Monday, May 21, 2007

No falls at Big Falls

With a former SLO-resident friend in town this weekend, we decided yesterday to embark on a favorite early summer expedition -- the trek out to Big Falls, past Lopez Lake in the Los Padres National Forest.

It starts with a scenic drive from Arroyo Grande out Lopez Drive past farms and vineyards to the lake. Just before the lake entrance, we turn right onto High Mountain Road and shortly after turn off onto Upper Lopez Canyon Road and start making our way up into the hills above the lake. As we drive higher and higher, we catch glimpses of the lake below on our left and long views down to the valley and next ridge to the right before descending down into an isolated area then snaking back up another ridge and down again.

Here's where the really fun part starts. Upper Lopez Canyon Road veers off to the right -- and off the pavement. (It's just before the sign that says "Road ends 500 feet.") We've now got 3.7 miles of winding dirt road and creek crossings to get us to the trailhead. The drive is under the tree canopy, past mini-ranches with horses, goats and even some vineyards, and splashing through the creeks in my Toyota FJ Cruiser incites giggles. (Four-wheel drive or at least a vehicle with high clearance are recommended, though I have seen a Honda Civic and a Saturn make it through).

Once we get to the trailhead, it's our feet that are splashing, as we cross the creek to start the hike. It's a moderate hike, not quite 3 miles from start to end with frequent but not killer ups and downs. Not that far in, we find the lower pools uncharacteristically unoccupied and jump at the chance to have them to ourselves. Well, we don't literally jump. While some daredevils are brave (or insane) enough to leap from the trail into the pool about 30 feet below, we climbed down. We stripped off our shoes and let our feet dangle in the pool, watched the fish swim around and ate a snack.

Many folks think these are the falls and never make it past this point, but we continue along the trail toward the high waterfall at the back of the trail. As we followed the creek, up and down and through the middle, hopping rocks to get across, we noticed the water level was low, and some of the normally flowing pools were rather stagnant. I thought we were almost there but didn't hear the rush of the falls so I figured I was mistaken about how close we were. But when we rounded the last bend, I looked up and there no water flowing over the high cliff. Not a drop.

We've had a dry spring, but it was still surprising to find the falls bone dry and the ground beneath a fetid pool that I am sure is prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. It's likely to be after the next rainy season next winter and spring until the falls flow again, but it's still a nice way to spend a Central Coast afternoon. Just make sure to bring the bug spray.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish you would not publish things like this. It ruins the wildlife tranquility. It is very selfish.

Anonymous said...

Yes, it is very selfish of you to share such and experience with other people about a lovely example of the wilderness instead of keeping it to yourself. srsly

Anonymous said...

HAHAHA, comment #1 has to be the most selfish person b/c they want it all to themself! If you want tranquility I hear the sands of the sahara are nice in June.

Micheala said...

This was just what I was looking for. I was taken to Big Falls last year and like most, I stopped at the first pool not knowing about the next waterfall. I want to go back, your story had directions and an insiders look. Thanks
Anonymous your an idiot

Harper said...

thank you so much. was thinking of going here, now Im definitely going. sounds so pretty.

pennylynn13 said...

2/20/2010...today was a great day for the hike the water was flowing and the hills were green and the wildflowers were even beginning to bloom. the first falls had two guys jumping into the pool below and they even slid down the 50 foot falls!!! crazy if u ask me..the falls is at like a 60 degree angle.. the second falls were the biggest i have ever seen them....absolutely gorgeous...

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Unknown said...

Growing up in Pismo, I use to go to the falls with my friends. It use to be a very "locals only" kind of place. Most didn't know about it, but with the internet and the help of people sharing these wonderful little secrets, more and more seem to find their way to them. Now if you go there you risk a bunch of rowdy people partying and leaving their trash everywhere. Its a shame.

Unknown said...

Growing up in Pismo, I use to go to the falls with my friends. It use to be a very "locals only" kind of place. Most didn't know about it, but with the internet and the help of people sharing these wonderful little secrets, more and more seem to find their way to them. Now if you go there you risk a bunch of rowdy people partying and leaving their trash everywhere. Its a shame.

rmj said...

ron said

























the whole lopez erea is very speacial place it needs protetion and if you brin g it take it home with u when u leave and just because your in the country dont go shotting every where theres cabins 2HOU










JUST LEAVE IT ALONE GO HOME RON M
DONT LEAVE THAT HUMAN FOOT PRINT EVERY PLACE GO JACKASS! native a.g







just go home to the valley
.