Cedar Creek Falls w/ Ashley

This one will require a full day, so plan ahead for what might be one of the best adventures of the year! YOU MUST GET A PERMIT WITH THE NATIONAL PARKS SYSTEM in order to be able to attend--each family must obtain their own permit. Permits are for 5 people.

 

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A not to be missed Nature Crew Adventure! This waterfall and swimming  hole are an amazing Southern California gem. At 80 feet heighth it is  the highest waterfall in San Diego County. Come take a well-earned dip  in the crisp cool waters after your hike down into the San Diego River  headwaters. You will follow Cedar Creek up through the willow trees  until you happen upon the glory of the falls.

The 6.6 mile there-and-back hike is an “upside down” hike. Meaning you go down first and climb your way  back out. The trail is wide in most places and follows a reasonable  elevation contour to make the 800ft in elevation change not too  difficult. There are some narrow rocky parts near the San Diego River  crossing and the 1/3 mile approach to the falls.

This hike is considered moderate difficulty but is accessible to most families with certain considerations being made.

1. Temperature: It can be 80 degrees plus and the 3 mile (each way) hike down and up is exposed and has little shade. Brooke says: wear a hat and sunprotection.
2. Terrain:  A single wide stroller will be able to access most of the trail but  there are narrow/rocky areas. The last 1/3 mile you will have to park  strollers at the fence. A backpack will be the most efficient. 
3. Water: There is an abundance of water, but it must be purified to drink. Brooke says: pack extra drinking water or a water filtration option.
4. Cold Water: The water in the pool is very crisp at about 65 degrees. Brooke suggests being sure to bring approppraite clothing/towels/dry socks.

Whatever difficulties the trail may hold, you will thank yourself for getting there!

Bring lunches, snacks and NATURE JOURNALS! This one is going to be soooo fun!

IMPORTANT NOTE: You  must reserve your ticket for the day you plan to go. Cedar Falls is a  special use area within the Cleveland National Forest. They allow 75  tickets per day that allow for up to 5 people per ticket. They cost $6  per ticket. They can be reserved at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234735

***Please read the hike info and permit info and the restrictions about jumping off the rocks into the water.**** 

(in other words, you are not allowed to jump :-)

Details

Location: East Ramona, at the end of San Diego County Estates.

Best time to go: Weekdays will have less crowds but on any day crowds are limited by the  total of 75 tickets. The most important thing is to plan ahead, set  your date to go, and get your tickets early.

Starting early to mid morning will give you a cool hike down and hopefully warmer weather at the falls.

Cell service: Full service at the parking lot. Limited to none at the falls.

Fees: $6 per group of 5 people.

Facilities: Toilets and water at the parking lot/trail head.

Website: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234735

Map: https://s3.amazonaws.com/seekadventure.net.storage/map.PNG

Nature Adventures are for Nature Adventure Crew members only. If you would like to become a member, you can do so under the UPGRADE MEMBERSHIP tab on the members menu.