Berkeley’s Hidden Waterfall

A friend sitting at the waterfall. Click for a larger image.

I’ve heard this called “Berkeley’s secret waterfall”, “Berkeley’s hidden waterfall”, and “Berkeley’s backyard waterfall”. Whatever you want to call it, it’s a waterfall in Berkeley on someone’s private property that they’ve graciously allowed the public to visit (so be respectful so we don’t lose it!).

Where it is and How to Get There

The waterfall itself is located roughly northeast of Cordonices park (here’s the rough geocoordinates of the waterfall itself). So the first thing to do is go to Codornices park.
  1. If you walk to the northmost point of the park and go east, you’ll see a set of stairs (map).
    Stairs leading up Tamalpais path
  2. Keep walking along the path. Pretty close near the top of the stairs you’ll see a short wooden gate on the left.
    A bit after the top of the stairs, you’ll see a short gate on the left (click image to enlarge).
    The gate you’ll enter. It says “private” but purposely does not say “No trespassing”.

    You may feel weird about entering a gate that says “private” (I sure did the first time!), but notice that it purposely does not say “No trespassing”. My non-lawyer understanding of California penal code 602 subdivision h is that you need signs forbidding trespass (but you’re also committing trespass if they ask you to leave and you refuse). You’ll actually see signs inside that show that it’s okay for members of the public to be there.

  3. Enter the gate and walk along the path. Notice the signs that say you’re on private property, that you’ve been given permission to pass (but such permission is revocable). Notice the signs that ask you to generally be respectful of the property.
    Right to pass by permission. See Section 1008, Civil Code.
    Sign that says you are on private property, and to treat with respect. Click for larger version.
    The sign says:
    You are on
    Private Property
    Please
    Remember
    • Use trails at own risk
    • Treat with respect
    • Leave only footprints
    • You are in our dogs’ yard

    Right to pass revocable
    155 Tamalpais Rd.
  4. Keep walking along the path, eventually you’ll see the waterfall.
    Pathway to walk along