Rock Spring to Cataract Falls and Barth’s Retreat Loop

Cataract Trail follows the creek towards the waterfall.

Hike along Cataract Creek to Laurel Dell, then make a short detour to the falls, returning via secluded Barth’s Retreat and the open ground of Simmons Trail. This hike is best in the rainy season.

Location: Marin Municipal Water District
Length: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Shade: mostly shaded (only Simmons Trail is largely open)
Parking: Rock Spring (free)
Public Transportation: n/a
WC: portable toilets at Rock Spring, also toilets at Laurel Dell and Barth’s Retreat
Dogs: permitted on leash

Link to park website

Hiked: Oct 2021

Mickey O’Brien Trail winds up towards secluded Barth’s Retreat.

Trail Route

Start this hike at Rock Spring parking lot going north onto Cataract Trail. At the first marker, stay left to do the loop clockwise. You’ll hike on Cataract Trail for just over a mile, following the path of the creek. Ignore the marker for Ray Murphy’s Bridge to your left, as well as the marker for Mickey O’Brien Trail to your right. Continue on Cataract Trail until Laurel Dell.

At Laurel Dell, pass the restrooms, the large Laurel Dell sign, and the picnic area to continue on Cataract Trail towards the falls. You’ll follow the creek for a short time, then turn downhill to your left. If you’re lucky and there’s been rainfall recently, there will be a proper waterfall to admire. Then head back to Laurel Dell.

From Laurel Dell, retrace your steps on Cataract Trail towards Rock Spring until the marker for Mickey O’Brien Trail to your left. Turn onto Mickey O’Brien for just under a mile to reach Barth’s Retreat. From there, there’s unfortunately no marker for Simmons Trail, but it’s the first trail to the right, passing the restrooms and going uphill.

Stay on Simmons Trail for a mile to get back to Rock Spring.

Simmons Trail in the rain is sometimes pretty much just mud and slippery rocks.

Notes

This hike is best done in the rainy season, when the creek actually has running water and the waterfall is worth seeing. That said, we started this hike in the fog, which was heavy enough that we could feel it on our bare faces. And then it started raining halfway through the hike, so I’d recommend wearing a waterproof jacket and making sure that anything important in your backpack stays dry too.

As far as the route itself goes, I didn’t really like Simmons Trail because there’s one section that’s a very rocky and steep downhill. That was a bit hard on the knees, and in the rain, the rocks were slippery. But I’d definitely hike on Cataract Trail again. Next time, I’ll probably try a longer route up to High Marsh and back through Potrero Meadows.

The picnic area at Laurel Dell is shaded and would be quite nice in better weather, with the creek running next to it and multiple tables. There are a couple of picnic tables at Barth’s Retreat, which is more secluded, if you prefer that.