Fairway Falls Open Space in Novato is worth the drive if you want to see actual waterfalls with your dog after it rains. The park sits off Ignacio Boulevard west of Highway 101, and you’ll know you’ve found the trailhead when you see the gate marking what used to be a planned gated community at the end of Fairway Drive.

Dogs can walk on-leash throughout the park, and you have the option to let them off-leash under voice control on the designated fire protection roads, which gives you some flexibility depending on your dog’s reliability. The main draw is the seasonal waterfall about half a mile in—after decent rainfall it’s genuinely impressive, cascading down dramatically enough to be worth planning around if you check the weather. The path itself is straightforward and well-maintained, easy enough for most dogs and owners to handle without much fuss.

Once you reach the first waterfall, you can turn back or keep going if you want more. The trail continues past it with a right fork that leads to two additional waterfalls, each with its own character. The creek crossing uses a wooden plank bridge that’s sturdy enough, though your dog might need a moment to figure out the footing. The surrounding area gives you views into Ignacio Valley Open Space Preserve, so it never feels cramped even with other hikers around.

Bring water for your dog since it’s a real hike and the creek water isn’t reliable for drinking. The whole experience depends heavily on recent rainfall—in dry months the waterfall disappears entirely and becomes just a rocky streambed. If you’re visiting during wetter months from November through April, timing it within a few days after rain will give you the best views. The trails stay in decent shape year-round though, so even without flowing water it’s a decent walk through open grassland and oak woodland if you’re in the area anyway.