Switzer Falls and Bear Canyon

With sections of the Angeles National Forest re-opening at the end of May for the first time since the Station Fire, familiar trails are now acccessible again. Bear Canyon, the largest tributary to the Arroyo Seco, is "as near to being wilderness as any place in the front range" of the Angeles Crest, complete with cliffs, pools and small waterfalls. To reach Bear Canyon we first hike to Switzer Falls and then follow the stream deeper into the forest.

Be prepared for multiple stream crossings and lots of rock hopping on the trail from Switzer Picnic Area to Switzer Falls. The trail descends from the Picnic Area into the Canyon. We regain 1,000 feet of elevation on the return hike. Approximately 8 miles round trip. Those who want a shorter version of the hike can skip Bear Canyon and return from Switzer Falls to the Picnic Area (4 miles round trip).

Before the Station Fire, this trail was shady. I have no idea how much of the foilage along the stream was burned in the fire. Bring a hat and/or sunscreen as well as water and pack a lunch. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good soles as sections of the trail are rocky and irregular. We will eat when we return to the Switzer Picnic Area between 12 and 1 pm.

Carpooling is encouraged, but if you already are familiar with area, drive up the Angeles Crest Hwy 10 miles from La Canada to the junction of the Angeles Forest Hwy from Tujunga. There is a ranger station and a restroom at that junction. Then drive 1/2 mile farther on Angeles Creset Hwy and look for the "Switzer" sign and a road descending steeply to the right. Drive another 1/2 mile down the road to the parking lot at Switzer Picnic Area, which also has restrooms. We will meet at the bridge crossing from the parking lot to the Picnic Area at 8:00 am.

To carpool, exit from the 210 Fwy at Angeles Crest Hwy about 1 mile east of the 2 Fwy and turn left (toward the mountains). Then turn right onto the second street, Milmada Drive, and find a place to park along the frontage road that runs parallel to the Angeles Crest Hwy. Plan to arrive between 7:15 and 7:30 am. We will organize ourselves into carpools and depart promptly at 7:30 for Switzer Picnic Area. (Email me if you live in Hollywood, Los Feliz or Silver Lake and want to carpool with me from the parking lot at Los Feliz Blvd. and Riverside Drive.)

You will need a National Forest Adventure Pass to park.

My mobile number is 323-354-0168 (no reception once we enter the mountains).

Since I limit the number of participants please do not RSVP "Yes" unless you mean it. There is no "Maybe" option.

Joining this hike is entirely voluntary and participants assume all associated risks. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate, with appropriate provisions and equipment. The Los Angeles Hiking Meetup group and the hike organizer make no warranties about the safety or supervision of these activities.