Cataract Falls to Simmons Trail Loop

Started at white gate trail head. Stay left at creek. More of a moderate climb. Hike along creek till pantoll campground. Hook a right to start loop back. Continue till you reach cardiac ridge. Keep right. All down hill, back to creek and white gate.

This was WAY longer than the 4.8 miles listed. My recording came out to 8.8 miles total Beautiful trail but pretty crowded (understandable). Trail is pretty damp, muddy in some spots, with lots of slippery rocks & roots. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes and bring trekking poles if you have them. Lots of steps down to the falls and even more to the lake. Be prepared for a steep climb back up.

It is an OK trail. I suggest you start with the Simmons trail. The rocks can be very slippery going downhill- it can be hazardous.

This was an amazing hike. it was misty most of the day and the hike was just underneath the fog so you could see the beautiful foliage and canopy. The waterfall was raging and the entire thing looked like something out of a fairy tail. The cataract side of the trail was moderately packed and there were several times when one would have to step into an inlet to try and social distance.

Beautiful magical hike

Rocks, trees, deer, fog nice hike

We started from Pantoll Campground/Parking Lot cause the gate to the actual parking was closed. It added 3 miles in total to the hikes. ($8 fee per car) Trail was mostly shaded with narrow trail and the exposed part of trail was very nice too cause you can see the city and the sea. Be ready to hike up a LOT of stairs going back from Cataract Falls though.

Beautiful, but so many stairs! I enjoyed every moment of it, but hiking buddy found it a bit challenging. Waterfall was small given the Summer season—would expect more of a flow in the spring once winter snow starts to melt.

Really cool trail, the part in the canyon was pretty busy (sunny Sunday) so maybe next time we just do the loop

An amazing trail! Seriously one of the best in Marin. Waterfall was gorgeous. Actually, the whole way is gorgeous.

Great hike, best counterclockwise, gets a little crowded at the falls, steep climb coming back from falls. Total distance is 5.8 miles, 1 mile more than shown.

I had to cross a river and there wasn’t any logs or anything to go across without getting soaked

Beautiful hike! Not too hard. Perfect with our dog. Loved the running water throughout the hike.

Fun hike albeit muddy and wet at times. All of the recent rain meant the streams and brooks were full and the waterfalls were impressive. Semi-crowded (mid-morning Saturday) but quieter on the loop back once off Cataract trail.

So beautiful at this time of year. Green everywhere and almost constant sounds of running water. I’m not a huge fan of hikes that start downhill and are uphill on the way back, but the falls at the end were worth it!

I’m not sure why more people don’t do this hike. I went counter clockwise. Very beautiful. A little bit of everything and an almost continuous stream next to your hike and mini waterfalls. There’s a few side trails off the main trail you need to explore once you get to the in and out portion of the more popular trail. It will lead you to some waterfalls and pools and this one bigger waterfall you can’t really see from the trail. Awesome hike when there is no drought.

This trail has a taste of everything. You’ll start in some knoll hills, walk through beautiful overgrown forest, see the falls, and on your way out walk through a little desert. The cataract falls trail is highly trafficked on a nice day, so get there early. Desert can get a bit rocky, hiking boots recommended. Lastly, the drive is worth the trip alone.