Cascade, Las Trampas

Cascade, Las Trampas, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Water stepping down from stone to stone. In the canyon depths outside of Alamo.

Sharing the Pool

Sharing the Pool, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

This has got to be one of the coolest places in Las Trampas. There are two streams that cascade down the cliffs into the same pool. The flow you see here is the result of all-day drenching rain.

Creekworld

Creekworld, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Here's a shot from last March, at the end (but perhaps peak) of the rainy season. Drenching rain showers had been hitting the Bay Area all day and the creeks were raging like I'd never seen.

This cascade in Las Trampas was nice because of how mossy and green it was. With the powerful storm that came through on Tuesday, I wouldn't be surprised if there's now water flowing at this very spot .

Falling in the Woods

Falling in the Woods, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

The waterfalls have returned to California...

Recent heavy rains have turned dry creek beds into exciting torrents, and the creek in this photo is no different. If you had visited this cascade three weeks ago, you would have been disappointed to find no water flowing.

Thankfully, that's not the case now, and it looks like California's drought fears are receding into the horizon...

Donner Creek Cascade

Donner Creek, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Here's a cascade on Donner Creek in Mt. Diablo State Park. This creek really rushes in the winter, when it is fed by multiple springs and canyons. Waterfalls occur in the higher canyons, but they can be difficult to see up close.

Back in February...When There Was Rain

Three Inches of Rain Later, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

This waterfall, in Las Trampas, looks very different now. No water flows over the cliff in this typical dry, dusty California autumn.

In the winter though, the waterfall gushes and flows wonderfully. Looking forward to the rains!

Rainy Day Waterfall

Rushing Down the Mountain, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

I hiked to this waterfall back in February, during the last rainstorm of the season.

It may have been the last rainstorm, but it certainly was powerful. A sudden heavy shower prevented me from starting my hike. However, I soon got going.

After following the creek upstream, I came to dozens of gushing waterfalls. This was just one of those cascades.

It's hard to believe this is all in the Bay Area.