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8 Morses Gulch Falls
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Location: Stinson Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County
Height: ~50 ft.
Access:  
Distance: 1.0 miles (RT)
Elevation: 10 ft. (+200 ft.)
Season: Dec-May
Difficulty: 
Lat/Long:37.92298, -122.66324
Directions:Take Hwy #101 to the Hwy #1 Mill Valley / Stinson Beach exit. Follow Hwy #1 for 12 miles to the Panoramic Hwy just before Stinson Beach. Continue exactly 2.6 miles past the Panoramic Hwy junction to an unmarked turnout on the right.
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Morses Gulch Falls is a hidden beauty. Get away from the crowds on all the popular hiking trails of the Mt. Tam area. This waterfall is just a couple miles north of Stinson Beach, and is not too difficult to reach, yet you will likely have it all to yourself.
The trail is not maintained and the trailhead is not marked. Drive exactly 2.6 miles north on Hwy 1 from the junction with the Panoramic Hwy. Look for a pullout on the right side of the road, and a sign posted saying "no camping or overnight parking". As you walk up the trail, you will find it is overgrown in places, with plenty of stinging nettles (not so nice on the bare legs). There is one creek crossing along the way. The trail is not too difficult to follow, however, and leads to a great overlook of the 50 ft. waterfall in about a half-mile from the highway. You can scramble down a steep bank to get to the base of the falls for a different perspective. But the overlook is the best spot to sit and enjoy the waterfall in peace and quiet. The trail peters out above the waterfall, so when you are ready, head back down the trail to the road and all the crowds. This waterfall is best seen in the winter or early spring months.
Update (1/05): We have heard reports that this trail and waterfall are extremely difficult to find. When I was here in 2004, I did not think the trail was too hard to follow. Be sure that you cross the creek and hike up to the falls on the south/east side.
Zoom out on map to see all nearby waterfalls:
Other waterfalls nearby:
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