SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST

FOREST FALLS

Activity: Day Hike, Chasing Waterfalls

1 mile, 216′ elevation gain, 30 mins duration, rated Moderate

Date: 6-16-23

Big Falls, nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, has been claimed as being the tallest waterfall in Southern California with a cumulative 500′ drop. Big Falls is a 5 tiered waterfall that cannot be viewed in it’s entirety from any one spot. The public has access to the first 3 tiers, but after that you would need proper climbing gear and the skills to match it. The top has been closed for years now because of the many search and rescues as well unfortunate recoveries in this location.

The area is spectacular and can be reached off of Highway 38. Take the The Valley of the Falls Road into Forest Falls, CA. You will need an Adventure Pass or other National Forest Pass for parking. There are 2 large parking lots, but on the weekends they do fill up.

This is a short hike but certainly lovely with some splendid Redwood trees and several water crossings. Near the start there is a fast moving stream to ford. If you don’t want to get wet walk downstream and search out a more suitable crossing.

Big Falls was flowing nicely because of the amount of precipitation that we experienced earlier in the year, but unlike many Southern California more seasonal waterfalls this one flows year round.

Thanks for joining me chasing waterfalls while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Waterfalls with the sight of cascading water filling the glistening pools, the sound of plunging water striking the rocks below, the feel of a light breeze on the face, the fresh smell of the earth with a lovely hint of pine, along with taste of spray on the lips can certainly aid the body and soul, aligning all of our senses as we attempt to regain that Balance that is so needed in our all too busy lives. Stay with me as there are always waterfalls to chase and Adventures to challenge just around the bend in the trail. For more crusades in nature please do the following: LIKE, FOLLOW, COMMENT and SHARE.  If you go to the above menu you will see plenty of wonderful spots that PBTA travels to throughout the West. If you go to SHOP APPAREL you will see Adventure Wear, such as that I am wearing in the video, adorned with PBTA logo that also serves as the mantra for the healing you can receive from nature adventures. 

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure