Little Carson Falls

Marin County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Marin County, California
Access status: Signed water district trail
The walk: About 3.9 miles return
Ground & access: Rocky, exposed fire roads, then single-track with stone steps and a bridge. Slippery rocks near the falls.

Modern Hiker: Carson Falls (Melissa Ozbek)

From the Azalea Hill lot, cross Bolinas-Fairfax Road to Pine Mountain Road and climb 1.1 miles. Turn left on Oat Hill Road for 0.3 mile, then right on the signed Carson Falls Trail. At the frog information panel, bear left to the upper overlook; the middle and lower overlooks are just below. Return the same way, which is uphill.

Plan your visit

Azalea Hill parking lot, Bolinas-Fairfax Road, by Pine Mountain Road, Oat Hill Road and Carson Falls Trail

Modern Hiker gives 3.9 miles return with 915 feet of gain. Source figure.

Rocky, exposed fire roads, then single-track with stone steps and a bridge. Slippery rocks near the falls.

Where to start

Azalea Hill parking lot on Bolinas-Fairfax Road, about 3.8 miles from Fairfax. Free parking; no restrooms.

Timing & water

Best in winter and spring. Foothill yellow-legged frogs breed here; keep dogs leashed and stay off the creek edges.

Before you go

Modern Hiker says there is no entrance fee and parking is free. Watershed open sunrise to sunset.

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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