Gorgeous Pantoll Quad Hike with waterfall, Bolinas Ridge. 6.8 miles/1300 ft
Details
Right now, the forecast is predicting a break in the storms next Sunday. If it changes to some rain, I will change the route of our hike to a more woodsy one. Heavy rain will cancel the hike altogether. It's your responsibility to keep your eyes here for updates before the hike. Thank you!
This is one of the Pantoll Quad hikes, with a little added detour to see the Cataract Waterfall, which should be flowing beautifully now.
Here is the AllTrails route (not including the waterfall detour): https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-bolinas-ridge-cataract-and-old-mine-loop-9aa6670?u=i&sh=q3rnww
We'll start at Pantoll and hike up Old Mine to Rock Springs lot, and then take the Cataract trail through the woods to Laurel Dell. Since we've had rain, we will take a slight detour to see the Cataract Falls (adding about 1/2 mile and 300 ft elevation to the normal route). Then we head out to the Coastal trail where hopefully the weather gifts us with the gorgeous views that just love to show off. We go down to Matt Davis and take that back to the parking lot where we started. It's a very easy grade most of the way but you do need to watch your footing on the first part of the loop on the way to the Falls. Poles will be helpful. The climb is mostly at the beginning up Old Mine Trail, and some more if we decide to go the Falls. The whole loop is stunning!!
Bring water and your poles if you use them, and snacks if you need them. Waterproof boots will also be helpful as there will be a lot of puddles!
Parking:
We'll meet at the Pantoll Campground Parking Lot by the bathrooms. Bring $8 cash to park. (And they also have a QR code now that you can scan and pay with your phone, but the mobile signal is not dependable.) There are also free spots along the Panoramic Hwy as you approach the lot and a very small lot across the street from the main lot and up the road a few feet if you can snag a spot. Another option is the Bootjack parking lot about 1/2 mile down the road (before approaching Pantoll, away from Stinson. You will pass it on the way if coming from the Mill Valley area). It is also $8 to park. Please plan accordingly, and allow time to park, walk to our meeting place, use the restroom, get water, boot up, etc and be ready to hike by 9:00.
Meet Up:
Meet outside the bathrooms at PanToll Parking Lot.
Bathrooms and Water:
There are public bathrooms and water at the lot and outhouses at Rock Springs lot (a bit less than half way.)
Speed:
Please note that we hike at about 21-25 minutes per mile (sometimes 22/23) on average, even while going up and down. We don't rush but we also don't take a lot of breaks. We make bathroom, water and short snack breaks and sometimes take a photo or two. We stop at junctions to make sure we're all together. If it's a longer hike, we may stop for lunch and that will be included in the hike description above. Please know your fitness level and be sure you can keep up. If you are significantly slower, you will be asked to turn around or hike on your own.
Elevation:
If the elevation statistics means nothing to you, think of it as:
1000 feet of elevation gain = ~100 flights of stairs.
Please look at the stats and know what you're signing up for and that you have the fitness level required for the hike.
Please have "boots on" and be ready to hike at 9:00.
IMPORTANT:
For the safety and well-being of the group, please take into consideration the distance/elevation gain-loss and your own fitness level when signing up for a hike. As the group leader, I organize hikes but please note that I take no responsibility for your safety. If signing up for a hike, please agree that you are responsible for your own well-being. Sorry, no dogs. Please note that there's a 2 "no-shows" and last minute (less than 24 hours) removal from group policy. Please be courteous to the group and be on time so we can stick to the schedule. Thank you!
MANDATORY:
For all participating members I am requesting that you please be sure to fill out the "Membership Details" for this group under your profile BEFORE your next event. It will only take one minute and it is mandatory going forward before you participate in any hikes or events. It only needs to be done once. PLEASE NOTE -- THIS MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE ATTENDING THIS EVENT OR ANY HIKES: (If you are a new member, you would have already completed this.)
***MEMBERS WHO RSVP AND HAVE NOT COMPLETED THIS, WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY MOVED TO THE NOT GOING LIST. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE MEMBERSHIP DETAILS BEFORE YOU ARE ALLOWED TO JOIN, PLEASE!!!!!*** You may rejoin the hike once this is completed if there is still space. Thank you!!!
To find the form, you need to use a desktop or laptop. It does not work on the mobile app. (Or to make it even easier: remove yourself from the group and then rejoin. An automatic prompt to answer the questions will pop up, even on your mobile phone.)
- Click on the downward arrow next to your profile photo in the top righthand corner of the Meet Up Page.
- Click on "View Profile".
- Look for "Marin Women's Hiking Group".
- Click on "Membership Details".
- Answer ALL FIVE questions under "Group Bio".
Liability Waiver
By signing up for or attending this hike, you acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, accidents, and even death. You agree that you are participating voluntarily, are responsible for your own safety and well-being, and will use your best judgment at all times. By attending, you release the hike organizer(s), co-hosts, and group members from any and all liability for injuries, damages, losses, or death that may occur during or as a result of this activity.
Thank you very much!
Laura