Nearly from beginning to end, the Cataract Trail follows Cataract Creek, offering up lots of greenery, cool temperatures and the occaisional waterfall to the hiker. It's relative short distance of about 3 miles one way and downhill grade make this an easy trail for almost anyone to tackle.

A stone's throw from the lake, Cataract intersects with the Helen Markt Trail, which winds along the shore and into the trees for about 2 miles. Taking this offshoot and following it to the Kent Trail, on to Potrero Camp and finally the Benstein Trail loops you back to the parking lot.

To get there, follow the Panoramic Highway into Mt. Tam State Park. Veer tot eh right at the Pantoll Station, heading onto Pantoll Road. Follow Pantoll to where it ends at East Ridgecrest Road. The parking lot is at the intersection of East Ridgecrest and Pantoll. There are restrooms and picnic tables and probably lots of people, too.

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