About Dawn Falls
Dawn Falls is a named waterfall in Marin County, California, located about 1.0 miles south of Kentfield. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the San Rafael 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°56′19″ N, 122°33′45″ W (37.93854, -122.56248). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Knob Hill (summit, 0.3 mi), Windy Ridge (ridge, 0.5 mi), and King Mountain (summit, 0.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Cataract Falls, 3.8 miles to the west.
More Photos
17 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Dawn 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 Dawn 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 Dawn 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
Dawn Falls holds a 3.5 average from 6 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Dawn Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Knob Hill — summit, 0.3 mi
- Windy Ridge — ridge, 0.5 mi
- King Mountain — summit, 0.8 mi
- Galena Creek — stream, 1.0 mi
- East Peak — summit, 1.1 mi
- Tamalpais Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
- Bill Williams Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
- Ross Hill — summit, 1.2 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 37.93854, -122.56248. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Dawn Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dawn Falls located?
Dawn Falls is in Marin County, California, about 1.0 miles south of Kentfield. Its coordinates are 37.93854, -122.56248 (37°56′19″ N, 122°33′45″ W).
What town is closest to Dawn Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Kentfield, CA, about 1.0 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Dawn Falls?
The closest is Cataract Falls (3.8 mi west). Others within reach include Kent Falls (3.8 mi), Alamere Falls (12 mi), and Rainbow Falls (12 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Dawn Falls?
Dawn Falls appears on the USGS San Rafael 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.