A moderate hike near the
Waterman and Kratka Ridge ski areas through a redwood forest to two
waterfalls with shaded pools. This area can receive snow during winter.
Location: San Gabriel
Mountains Region: Angeles National Forest Distance: 3 miles up and back Difficulty: Moderate with some difficult scrambling When to go: April to December Hours: Always open Phone: (818) 790-1151 Elevation Gain: 800 ft. Are dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 ft. Restrooms: Just before the trailhead at the end of the Buckhorn
campground Parking: $5 day use fee to park in the campground trail lot, or
display an Adventure Pass permit (available at the Cold Creek
campground off Hwy 2). The pass per car is $5 a day or $30 a year.
Trail Information
Full Review: If you thought redwoods could only exist in the upper
half of the state, consider yourself misinformed. The Burkhart trail to
Cooper Canyon Falls meanders beneath the towering trunks, alongside lush
ferns and roaring creeks, and various other distinctly non-LA natural
phenomena. Think of it as your little piece of the Bay Area close to home.
Start down the path at the far end of the parking lot that dips down into
the canyon. This is a down-and-up hike, so don't wear yourself out early. In
just a few minutes you'll spot the first falls below you on the right.
Because of their proximity to the campground, they're usually filled with
wildlife of the human variety, complete with the occasional cooler of Coors.
You might opt to continue downstream to the second falls and catch the first
one at a quieter time on your way back.
Keep going downhill past redwoods and around rocky corners, until you get to
a sign that says the trail is behind you. Don't keep walking past it. Do an
about face and follow the trail as it zigs backward and down to the creek.
After crossing it, you'll walk up a short distance, then down to Cooper
Canyon Falls. You'll see the scramble-down point shortly after you catch
your first glimpse of the pool below. Rope handles tied to branches will
ease your descent. Splash around in the blue-green water, catch the spray of
the double falls, then climb back up for your return trip.
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