About Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is a named waterfall in Marin County, California, located about 3.3 miles east of Bolinas. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Bolinas 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°55′28″ N, 122°37′46″ W (37.92437, -122.62943). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Barths Creek (stream, 0.2 mi), Twin Knolls (summit, 0.3 mi), and Cataract Creek (stream, 0.7 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Dawn Falls, 3.8 miles to the east.
More Photos
79 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Cataract Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Cataract Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Cataract Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Cataract Falls holds a 4.7 average from 34 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Cataract Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Barths Creek — stream, 0.2 mi
- Twin Knolls — summit, 0.3 mi
- Cataract Creek — stream, 0.7 mi
- East Fork Cataract Creek — stream, 0.8 mi
- Ballou Point — summit, 0.9 mi
- Broko Spring — spring, 0.9 mi
- West Fork Swede George Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Blake Canyon — valley, 1.0 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.92437, -122.62943. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Cataract Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cataract Falls located?
Cataract Falls is in Marin County, California, about 3.3 miles east of Bolinas. Its coordinates are 37.92437, -122.62943 (37°55′28″ N, 122°37′46″ W).
What town is closest to Cataract Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Bolinas, CA, about 3.3 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Cataract Falls?
The closest is Dawn Falls (3.8 mi east). Others within reach include Kent Falls (3.9 mi), Alamere Falls (8.6 mi), and Rainbow Falls (13 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Cataract Falls?
Cataract Falls appears on the USGS Bolinas 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.