Cascade Falls: Walk a little, find tranquillity

For an outing that leads you from urban cafes and shops to a tumbling waterfall, hike from downtown Mill Valley to Cascade Falls.

Drop into the Depot Bookstore and Cafe (87 Throckmorton Ave.) and, if you're in the mood to splurge, buy a copy of "A Guide to Mill Valley Steps, Lanes, Paths."

If you're ready for lunch, options include Avatars (15 Madrona St. off Throckmorton), Champagne French Bakery Cafe (41 Throckmorton Ave.) or Piazza D'Angelo (22 Miller Ave.)

(There is a walking path adjacent to the road.) The park was designed by Michael O'Shaughnessy, who later became San Francisco's chief engineer.

In the park, you will find restrooms, wooden bridges, a play area, a pebbled creek bed, redwood groves and a replica of John Reed's saw mill.

On the left side of Cascade Drive, shortly after crossing a concrete bridge, look for the plaque "#131 Mill Valley, Steps, Lanes, Path," which leads onto Three Wells Trail.

Weekdays, take Golden Gate Transit's No. 4 from S.F. to the Mill Valley Depot (Miller and Sunnyside).

Gail Todd is the author of "Lunchtime Walks in Downtown San Francisco" and a tour leader for San Francisco City Guides.