Enjoying an extraordinary waterfall hike
This extraordinary and strenuous waterfall hike is taken by too few people. Carson Falls is best visited in winter and spring when the rains have charged the falls, and the water plummets in long stretches, pausing only briefly in occasional pools. Located in a remote part of Marin, the falls are edged by rock and the water rushes and froths, hemmed in by steep slopes.
There are other hikes we could take, but it's waterfall season and in the words of Janis Joplin, “Get it while you can!”
• Hike summary: The hike of about 4 miles round trip is partially on Pine Mountain Fire Road, then Oat Hill Road, and mostly and finally along a trail through the forest, and along the falls and Little Carson Creek with some steep terrain going in and out.
The footing is sometimes difficult and slippery, particularly on the rocks on the short trail leading down to the bottom of the long falls. If you are able to climb up and down steeply and handle sometimes rocky and slippery footing, this hike is well worth it. Dogs on leash allowed. No facilities on my visit.
On our way back to civilization, we are fortunate to carry with us the wildness, the energy and the beauty of Carson Falls.
• Getting there: Take Bolinas Road from Fairfax and continue past the Meadow Club about a mile or so to the Azalea Hill dirt parking area on your left and park there.
• The hike: From your car, cross the paved road and pass through or around the gate to take Pine Mountain Fire Road. As you climb, notice the views of the surrounding untouched and remote landscape except for the Meadow Club below. Climb, sometimes steeply, about 1 mile and descend just a short distance to a sign on the left for the dirt Oat Hill Road and in smaller letters, Carson Falls. Turn left and take Oat Hill Road about a quarter mile to a sign on the right for the trail down to Carson Falls. Take the