Greenbelt Outings Calendar Released: Winter Waterfalls

Greenbelt Alliance * The Newswire
Volume 1, December 2002

Free Greenbelt Outings—Winter 2003

Greenbelt Alliance has organized a series of outings celebrating Bay Area waterfalls. Our Outings Key (below) will help you find an outing suited to your skill level. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED WHEN NOTED. Please limit reservations to two outings only. For reservations or to get directions to an outing, please call the outings hotline at 415-255-3233 or visit www.greenbelt.org.

Saturday, January 11th
Chasing Cataract Falls
Marin County
Take a challenging hike on a trail that leads through redwood trees and lush fern foliage, following the breathtaking, cascading falls of Cataract Creek. A beautiful, dramatic, series of waterfalls on the west side of Mt. Tam. 10 AM to 4 PM. C 8 B
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Sunday, January 12th
Strolling SF’s Watery Parks
San Francisco County
Take a peaceful, moderately challenging urban walk to explore willowy banks of Islais Creek in Glen Canyon Park, then climb to McLaren Park to find active springs, marshes, and ponds right in the heart of San Francisco. 10 AM to 3 PM. M 6 B

Saturday, January 25th
Cascading Carson Falls
Marin County
Discover a three-tiered waterfall, the highest of which is 40 feet, while passing through oak/bay woodland and grasslands along moderately challenging serpentine trails outside of Fairfax. 10 AM to 2 PM. M/C 4 A
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Sunday, January 26th
Bountiful Berry Creek Falls
Santa Cruz County
A combo bike and hike trip to spectacular waterfalls nestled in the redwoods at Big Basin State Park. This 8-mile bike ride combined with a 3-mile hike is north of Santa Cruz and for age 12 and up. 10:15 AM to 4:30 PM. M 8(bike)+3(hike) A
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Sunday, February 2nd
Castle Rock Falls
Santa Cruz County
Take one of the best hikes in the South Bay at Castle Rock State Park. See sandstone formations and excellent views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, waterfalls, and the ocean. 10:30 AM to 3 PM. M 6 A
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Saturday, February 8th
Diablo’s Hidden Falls
Contra Costa County
A strenuous hike to Eagle Peak and the falls on the hidden side of Mt. Diablo’s North Peak. Enjoy spectacular ridges, lush canyons, and several bridal veil waterfalls. Experienced hikers only. 10 AM to 5 PM. S 9 C

Sunday, February 9th
Creek Walk to the Hills
Alameda County
Follow recently restored Sausal Creek from Dimond Park to Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland Hills. This hardy hike winds by the historic Woodminster Theater with its beautiful man-made cascade waterfalls.
9:30 AM to 3 PM. C 8 B

Sunday, February 16th
Waterfalls of Berkeley
Alameda County
Discover the little known waterfalls of urban Berkeley on this moderately challenging walk. Find three stepped waterfalls tucked away in parks and neighborhoods, and see gardens and historic homes. 10 AM to 4 PM. M/C 8 A
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Sunday, February 23rd
Sweet Sugarloaf Falls
Sonoma County
Experience the wonders of winter in the moss-covered oak/fir woodland, near Kenwood. Observe the beauty of the rushing creek and a 25-foot waterfall on this short but steep hike.
11 AM to 4 PM. M 3 A

Sunday, March 2nd
Ultra Uvas Canyon Falls
Santa Clara County
Travel to the Santa Cruz Mountains to experience fantastic falls in a seldom-visited park near Morgan Hill. This moderate hike includes a three-tiered Triple Falls that will whet your appetite for more winter hikes!
10 AM to 3 PM. M 4 A
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Sunday, March 9th
Coastal Waterfall Wander
San Mateo County
Hike along a creek in San Pedro Valley Park to discover a delicate waterfall, unique native plants, the rugged San Mateo coast, and an excellent natural history museum. Bike ride from SF to and from the hike is optional. 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM M 2 A (With ride: 10 AM to 6 PM, C 34 A)
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Saturday, March 15th
Briones’ Abrigo Falls
Contra Costa County
Enter a time warp and visit a prehistoric-looking canyon to find a small, hidden, waterfall at Briones Park’s Bear Creek, near Lafayette. Briones comes to life especially after winter rains. 10 AM to 2 PM. E 3 A
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Saturday, March 22nd
Marvelous Murietta Falls
Alameda County
Traverse scenic trails in the Ohlone Wilderness, south of Livermore, to a dazzling 110-foot waterfall. Extremely hardcore hike. Enjoy green hills, wildflowers, and one of the wildest places in the Bay Area. 9:15 AM to 6 PM. HC 16 E

Sunday, March 23rd
Winter on Mount Tam
Marin County
A challenging trek on the scenic south side of wondrous Mount Tam, along the Dipsea and Steep Ravine Trails. Don’t miss the 2 miles of a rushing creek with glorious cascades and redwoods. 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. C 7 B
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Outings Key

Degree of Challenge:

E = Easy
M = Moderate
C = Challenging
S = Strenuous
HC = Hard Core

Miles:

The number equals the number of miles covered

Elevation Gain:

A = Less than 1,000 ft
B = 1,000 to 2,000 ft
C = 2,000 to 3,000 ft
D = 3,000 to 4,000 ft
E = More than 4,000ft

For Example: A hike with the rating of C 7 B is a challenging, seven mile hike with an elevation gain between 1,000 and 2,000 feet.

Close this window