In Search of Waterfalls

Waterfalls are said to have a sort of magic about them. There is the beauty of the water cascading over jagged rocks that may, or may not, be safe to climb.

Many are hidden away but you can usually hear the rush of the water as you get closer. The anticipation of seeing its beauty builds until you finally find it.

Believe it or not, there are several waterfalls in and around the Los Angeles area. So, as the weather gets cooler and offers the opportunity for hikes in search of the water — do go chasing waterfalls.

Paradise Falls

928 West Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks 91360 Info outdoorsocal.com/ posts/wildwood-regionalpark

This 40-foot waterfall is located in Wildwood Region-

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al Park. The trails in the park are mostly flat with a difficulty of easy to moderate.

Parking is free and located right next to the Mesa Trailhead. Follow the Mesa Trail for less than a mile to the Teepee Trail that branches off to the left. Once you crest the hill, you see the giant teepee that serves as a resting spot.

From the teepee, follow the Moonridge Trail down 300 feet into a ravine. A series of switchbacks will lead you to the falls.

Trail Canyon Falls

19600 North Trail Canyon Road, Angeles National Forest, Tujunga 91042 Info www.hikespeak.com/ trails/trail-canyon-falls

The two-mile hike that takes about 2 hours 15 minutes will lead you to the 30foot Trail Canyon Falls.

The trail will take you past cabins. It crosses a stream a few times before you climb Big Tujunga Canyon and see the falls beyond.

According to Hikespeak.com, the trail reaches pools in the creek above the falls. You can walk down the granite to the brink of the waterfall.

Add on to your hike by continuing past the waterfall to the Tom Lucas Trail Camp. This is a good turnaround point.

Parking is free at the trailhead and dogs are welcome.

Solstice Canyon Falls

3455 Solstice Canyon Rd, Malibu 90265 Info www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/ solsticecanyon.htm

Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, Solstice Canyon has several hiking options ranging from easy to strenuous. Either way, when you are hiking to the falls keep your eyes open for acorn woodpeckers, alligator lizards or even a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead.

It’s a gentle hike to the waterfall and when you arrive you will find the ruins of the Roberts Ranch house. The ranch house was built in the 1960s and unfortunately destroyed by 1982 wildfires. According to National Park Service, the ranch house was designed by architect Paul Review Williams in 1952. Williams may be best known for his building that many see as they begin or end their travels through the Los Angeles Airport. He designed the iconic Theme Building.

Enjoy your surrounds at the Roberts Ranch house. Here you may find natural gems including exotic plants, pools and a hidden statue of the Virgin Mary.

Heart Rock Falls

250 CA-138, Crestline 92325 Info https://bit.ly/3TnDnVr

This fall is located a bit further out in the San Bernardino National Forest. But if you’re looking for a short, moderately challenging hike to a heart-shaped rock formation next to a 20-foot waterfall — this is it.

The hike will take about 40 minutes to complete. The Camp Seeley Trail is a 1.3-mile loop that is open year-round and dog friendly. However, dogs must leashed.

The trail follows the Camp Seeley Creek and at one point you will need to cross the creek. The biggest complaint from reviewers? — Bugs.

The Grotto in the Santa Monica Mountains

12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu 90265 Info www.hikespeak.com/trails/grottohike-malibu/

Simply known as The Grotto, this boulder-hopping waterfall trek is best visited after a rainfall. This 3-mile hike is known as a backwards hike, where the uphill part is on your way out. Dogs are permitted along the trail but not to the grotto part. Gloves and good hiking shoes are recommended.

You start from the Circle X Ranch Visitor Center, which is tucked in the canyons above Malibu. 

Heart Rock Falls is named for this heart shaped rock formation located next to the falls. PHOTO COURTESY THE CITY OF CRESTLINE.

Paradise Falls is located in Thousand Oaks and offers a 40-foot waterfall in Wildwood National Park. PHOTO COURTESY OUTDOORSOCAL.COM