Go chasing waterfalls...

Mill Valley's Cascade Canyon , Cataract Falls near Fairfax on the east side of Mt. Tamalpais(shown at right)--Marin's got its share of impressive waterfalls. But here's one you've probably never heard about. Which means its totally undiscovered. Just you, the woods, and water pounding so hard you can scream and not make a sound. Very, very cool. Just pack the waterproof hikers, since this one can be pretty soggy during big rain events like the one we're having now. (I can personally confirm this fact, having stepped on what looked like ground and was actually Marin's version of quicksand. I think my running shoe is still down in there somewhere.) Come back in March to spy uncommon and beautiful red monkeyflower.

San Pedro Ridge Falls (top left). This sweet spot is like a trip to Kauai without the 6-hour flight. The falls are within the San Pedro Open Space Preserve, west of China Camp State Park. From 101 in Terra Linda (N. San Rafael), take the N. San Pedro Rd exit east, toward China Camp. In about 1 mile you'll hit a stop sign (Oxford Dr to the right, Meadow Dr to the left); turn right. Turn right again just ahead onto Granlee; park in the huge Jehovah's Witness parking lot, on your right (park on the far south end, near the chain link fence). Walk around the fence and toward the creek, on the right side of the parking lot.

Now is when you might start getting wet. Jump the creek and pick up the faint trail heading into the forest, away from N. San Pedro. Follow this along boggy flats, the creek roughly on your right (it meanders a bit here) and start to climb. The falls kick in right about here. Keep scrambling (just be careful on slippery rocks) and keep climbing as long as you can, depending on water level. Cross the stream whenever needed or possible. In high water you can't get up very far; just stop and enjoy. And why not...go ahead and scream.