Wet 'n' Wild Rose Valley Falls Exploration, Ventura County, Difficulty=easy/mod

11AM-3PM

Meet at Rio Gozo Farm (the actual organic farm of The Farmer and the Cook Market and Cafe) and carpool to trailhead parking. Follow a professional naturalist on an interpretive walk to one of the tallest named waterfalls in the Los Padres National Forest (approximately 300 feet high). Identify a diversity of plants and wildlife. Enjoy the shade of oak and bay trees. Visit the lower falls after a 1/2 mile of wandering. Sneak into a hidden multi-leveled cave at the base of the falls. For participants who enjoy scrambling, there is an opportunity to climb a steep unmaintained trail to a breathtaking view of the upper falls. Afterward, get some locally grown grub at The Farmer and the Cook Market and Cafe in Meiners Oaks, Ojai.

See photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturalist4you/sets/72157624589469566/

Who: Kids and up (Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.)

Where: Meet at Rio Gozo Farm parking lot, 370 W Baldwin Rd, Ojai, CA 93023, (805) 290-0988. The farm is located past Frontier Paint (Rice Rd) on left hand side. When road bends to left, look for large white sign on left side of road which reads Help of Ojai. I will be standing out front with a clipboard.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate (multiple shallow creek crossings, possibility of getting wet, very gradual elevation gain, 1-3 miles round-trip)

Special Instructions/Supplies: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before start time. Bring a minimum of 1 quart (32 oz) of water per person. Bring snacks and/or full meal. Wear weather protection (jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.), durable hiking socks and close-toed hiking shoes (extra pair for wet tours), long pants, and backpack for snacks. Bring swimsuit and towel for wet tours. Bring first aid kit (Band-Aids, antiseptic, allergy medicine, tweezers, etc.) and cell phone. Bring flashlight/headlamp and layered clothing for evening tours. Walking sticks are recommended for tours with stream crossings or uneven terrain.

RSVP: If unable to RSVP through Meetup, please email jrobinson@naturalist-for-you.org or call 714-649-9084, unless otherwise noted in description. Donations are appreciated (suggested amount of $10/adult, $5/child). Please leave your name, contact information, and total # in your party. We cannot be reached by cell phone at tour locations, so please ask questions and confirm tour details well in advance.

See http://www.naturalist-for-you.org/calendar.htm or join https://www.meetup.com/naturalist-for-you/ for upcoming tours. You can also follow our fan page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturalist-For-You/355183848682?ref=ts