Seeing Mother Nature at work is always a thrill, especially when the thrill is as close at hand as Cascade Canyon Falls, a modest but worthwhile cascade just a mile from downtown Fairfax in Marin County. It’s a two-hour, out-and-back trek to the star attraction, a silver stream tumbling 20 feet or so down a chute in San Anselmo Creek. This is the most popular hike in Marin County’s 498-acre Cascade Canyon Open Space, and it can get crowded on spring weekends and after a heavy rain, when the falls are at their most gusty. You’re likely to see lots of four-legged hikers putting paws to the path with their uprights, who must be leashed at all times.
The park is not well signed, so pay close attention if you don’t see others on the trail. From the parking area at the end of Cascade Drive, walk to the information kiosk and bear right on High Water Trail, which follows the pretty stream and is closed to cyclists. About a quarter mile in, bear right onto a fire road that takes you, after .4 miles, to Cascade Falls Trail. It’s another half-mile to the falls, where rough rock steps lead to a viewing platform. Have someone snap a photo of you and Fido with the waterfall in the background, and you’re good to go.
Photo: "Cascade Falls" – Peter McCluskey
Story posted 3/22/12
