Mossy Cascade

Mossy Cascade, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

"An extremely green cascade in the hills of Las Trampas. All it takes is one good storm to turn the dull, dry mosses a fluorescent green."

I remember taking this picture a few years ago, when I had first started exploring the local canyons and finding all the waterfalls hidden within them. I'll never forget just how vibrantly green this cascade was.

Poly Canyon Cascade

Poly Canyon Cascade, originally uploaded by ParsecTraveller.

Since I now live on the Central Coast of California, the Bay Area is out of reach most of the time. This blog will now encompass waterfalls all across the Golden State.

First up is this little cascade in the depths of Poly Canyon in San Luis Obispo. Brizzolara Creek flows through the canyon past architecture projects and farming equipment. This photo was taken after several huge storms pounded the area with drenching rain.

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.