Ortega Falls Ortega Falls was one of those waterfalls that eluded us back in our earlier days of waterfalling.  description that proved to be very helpful in seeking out this gem of a waterfall in So. Cal. if it's flowing.The falls actually is a series of cascades against a backdrop of exposed rock formations typical and indicative of how dry the Cleveland National Forest normally is. It tumbles unseen by people zooming along the Ortega Highway (Hwy 74) between Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano. The only people that can see the falls are those who find the correct highway pullout (see directions below) and do the short scrambles to the various components of the waterfall itself. The scrambles starting to the right of the sign ultimately lead to the main falls (keep right where you can since there are numerous false trails leading steeply downhill towards other lower cascades). If you're on the right track, the trail is relatively flat with minor scrambling to get to the main falls. This is perhaps the most preferred route since it's the main falls that's the most scenic and it's the easiest scramble to take. In terms of length, these scrambles should be between 0.25 to 0.5 miles round trip. [Back to top]  The falls as seen on an overcast day in 2009 The easy-to-miss pullout The lowest cascade we could reach Cascade just downstream from the main falls People scrambling to the falls Julie approaching the falls[Back to top] Bottom up sweep of the main falls from right at its plunge pool Bottom up sweep of the falls before shifting over to someone rock climbing near the falls Sweep from the 2nd cascade to the main falls in the distance with rock context Sweep at the very bottom of the cascade after rather steep scramble off the Ortega Hwy View World of Waterfalls in a larger map TRIP REPORTSFor more information about our experiences with this waterfall, check out the following travel stories.GUIDEBOOKS / OTHER RESOURCESNEARBY WATERFALLSHave You Been To This Waterfall?
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| 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] |
| 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] |
| 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] |
| Glad to know there are waterfall lovers like myself. I am enjoying the website. I thought I would post to you a picture of a waterfall in California that is...[more] |
| 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] |
| 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] |
| 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] |
| 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] |
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