Markt Trail junction is a few steps beyond. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Cataract Trail from the Bolinas-Fairfax Road trailhead to Helen Markt Falls

Derived return distance: Live and Let Hike crosses the long bridge at about 0.6 mile and reaches the Helen Markt Falls view just beyond it.

Many steep stairs and a steady climb beside the creek; called very rugged and demanding.

Where to start

Roadside parking at the informal Cataract Trailhead on Bolinas-Fairfax Road, just south of Alpine Dam, with portable toilets. Shoulder parking is tight and fills quickly on weekends.

Timing & water

Falls flow in the wet season of winter and spring.

Before you go

Current fees and reservation requirements unknown.

Visitor information
Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Marin County, California.

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