The Cataract Trail/Mt. Tamalpais - 2/21/2005

Rain, heavy wind, thunder and lightning storms. The perfect day for hiking. Am I crazy? No. It’s a little insider secret amongst Mt. Tam regulars. The reason is that the mountain is heavily forested so you’re well protected from the elements on certain trails such as the Cataract Trail and the trail from Alpine Dam to Kent Lake. I prefer going during these conditions because the trails are less crowded, and on the weekday you’d likely be alone in these conditions. Even the normally crowded Muir Woods National Monument thins out during the rain.

For the nature photographer, days like these are like the beach-goer’s cloudless blue-sky day. The foliage beneath the canopy looks as lush as you’ll ever see it, and the creeks are rushing downstream furiously. You’d also get the even lighting that is required to photograph a forest. I guarantee that even the worst photographer’s shots in the forest could be dramatically improved if shot on a wet day and a tripod.

Fog tends to envelop the slopes of Mt. Tam on these days as well. It adds a mysterious feel to the scene. If the sun breaks, no problem, you have a high likelihood of getting dramatic god beams filtering through the thick forest. Light like that can help simplify the normally “busy” forest scene and improve the photography.



I’d been on the Cataract Trail numerous times but had never completed the whole distance from Alpine Lake to Laurel Dell. It’s not exactly an easy hike, but within most people’s ability level. Heck, if I can do it then anyone can. (For people who don’t know me, I have a paralyzing fear of narrow trails and drop-offs. Hence I’ll never be mistaken for Galen Rowell.)

What appeals to me about this place is that the entire trail follows Cataract Creek as it cascades down to Alpine Lake. I’ve photographed banana slugs, California newts, and fungus along the trail in addition to the massive roar of the creek. I’m surprised all that life survives in this environment today because of the large numbers of hikers who do this trail on the weekends. I’ve tried coming on the weekend but it’s impossible to find parking on Mt. Tam after 10:30 a.m., so I stick with weekdays. When I’m outdoors, I want to see as little people as possible. If I wanted to be around that many people, I’d spend more time at Union Square than Mt. Tam.

There was a reward to reaching the top. There was an outhouse. Need I explain further? I then rested briefly then headed back down. Heading down is probably the most taxing part of the trail because it’s hard on the joints. I’d probably be better served with hiking poles but I think I’ll save those for the solitary trail hikes… (And you call yourself a nature photographer?) I was a tired mess by the time I reached the car, not to mention slightly bruised from my two slips on wet rocks while scrambling off trail. The rain was pouring and thunder was piercing the sky as I left. I was dry considering what I looked like.

Photo Notes:
1. Bring a lens cloth because you’re going to need it when it’s that wet out there. I lost about a quarter of my shots even with the cloth because my lens was either fogged or had water sprinkles I didn’t see through the viewfinder.
2. A tripod, polarizer, and remote shutter are your best friends.
3. Bring hiking boots, water and hiking sticks.
4. Leave your jacket in the backpack. I guarantee you will not be cold after five minutes of this trail even if it’s 40 degrees and raining. It’s a temperate rain forest so I think it retains a lot of humidity from the moisture. Your body heat takes care of the rest. I’ve never done this trail and not sweated my ass off the entire time.