Cataract Falls is one of the best hikes in the bay area. Checking in at five miles roundtrip (if you go all the way to the top), it's not too long, but provides a great workout due to the elevation gain. And you can't beat the scenery. It winds through a series of cascading waterfalls and lush forest. Sound too good to be true? It's not (just scroll through the gorgeous photos in the slideshow above)—and it's closer than you think. Learn more. 

Need more time outside? Check out the Bay Area's best hikes with a view, here.