Sitting within the typically hot and dry Cleveland National Forest about 50 miles east of San Diego is Kitchen Creek Falls. Depending on how much rain has fallen in Southern California, seeing the falls flowing requires some timing as its flow can easily become nothing but a trickle during the dryer months. However, when it does flow, especially after a good rain the falls are impressive as water from about 20 square miles of drainage upstream tumbles a total of 150 vertical feet over several cascades of various heights.
Now although the falls sit somewhat quite close to Interstate 8, getting a view of them isn't easy for everyone. First, you'll have to hike for about 2 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail before leaving the trail at an easy-to-miss spur. On this two-mile stretch, you'll be passing underneath the noisy I-8 before climbing up a few switchbacks. Fortunately, the sound of the freeway slowly fades as you get deeper into the back country.
You then take a spur towards the waterfall as the trail soon degenerates into a narrow path through the brush. If there's enough water flowing you should soon be able to hear the sound of the waterfall. Continue scrambling down the trail to reach the creek just up stream of the falls. It splits into several branches. Stay generally left and wander down the ridge line just south of the creek to the falls area. Just above and south of the falls is a path down a steep gully that one can take in order to get in front of the falls to see it at its base. Once you're at the base, you'll have to cross the stream and do some additional rough scrambling until you finally get a satisfactory view of the falls. The dry, water-polished rock on either side of the cascades provides fair traction. Beware of wet, slippery streaks on the rock. A misstep here could lead to a long, bone-crunching ride to the lowest pool.
2 comments:
I like it; very informative, and a lot of great views above the falls. Could've spent more time on the waterfall. Too bad the image quality is kinda bad. My last time to Kitchen Creek was in the 60's, before I moved North. Used to be able to camp. Smart carrying the gear in your pack, but if that pistol was loaded it isn't too wise spinning it like that. Good narration, you're a likeable character. Maybe coulda talked more info for the tenderfeet, like more on snaddlerakes, tick repellent, how easily you can get into trouble. There's enough room while you're hiking. All-in-all, well-done, watched the :20 in one sitting! Greg Bishop - better to use konabish@hotmail.com if you need to. Sad more folks haven't commented and given kudus.
Hey thanks. I'll keep your suggestions in mind for my next video. Oh and the revolver wasn't loaded. Here, you can only have a loaded firearm where it's legal to discharge it. Or when your hunting. Thanks again.
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