SPECIAL HISTORICAL HIKE TO THE ST. FRANCIS DAM DISASTER NATIONAL MEMORIAL SITE
Details
Historical Hike above and through the ruins of the St. Francis Dam:
This hike will go up above the powerhouse, where people will have a chance to stand on a metal bridge above the pennstocks, and if water is propelling through the pennstocks, they will feel a pretty good hearty shake coming from the pennstocks....sometimes they may even hear a rock bouncing through the pipes.
The hike will then begin, up above the dam site, giving hikers an aerial view. Once we cross the river, we will be able to walk on the foundation of the dam and the area that was blown up after the dam failure. Then we will enjoy the tour of the actual dam site up close, and see a natural BOG. Shoes should be the best gripping hiking boots that you have. Mileage is approx. 7.5 miles. Hiking sticks are highly recommended. You will be making your way up wooden stairs that were damaged by the flood. There is exposed metal and broken stairs left behind by nearly 200' of water overhead. Hiking Poles will be extremely helpful.
Please listen to your leader who will point out areas that are not safe. She will point to eroded areas, places on the bridge that we will cross that are not safe, and potential hazards along the way.
- clothing to wear: old loose clothing, hiking boots or shoes with gripping soles, hat/hiking sticks are mandatory.
- Please bring lunch. We will have a lunch break.
Directions: Take the I-5 freeway north. Exit Newhall Ranch Road, turn right.
Turn right on Copperhill Road
Stay on Copperhill until you get to San Francisquito Road. Turn Left. Meet Dianne on the shoulder on the right side as soon as you turn on to San Francisquito Road.
While driving once we leave the meeting spot, Be careful on this road...it is a dangerous road where people speed and take chances, and do dangerous passing of other cars.
Don't be a statistic
FYI: Powerhouse 2 Address:
32400 San Francisquito Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
If you are late, you might try to catch up with us here.
1) Just beyond the powerhouse, there will be a turnout with K-rails. This is the lower entrance to the dam site. This is where late comers MIGHT be able to catch up with us.Do NOT go past the stop sign. If you reach the stop sign, you will have gone too far.
Directions.....take McBean Parkway all the way north to Copper Hill Road. Turn right. Turn left at San Francisquito Road. Dianne will meet you at the right side of the road, and we will carpool to the bottom of the dam site entrance. We will make one quick stop at the Power House 2 turnout. DO NOT PULL INTO THE PARKING LOT FOR POWER HOUSE
Alternate directions:
Take the I-5 freeway north. Exit Newhall Ranch Road/Copper Hill, turn right.
Stay on Copperhill until you get to San Francisquito Road. Turn Left
Find Dianne on the right side of the road in the pull out area. There should be other cars there. Be prompt.
Once we leave the meeting spot, please be careful on this road...it is a dangerous road where people speed and take chances/ pass when it's not safe, and speed. Many deaths occur on this road.
Don't be a statistic, be safe
CELL SERVICE: There is NONE. Once you return to Copper Hill Road, you will most likely have your service restored.
NOTE:.Mulholland built 19 dams in the Los Angeles area, and this is the only one that failed. GEOLOGY is why it failed. Geology was not even a science in 1920s....and when it was talked about, people scoffed at the idea.....a rock is a rock......and yet the remaining 18 dams that Mulholland built in L.A. still stand.
Don't be a statistic, be safe
CELL SERVICE: There is NONE. Once you return to Copper Hill Road, you will most likely have your service restored.
Powerhouse 2 Address Just for your info. We will park near the powerhouse, NOT INSIDE THEIR GATE:
32400 San Francisquito Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91390
Dianne Hellrigel
QUESTIONS: [zuliebear@aol.com](mailto:zuliebear@aol.com)