HIKE: Tangerine Falls to the Root Cellar/Homestead!

WHAT: West Fork Cold Spring Trail to Top of Tangerine Falls and on to the Homestead

WHEN: Saturday October 11, 2025 at 9:30AM Note Late Start Time!

WHERE: Meet at the Moorish Fountain in Front of the Santa Barbara Mission at 9:30AM to carpool to the trailhead.

BRING: Lunch and at least one liter of water!

This hike goes to the top of Tangerine Falls to the lookout. The trail is fairly steep and exposed, but the view at the Lookout above the falls is scenic. Hiking poles are strongly recommended!

There is an optional excursion from there back to the ruins of a little "homestead". About all that is left is an interesting little root cellar plus a few rusted pieces of metal. Most of the trail was destroyed in the 2017/2018 fire and mud flow. So, there will be lots of rock hopping in the stream bed!

This hike is not for everyone. But it is not super strenuous or super long. It is about five miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1400 feet. But you need to be OK with rock hopping in the stream bed. As I wrote above, a hiking pole is strongly recommended! I also recommend light colored long pants because there is poison oak in that area. We should be able to avoid it, but sometimes it can catch you by surprise.
NOTE: Please carpool if possible! Parking is limited at the Cold Spring trailhead.

Here are photos scouting this hike with Henk and Danielle last year:
https://swt.org/hikes/tangerinehomestead-2024-0830/

NOTE: NO DOGS, PLEASE!

PHOTO NOTICE: I take photos and post them. If you don't want to be in photos, please let me know and/or avoid being in the photos.

LIABILITY WAIVER! This event is listed by the Humanist Society, but is not sponsored by the Humanist Society.

Each participant accepts responsibility for making their own determinations for their own safety, conduct and well being. Participants recognize that possible hazards attend outdoor activities and agree to participate solely at their own risk.

This is just a bunch of outdoors enthusiasts enjoying nature together!