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Nojoqui Falls (pronounced "no-HO-wee") is an impressive 80ft moss and fern fringed waterfalls that seem to be somewhat common in the Southern California area.
What's cool about this waterfall is that it seems to grow the rock cliff over where it flows so the cliff is actually protruding where the falls flows. The signs there say this is a consequence of the falls depositing minerals in much the same way stalactites grow because water dripping through the caves leaves deposits behind over time.
Another thing that makes this waterfall very nice is that the short 10-minute (0.6 miles round trip) walk goes through a very lush and peaceful canyon and makes for a very pleasant stroll. But since the falls is well signposted and the walk is short, this is also a very popular attraction. We just happened to show up after a clearing rain storm on a day when most people are at work and there were still a handful of people here. So I can imagine just how much busier it gets on the weekends.
Directions: You can reach this waterfall by driving on the US101 some 40 miles north of Santa Barbara where the freeway starts to turn inland from the coast (just north of Gaviota State Beach). There are signposts for Nojoqui Park (they start as you're descending on the highway as you're heading north). Take the corresponding exit and continue following the signs to the car park (going a mile on Old Coast Hwy then turning left onto Alisal Rd then turning right after 0.8mi to the park entrance). By the way, this attraction is only a few miles south of Lompoc and the charming Danish town of Solvang so there's really no excuse not to check out the falls while you're in the area!
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Quite a Hike! (Nojoqui Falls)
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We arrived at the park that is near these falls and were told that there is a ten minute walk. But it's a ten minute walk FROM the ENTRANCE. Actually ...
Nojoqui Falls Is Just Beautiful!
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I've been living in Santa Barbara for 3 1/2 years. A photographer friend of mine invited me to go with her to Nojoqui Falls one afternoon, so off we ...
First, thanks for this cool website its nice to know about hidden gems in our backyard. We went on May 24th, 2008 and had the pleasure of seeing a running stream all the way...[more]
Moon Walking & Rock Slides
We would climb up the falls along the crevice to the left of the falls all the way up then over to the chute to the left of the falls and run down the gravel chute...[more]
CMarie (Upper Escondido Falls)
This hike is AMAZING! I was happy going through this trail with a few friends as it was quite pretty.The road up is a long one and there were...[more]
Burney Falls - Burney, California
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Three Sisters Waterfall - San Diego, CA
I was so surprised not to see the Three Sisters Waterfall in Descanso, CA (San Diego County) on your list & then remembered it's a fairly well kept secret...[more]
Heart Rock Falls
I absolutely loved the scenery of this whole hike and destination. It was very confusing to get there and we had to make a few U-Turns, but it was definitely worth...[more]
Blackstar Canyon - Hidden Falls of Orange County
About a year ago, I was given a newspaper article describing these hidden falls in Orange County. The article itself did not specify the exact location, so I did some hunting online...[more]
Emerald Falls (near Fillmore, CA)
Here is what I can only assume is called "Emerald Falls" just north of Filmore in Southern California. (In Los Padres National Forest) I think it is hands down...[more]