Fish Canyon Falls

Note: Time is changed to 7:00 am. This is such a popular hike that we've got to arrive when the place opens!!!!!

A hiking member suggested this hike----so here it is. I've never done this one, so can't answer questions with experiential authority. I'll be doing all of this for the first time right along side you--so will be learning as we go. The area is accessible to the public only a few months out of the year, so this will be a treat to go in here.

Something a little different.

Hike Distance: 5 miles RT (about 3 hours with time sit at the Falls and relax)

Elevation Gain: 1500 ft.

Dogs on leashes ok to ride shuttle and hike.

The Fish Canyon Trail leads to one of the most beautiful local waterfalls in the region located in the pristine Angeles National Forest.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/9/a/event_97403962.jpegAlong the 5-mile hike you will find impressive greenery. The canyon is full of Big-leaf maples, California bays, alders and live oaks. In springtime you will see an assortment of wildflowers including the California poppy, lupine, campanula, larkspur and brodiaea line the walls of this enchanted forest.

Stone foundations, walkways, and walls of old cabin sites from the early 1900s can be seen. The cabins were destroyed in a fire and flood in the late 1950s. The culmination of the hike is the breath-taking Fish Canyon Falls. This waterfall drops 90 feet in three stair-stepped tiers, finally sliding its way into a large and clear pool.

Fish Canyon is just two miles off the Foothill Freeway. It is an integral part of the San Gabriel River system, which connects the mountains to the sea. This crucial life line of the Greater Los Angeles Basin is a top priority for Azusa Rock. Vulcan Materials, in keeping with its commitment to environmental stewardship, is making the access to Fish Creek a top priority.

www.azusarock.com

http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/fishcanyon.html

What to Bring: Long sleeved shirt and pants, hat, water, sunscreen, camera, 1.5 liters of water.

Hike Description:

We will be transported by the Vulcan via shuttle through the quarry. We'll start the hike at a bridge that marks the beginning of Fish Canyon Trail at the national forest boundary.

Cross the bridge and follow the trail upstream. In a couple minutes the trail follows a couple switchbacks up the west slope before continuing north. This well-maintained path enjoys some mild roller coaster action as it generally climbs north up canyon, contouring along the west slope. Be alert for poison oak, which is abundant in the canyon. We'll pass several interpretive signs giving us a glimpse of the canyon's past.

Eventually the trail descends and crosses the creek, which can get a little dicey when thewater is running high. The trail continues north climbing the east slope and in another 0.25 mile the canyon bends sharply to the west and the falls come into view. Take care in climbing down to the rocks and pools at the base of the falls. This is a delightful place to enjoy a picnic, but know that on access days you will probably be sharing this site with many others.

Return by the same route, and please, take back everything you brought in.

Directions: To get to the Vulcan shuttle car park, you'll need to drive towards the junction of the I-210 and I-605 Freeways in the city of Duarte (near Irwindale). From the I-210 going east exit onto Mount Olive Drive and then turn right onto Huntington Drive. Once on Huntington Drive, you'll be driving towards Encanto Parkway (between Mount Olive Dr. and Irwindale Ave.). Head north on Encanto Parkway to its end (going past the Encanto Park Museum as well as an Equestrian Center and dirt road that you don't take) where you'll be passing through the forbidding fence marking the Vulcan Materials boundary and entering a very large car park area. The van shuttle and register area is besides the car park.

Parking is free.

Carpool if possible.

READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY

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I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: Outdoor sports and other events we plan are inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Thousand Oaks Hikers Group and it's organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any The TOaks Hikers Group events, you are releasing the TOaks Hikers Group and it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

Responsibility: I am not responsible for you. You are responsible for you. You should be self-sufficient and be able to find your way to safety in the event you find yourself on your own. I will not lead you back to the trailhead if you decide to turn back.

Disclaimer: The organizer and assistant organizers take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during this hiking event. Hiking can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By participating in this hike posted on this meetup web page you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.