MT. TAM: CATARACT FALLS & THE SWEDE GEORGE WATERSHED SATURDAY HIKE

MT. TAM:  CATARACT FALLS & THE SWEDE GEORGE WATERSHED

Leader: Gary Weiss

Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone: 415-279-5570

Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, Jan 25 2020

Meeting Time: 8:45 AM

Departure Time: 9:00 AM

Meeting Place: Under the Safeway sign on Market @ Dolores

Rating: Level-3 (sometimes feels like a Level-4 except for the mileage)

Mileage: 8

Elevation Gain: 1300'

Description: This hike will take us to some of the most spectacular sections of the Mt. Tamalpais' watershed. We'll begin at the base of Cataract Creek on Bolinas-Fairfax Road - just past Alpine Dam. We'll climb up the first 1/2 mile along Cataract and then take Helen Markt Trail for a short distance before heading up the remote and very unofficial Zigadene Trail. After passing the "Anchor Tree" we'll take the Cross Canyon Trail to the West Fork of Swede George Creek, past one hidden, spectacular old growth redwood, up to High Marsh Trail. We'll then be on several more very odd but fabulous hidden trails (with some real ones thrown in) ending up at Laurel Dell. From there it's 1.7 miles down Cataract to the cars. Whether or not it's rained there should be a spectacular show along Cataract Creek. If it has recently rained be extra cautious about slippery rocks, steps and logs. 

Bring/Wear: Very sturdy hiking shoes, lunch, snacks (there's never too much chocolate!), plenty of water and layers

Rain Policy: Contact hike leader if weather is questionable 

Driving Distance: 60 miles total, there and back

Total Bridge Tolls and Entry Fees: $7 bridge toll

Car Pool Fees: $10 per passenger to the trailhead (those who carpool can figure it out on their own)

Alternative Meeting Place #1: Due to very limited parking, I highly recommend carpooling. We'll meet at the Fairfax Parkade (towards the eastern end). Take US 101 north to the San Anselmo/Sir Francis Drake exit. Stay left. After a bit over 5 miles, just after passing a tiny gas station on the left, you'll see a block-long parking lot on the left. The entrance to the lot is at the far end. Turn left into it and we'll meet you at the other end close to the exit. G-Maps link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/2020+Market+Street,+San+Francisco,+CA/ChargePoint+Charging+Station,+1942+Sir+Francis+Drake+Blvd,+Fairfax,+CA+94930/@37.8782159,-122.5813432,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x808f7e1e329b437d:0xf9b56566bbf7a57f!2m2!1d-122.4279242!2d37.7688487!1m5!1m1!1s0x808596566d43ee1f:0x9ed3833ad7f369b8!2m2!1d-122.5885715!2d37.9871208!3e0

Alternative Meeting Time #1: 9:45 AM

Alternative Meeting Departure Time #1: 10:00 AM

Alternative Meeting Place #2: Cataract Trailhead, Bolinas-Fairfax Road. Mileage marker 8.12. Again, please opt to carpool from the Parkade instead of meeting at the trailhead.

Alternative Meeting Time #2: 10:30 AM

Alternative Meeting Departure Time #2: 10:45 AM