There’s nothing better than taking a dip in a pool of cool water after a long hike in the outdoors. If you’re up for an extremely challenging hike with a wonderful payoff, you’ll want to check out this beautiful waterfall and refreshing swimming hole in Southern California where you’ll be rewarded for all your hard work out on the trail. It’s almost unreal, something from a fairy tale, coming across a fun and well-trafficked waterfall swimming hole in SoCal.
Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure you prepare properly as this is no ordinary waterfall hike in SoCal. The challenging conditions and hot temperatures can be overwhelming. Make sure to pack lots of water as dehydration is a great risk. If you have a furry friend coming along with you, also make sure to bring water for your four-legged buddy. Still, the hike to Cedar Creek Falls remains one of the best outdoor adventures in SoCal, and it’s truly unforgettable.
Cedar Creek Falls is a popular destination just outside San Diego that looks a bit like paradise if you ask me.
flickr/john lemieux
Located in the town of Ramona, about 45-minutes outside San Diego, it’s an easy day trip for an afternoon of fun spent on a remote hike in SoCal.
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To reach the waterfall you’ll need to put on your walking shoes first as there is a 3-mile trail that you’ll need to hike to reach the falls. Don’t worry though, folks. The hike to this waterfall swimming hole in SoCal really pays off!
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Trust me, after hiking in the afternoon sun there’s nothing more refreshing than diving into some cool water on a hot SoCal day.
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This is the of view of Cedar Creek from above the waterfall. Just look at that beautiful pool of water perfect for a swim. You may be tempted to take a dive from the top, but diving is restricted so don’t be tempted to try.
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On weekends this spot can get pretty crowded.
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You’ll see friends and family hanging out, floating in the water, and relaxing in the big outdoor waterfall swimming hole.
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Even the dogs love taking a swim here – especially on a scorching hot day. Doesn’t this look like one of the best outdoor adventures in SoCal?
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If swimming isn’t your thing, you can always hang out by the rocks and enjoy the sound of the waterfall in the background.
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Kicking back is a favorite past time at Cedar Creek Falls. Just sit back, relax,and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waterfall.
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if you’re looking for a secluded swimming hole you might want to go during the weekday…when you just might have the whole place to yourself.
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But no matter when you go, be prepared for a fun time in a scenic spot where the sights around you are so magnificent it’s almost unreal. This is one waterfall swimming hole in SoCal you simply will never, ever, forget.
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With a place like this, how could you possibly go wrong?
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You can find Cedar Creek Falls by starting at the trailhead at 15519 Thornbush Road in Ramona, CA. Make sure to pack lots of water is it can be a scorcher out there. You’ll also want to plan in advance for a permit as you will need to have one in order to access the trail. You can find out more about how to obtain a permit at this website.
flickr/john lemieux
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tripadvisor/cecilia e.
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Let me repeat, this can be a very challenging hike and dehydration is a great risk if you don’t plan ahead. To find out more about proper preparation, head to the website of the Cleveland National Forest to make sure you have everything you need before you take this hike. Also, please note that certain times of year the water is not appropriate for swimming, so make sure to check the Website before you depart to ensure you are swimming in safe water.
