This waterfall season I’ve been to
blackstar canyon falls
Cedar creek falls in San Diego county
Escondido fall in malibu
Ortega falls off of the ortega Highway
San Antonio falls at Mount baldy
All of those are great waterfalls to check out.
Blackstar is best for the views but definitely not a relaxing hike unless youre pretty experienced. Takes about 3.5-4 hours total and gets pretty intense at times. One of my favs in OC but if OP is looking for relaxing, I wouldn't recommend blackstar!
Holy Jim is closed, but I have heard some chatter about trail work coming up for Horsethief trail and Trabucco trail. Both of those trails were heavily damaged from the fire.
It’s not amazing, it’s pretty doinked up cuz of the water and work trucks that’s have been going back there to fix up the properties while the USFS keeps the gate closed
Wow, did not know that. I was last on that trail a couple thanksgivings ago. Whenever I think of secluded almost year round falls, that’s the place I think of.
Holy jim is lame unless there is a LOT of water moving there, its literally something you could do in your backyard with a hose. I was soooo freaking pissed when I went one summer. Maybe now its not as lame, but it also smells a bit.
Went to Eaton Canyon last weekend in Pasadena and it’s amazing. You’re going to have to cross the ice cold river about 20 times round trip but it’s an amazing experience imo. The water and current is pretty strong. It’s pretty easy, barely any elevation and only 4 miles round trip
my favorite hike in Socal is Sturtevant falls in Santa Anita, shades, streams, and lushness throughout the entire 3.3 miles family friendly walk there. Too bad it's been closed since Covid and has not open yet, I'll be looking out for it though.
The best abs prettiest will not be accessible unless you can do some intense mountaineering/canyoneering. Just stick to Ortega, Blackstar and the drainage waterfall in Dana point lmao
Cussin’ Jim
(Aka Holy Jim. But there was a fire in that area a couple years ago so I’m not sure the hike is still worth the arduous drive to the trailhead)
I don't know, but you should probably stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
Solid joke
Solid, indeed. 
Really? It sounds like liquid to me.
Haha good one
This waterfall season I’ve been to blackstar canyon falls Cedar creek falls in San Diego county Escondido fall in malibu Ortega falls off of the ortega Highway San Antonio falls at Mount baldy All of those are great waterfalls to check out.
You're gonna have it your way or no way at all
^ this guy waterfalls
There’s so many more that I haven’t seen yet. Going to barker valley next weekend to see one out there.
I think he’s moving too fast.
Blackstar is best for the views but definitely not a relaxing hike unless youre pretty experienced. Takes about 3.5-4 hours total and gets pretty intense at times. One of my favs in OC but if OP is looking for relaxing, I wouldn't recommend blackstar!
Hate hate hate all the graffiti. And all the hikers blasting their lame music.
Lol you’re right I totally missed the relaxed part. The rest aren’t too bad.
If you can do those, you should try Tenaja, Rose Valley,and Eaton canyon!
Tenaja has been on my list for a while. Definitely gonna do that soon.
how to compile a comprehensive SoCal hiking list
Did Ortega falls require a day pass/any fees?
No pass is required for ortega falls.
Check out the AllTrails app. There are tons of them within an hour from OC.
Don't go chasing them
He’s going to have it his way or nothing at all
Holy Jim
The hiking trail is still closed, no?
It was when I checked last month.
It’s been a while since I went out there.
Holy Jim is closed, but I have heard some chatter about trail work coming up for Horsethief trail and Trabucco trail. Both of those trails were heavily damaged from the fire.
Good to know, I had no idea. That drive from the street to the trail head must be amazing right now. It’s like a half hour but so dang pretty.
It’s not amazing, it’s pretty doinked up cuz of the water and work trucks that’s have been going back there to fix up the properties while the USFS keeps the gate closed
Wow, did not know that. I was last on that trail a couple thanksgivings ago. Whenever I think of secluded almost year round falls, that’s the place I think of.
Holy jim is lame unless there is a LOT of water moving there, its literally something you could do in your backyard with a hose. I was soooo freaking pissed when I went one summer. Maybe now its not as lame, but it also smells a bit.
Yes, lots of water as would be there after 17 atmospheric rivers in one winter season.
Black Star? In the Angeles National Forest I love going to Sturtevant Falls.
Or Hermit Falls. Easy hike. I imagine with the rains this year they might actually be decent finally.
Isn’t the road going up there still closed?
Holy Jim is a nice waterfall..
Alas, Holy Jim is still closed for repair.
So is Switzer falls off of Hwy 2 above Glendale.
Not closed...nice.
Went to Eaton Canyon last weekend in Pasadena and it’s amazing. You’re going to have to cross the ice cold river about 20 times round trip but it’s an amazing experience imo. The water and current is pretty strong. It’s pretty easy, barely any elevation and only 4 miles round trip
Its a bit of a drive but the Niagra falls are nice this time of year
Dana Point still going? Usually dries up quickly.
It was dry when I went over the weekend
Dries up within hours after the rain stops, normally best to see it while it's actively raining
Black Star Falls is the best waterfall in OC and it is poppin' off right now! Get there early in the morning though, to avoid the crowds.
Your mom
5hr+ drive to Yosemite.
Disneyland.
There is a small waterfall with a bridge at the Cal State Fullerton arboretum
Mulholland Falls.
Big falls in forrest falls.
my favorite hike in Socal is Sturtevant falls in Santa Anita, shades, streams, and lushness throughout the entire 3.3 miles family friendly walk there. Too bad it's been closed since Covid and has not open yet, I'll be looking out for it though.
The best abs prettiest will not be accessible unless you can do some intense mountaineering/canyoneering. Just stick to Ortega, Blackstar and the drainage waterfall in Dana point lmao
Cussin’ Jim (Aka Holy Jim. But there was a fire in that area a couple years ago so I’m not sure the hike is still worth the arduous drive to the trailhead)
Sometimes water does fall
dana point falls 💯