Matilija Falls
10 MRT – Moderate to Strenuous (1,200′ elevation gain/loss)
Meet at 7 AM near Donut Delite at the corner of Madera and Royal. Bring 2 to 3 quarts of water and lunch/snacks. Wear boots.
As our hike begins we will pass through the private Matilija Canyon Ranch Wildlife Refuge. After crossing Matilija Creek a dirt road will take us through a lovely private ranch. At about the two-mile mark we’ll follow a narrow trail as it winds through a shady poison oak paradise [long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended]. Our route will follow Matilija Creek the rest of the way and will involve some scrambling and boulder hopping as well as frequent short open stretches of trail and occasional stream crossings. The reward for our effort will be beautiful scenery including the flowing creek, many large pools of water, vast expanses of sedimentary rock layers, an extensive riparian oak woodland, towering canyon walls, occasional wildflowers and, eventually, the Matilija waterfalls.