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Address: Cedar Creek Falls, California 92065, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls In SoCal July 18, 2020 Meghan Kraft What are the best waterfall hikes in SoCal? SoCal is most commonly known for its stunning coastal vistas and remote desert landscapes, but some of the best waterfall hikes can be found in the heart of the region. Eaton Canyon Falls can be found in the Greater Los Angeles area, and it’s a very accessible waterfall with less than a mile hike to its base. A hike to Three Sisters Falls in San Diego county promises steep climbs and slippery rocks, so the hike is a bit more challenging. The waterfall is a three-tiered beauty, so rest assured that the pay-off is truly incredible. San Antonio Falls can be hiked in San Bernardino County and remains one of the most popular hikes due to its size and accessibility. What are the most well-known waterfalls in SoCal? Perhaps the most well-known falls in SoCal are Fish Canyon Falls, located in Duarte. It’s an awe-inducing, gushing water feature that is fairly easy to get to and gathers a crowd at its torrential peak. San Antonio Falls is also fairly well known for its alpine backdrop, and we’d recommend heading to Forest Falls in the same vicinity to explore what is normally a fairly arid region. Any waterfall in the SoCal region is stunning, truly, for its varied backdrop and beautiful local scenery. What are the best outdoor adventures in SoCal? Lucky for locals, there are all sorts of fun outdoor activities to do in SoCal. If you’re looking to kayak or canoe there’s a slew of inland lakes and rivers, and rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, and birding are also popular in the southern region of the state. Make sure you get out on the ocean to boogie board or perhaps try to pop up on a surfboard sometime. There’s no end to the outdoor fun in SoCal, and we’d highly recommend preparing for whatever you’re planning to do outside with plenty of water and snacks. Both the winters and summers can be hard on the body!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls In SoCal
July 18, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What are the best waterfall hikes in SoCal? SoCal is most commonly known for its stunning coastal vistas and remote desert landscapes, but some of the best waterfall hikes can be found in the heart of the region. Eaton Canyon Falls can be found in the Greater Los Angeles area, and it’s a very accessible waterfall with less than a mile hike to its base. A hike to Three Sisters Falls in San Diego county promises steep climbs and slippery rocks, so the hike is a bit more challenging. The waterfall is a three-tiered beauty, so rest assured that the pay-off is truly incredible. San Antonio Falls can be hiked in San Bernardino County and remains one of the most popular hikes due to its size and accessibility. What are the most well-known waterfalls in SoCal? Perhaps the most well-known falls in SoCal are Fish Canyon Falls, located in Duarte. It’s an awe-inducing, gushing water feature that is fairly easy to get to and gathers a crowd at its torrential peak. San Antonio Falls is also fairly well known for its alpine backdrop, and we’d recommend heading to Forest Falls in the same vicinity to explore what is normally a fairly arid region. Any waterfall in the SoCal region is stunning, truly, for its varied backdrop and beautiful local scenery. What are the best outdoor adventures in SoCal? Lucky for locals, there are all sorts of fun outdoor activities to do in SoCal. If you’re looking to kayak or canoe there’s a slew of inland lakes and rivers, and rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, and birding are also popular in the southern region of the state. Make sure you get out on the ocean to boogie board or perhaps try to pop up on a surfboard sometime. There’s no end to the outdoor fun in SoCal, and we’d highly recommend preparing for whatever you’re planning to do outside with plenty of water and snacks. Both the winters and summers can be hard on the body!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
SoCal is most commonly known for its stunning coastal vistas and remote desert landscapes, but some of the best waterfall hikes can be found in the heart of the region. Eaton Canyon Falls can be found in the Greater Los Angeles area, and it’s a very accessible waterfall with less than a mile hike to its base. A hike to Three Sisters Falls in San Diego county promises steep climbs and slippery rocks, so the hike is a bit more challenging. The waterfall is a three-tiered beauty, so rest assured that the pay-off is truly incredible. San Antonio Falls can be hiked in San Bernardino County and remains one of the most popular hikes due to its size and accessibility.
What are the most well-known waterfalls in SoCal?
Perhaps the most well-known falls in SoCal are Fish Canyon Falls, located in Duarte. It’s an awe-inducing, gushing water feature that is fairly easy to get to and gathers a crowd at its torrential peak. San Antonio Falls is also fairly well known for its alpine backdrop, and we’d recommend heading to Forest Falls in the same vicinity to explore what is normally a fairly arid region. Any waterfall in the SoCal region is stunning, truly, for its varied backdrop and beautiful local scenery.
What are the best outdoor adventures in SoCal?
Lucky for locals, there are all sorts of fun outdoor activities to do in SoCal. If you’re looking to kayak or canoe there’s a slew of inland lakes and rivers, and rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, and birding are also popular in the southern region of the state. Make sure you get out on the ocean to boogie board or perhaps try to pop up on a surfboard sometime. There’s no end to the outdoor fun in SoCal, and we’d highly recommend preparing for whatever you’re planning to do outside with plenty of water and snacks. Both the winters and summers can be hard on the body!