With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Beat the Heat: Hike To These 5 Beautiful Waterfalls
By David Lockeretz of Nobody Hikes in L.A. / Special to LAist
For many people, waterfalls are found in Yosemite, Sequoia, and the Smoky Mountains…but not in Southern California. And even savvy L.A. hikers who know of Holy Jim, Sturtevant and the other famous waterfalls in the area probably don't associate them with Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Yet some of Southern California's most impressive cascades can be found just beyond the edge of the Inland Empire. If you are looking for some places to beat the notorious summer heat of the "I.E.", try these ones out for size.
Big Falls — This, Southern California's tallest year-round waterfall, lives up to its name. Located in the foothills of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, Big Falls can be reached with a short hike that includes a scramble across Mill Creek (be careful!) For more information about the hike, check out this site.
Bonita Canyon Falls — Another one of SoCal's tallest waterfalls, Bonita Canyon sits at the eastern edge of the San Gabriel Mountains, not far from I-15. Navigation and terrain can be a little challenging here, and there's an unfortunate amount of trash and graffiti, but the waterfall is quite impressive and well worth the visit. Go here for more info.
Support for LAist comes from
Etiwanda Falls — To be sure, you'll want to bring your sun hat and sunblock, as the route is almost entirely exposed. The majority of the trip might not seem that promising, but hang in there and you'll be rewarded for your efforts with a view of an impressive cascade that flows almost all year long, fed from streams in the mountains high above. You can find more info about the hike here.
Heart Rock Falls — This 25-footer might be down to a trickle by the end of the summer, but no matter how much water there is, the most impressive feature will always be visible. Heart Rock is named after a naturally occurring bowl that bears a striking resemblance to a heart. The walk through the woods in the western San Bernardino Mountains is very enjoyable as well. For more info about this hike, visit this website.
San Antonio Falls — On the flank of Mt. Baldy, San Antonio Falls can be reached with a short drive from the Claremont area and a 3/4 mile walk on a service road. On the way to the 80-foot waterfall, you'll enjoy great views of the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley. For more info, go here.
So there you have it: five sure-fire ways to beat the heat and explore SoCal's natural side. No fighting national park crowds required!
Related:
Check out these other hikes in Southern California
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist