Laurel Dell Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Laurel Dell is a perfect spot for a picnic or a break for lunch on a longer hike. Bordered on two sides by Cataract Creek, Laurel Dell is bathed with the sounds of bubbling or rushing water, depending on the flow in Cataract Creek.
Laurel Dell picnic area was open to camping as well as picnicking though the 1960’s. Camping is now restricted, but picnic tables and barbeques provide an ideal area for a picnic.
From Laurel Dell, you can head down Cataract Trail to view the falls during the rainy season. The first major fall is just 0.3 miles beyond Laurel Dell. From Cataract Trail, you can hike High Marsh Trail across the middle elevations of the north face of the mountain, or Helen Markt Trail across the lower elevations.
You can also follow Laurel Dell Fire Road to Potrero Camp and Rifle Camp, with their many hiking options on the north side of Mt. Tamalpais.
The shortest route to the cache is from the parking area at the beginning of the Laurel Dell Fire Road (the same parking spot for Firestone) and hiking 0.75 miles to Laurel Dell. With this approach, you must ford Cataract Creek, which may be impossible during the rainy season. If you get caught unable to ford the creek, retreat south to the Ray Murphy Bridge and cross there, following Cataract Trail to Laurel Dell.
Another route is to park at the Rock Spring parking lot, and hiking Cataract Creek 1.3 miles to Laurel Dell. This is the easiest way to get to Laurel Dell, and the recommended route if you are hiking with children. A third route is to park at the Cataract Trail trailhead near Alpine Dam and hike 1.4 miles up to Laurel Dell. This is steepest, but most interesting route in the winter when the water level is high. There are many spectacular waterfalls on this route during the rainy season.
Regardless of your route, Laurel Dell is a wonderful, relaxing spot for a break during any hike on the north side of Mt. Tamalpais Enjoy the peaceful, relaxing sounds at this special spot.
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(Decrypt)
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