2010-12-04: Hike to Kitchen Creek Falls
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 4:32 am
Kitchen Creek Falls Hike
So how about something a little less strenuous than Goat Canyon? On the southern slopes of the Laguna Mountains, the Pacific Crest Trail passes just 200 yards above a hidden series of waterfalls in Kitchen Creek. Here, water from about 20 square miles of drainage flows through a narrow section in the bedrock, and tumbles about 150 vertical feet over water-polished slabs. After a major storm passes through, the sound of falling water gives away the location of the falls; at other times, finding them may be a bit difficult A short stretch of moderate scrambling is required to reach them. Parked just outside Boulder Oaks Campground off Old Highway 80, cross under Interstate 8 and you're on your way.
Previous trip report: http://www.oausa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1006
Date: Sat. December 4th, 2010
Meeting Location: Carl's Jr. 1263 Tavern Road, Alpine, CA 91901
Meeting Time: 8:00am
This 4.5 mile trip takes about 3 hours, not including the time spent exploring the area. It is dog-friendly, has water along the way, and the cactus is at a minimum.
To get there: Take I-8 east to the Buckman Springs exit south. Turn east on Old Highway 80 and continue about 2 miles to a large parking area on the shoulder just before reaching the campground entrance. The Pacific Crest Trail picks up across the street.
If you'd like to get out and stretch your legs, feel free to come along!
So how about something a little less strenuous than Goat Canyon? On the southern slopes of the Laguna Mountains, the Pacific Crest Trail passes just 200 yards above a hidden series of waterfalls in Kitchen Creek. Here, water from about 20 square miles of drainage flows through a narrow section in the bedrock, and tumbles about 150 vertical feet over water-polished slabs. After a major storm passes through, the sound of falling water gives away the location of the falls; at other times, finding them may be a bit difficult A short stretch of moderate scrambling is required to reach them. Parked just outside Boulder Oaks Campground off Old Highway 80, cross under Interstate 8 and you're on your way.
Previous trip report: http://www.oausa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=1006
Date: Sat. December 4th, 2010
Meeting Location: Carl's Jr. 1263 Tavern Road, Alpine, CA 91901
Meeting Time: 8:00am
This 4.5 mile trip takes about 3 hours, not including the time spent exploring the area. It is dog-friendly, has water along the way, and the cactus is at a minimum.
To get there: Take I-8 east to the Buckman Springs exit south. Turn east on Old Highway 80 and continue about 2 miles to a large parking area on the shoulder just before reaching the campground entrance. The Pacific Crest Trail picks up across the street.
If you'd like to get out and stretch your legs, feel free to come along!
