By Lewis Falls Trail in Falling Springs, CA has been on my list for a couple of years, and we finally got to do it this summer. Not once but three times! It’s short, fun and beautiful! It is a perfect little hike during the hot Southern California summer months. The photos used in this post are collected from our three hikes.
There is no trailhead sign from the CA-39, but there is a small turnout at the trailhead. I will leave the coordinates to the trailhead below. You can also enter the “Lewis Falls trailhead” in Google Map.
Park your car at one of the turnouts near the trailhead and begin the hike. If you park across, please be very careful of speedy motorcyclists in this corner when you cross the road.
As soon as you get out of the car, you can hear the running creek. It’s refreshing, and soon, it draws out the obnoxious passing-by motorcycle noises thankfully. The winding trail takes you into the forest quickly, and you will pass by two abandoned vacation cabins and outhouses.
The first time when Xena and I hiked this, we were alone, and it was overcast. Before the sun broke through the clouds, I admit it was a little spooky. 👀
I usually like having the trail to ourselves, but it made me feel uneasy that morning. So I kept Xena on a leash. I think Xena felt the same way because she didn’t protest. After 20 minutes or so, the sun came out and illuminated the forest. Then we were fine! Brave again! Ha!
Lewis Falls Trail is super short, but the constant obstacles keep this hike fun and exciting. This hike is rated challenging. Expect to do some rock climbing, off-trail scrambling, crawling under or climbing over a fallen tree and stream crossing.
Fun and rugged, right? We thought so!
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After tackling the obstacles, you will get to enjoy this beautiful 50-foot waterfall with your best friend.
This hike is perfect for summer because the trail is mostly shady and it can be done in an hour. When you are ready, go back the way you came in. This is an out and back trail.
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Good to Know:
- Hike Date: June – July 2019
- Distance: < 1 mile RT
- Elevation Gain: 360 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 4,133 ft
- Difficulty Rating: Challenging
- Trailhead: 34.301433, -117.838151
- Fee/Permit: Adventure Pass ($5/day; $30/annual)
- No toilet
- Notable: forest, wildflowers, waterfalls, stream crossings, off-trail scrambling
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Happy Hiking!
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Hiking Girl with Dog 
Beautiful hike & pup! 🙂
Thank you, Tara!
Nice little hike, Jamie! Reminds me of Lewis Falls, Lewis River and Lewis Lake near the S. entrance to Yellowstone NP… and Dogshead Trail (about 10 mi RT) Highly recommended if you’re ever in the area. I hiked the trail not long after a fire and again about 5 yrs. later -quite the contrast in terms of timber regrowth… nature is amazing! I’ll find the link and re-post it here.
Yes please! I’d love to put it on my list! 😃
Is it just me or is Xena extra cute in these photos?
I think so too!! 😃 Since we don’t hike often during the summer months, when we get to go, she has so much fun!