Looking for an awesome, easy waterfall hike in Southern California? Check out the Fish Canyon Falls. This 80 foot tall waterfall has three tiers and a beautiful, clear pool at the the bottom. The trail itself winds along a tree-lined canyon beside a babbling creek. The payoff? An awesome waterfall, without having to climb thousands of feet in elevation. In fact, the trailhead is just two miles off the nearest freeway.
Time: ~2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Nov-May
GPX File
The Fish Canyon Falls are beautiful, and the hike is family- and dog-friendly.
Getting There
The trail begins in Duarte a the end of Fish Canyon Road.
The Fish Canyon Trail
This out-and-back trail begins at a bridge crossing the creek. Follow the trail along the tree-lined canyon as it winds it’s way along the creek.
In the early 1900s, Fish Canyon was popular for weekend cabins, and there were at one time as many as 100 cabins lining the steep canyon. Sadly, fires and floods took their toll on most of them, and today there are only remnants of those rustic weekend getaways.
The trail is generally easy, although there are a few sections where it’s quite steep and you’ll want to pay attention to where you step. There is one creek crossing, but unless there have been heavy rains, it’s an easy boulder hop across.
The trail ends at the base of the Fish Canyon Falls. This three-tier waterfall drops 80 feet into a beautiful pool. We spied newts in the water, numerous wildflowers along the way, and… poison oak. I recommend long hiking pants. The trail is narrow at many points and brushing against the poison oak almost a certainty.
There is a downside to having such a beautiful waterfall, so easily accessible to most of Southern California: it’s very popular. Get there early to beat the crowds, and even then, don’t expect solitude.
“Hidden” Darling Donna Falls
On the way back, about 50 yards past the creek crossing you’ll notice a small tributary on your right. Follow this off-trail for about 10-15 yards to the little-known “Darling Donna” Falls. There used to be a sign for this, but it disappeared long ago.
Are There Fish in Fish Canyon?
I was wondering this myself. I haven’t seen any fish, but I did see two fly fisherman trying their luck.
Summary
Yes, Fish Canyon Falls are popular and busy, but definitely worth visiting. Go prepared for the crowd, and enjoy the social, almost festival-like atmosphere. You’ll appreciate those lesser-walked trails even more!
Fish Canyon Falls Trail Map
Photo Gallery
Click on any photo to view a larger version. You can also leave comments on any photo.
More Fish Canyon Falls Trail Resources
- Fish Canyon Falls GPX
- Fish Canyon Falls – Dan’s Hiking Pages
- The Very Popular and Rarely Visited Fish Canyon Falls – Greene Adventures
- Fish Canyon Falls – OP Adventure Team
- Fish Canyon Falls – California Through My Lens
Martin says
April 16, 2013 at 9:43 amGreat post. I found it very informative and convenient. I’m excited to visit this weekend. Just need to find out what time the quarry opens.
Josh says
April 16, 2013 at 10:06 amNice work on this! You are fast my friend! I was happy to bump into you on here and get to catch up! Nice pictures as well
Jeff Hester says
April 17, 2013 at 2:58 pm@Martin: The gates open at 7am. Entrance and parking is free (in a gravel lot). There are port-o-potties at the parking area and one more at the trailhead. You’ve got to get back to the car and on your way by 3pm.
@Josh: Yeah, I didn’t even realize you were talking to me at first when we bumped into each other at the falls. I was tuning out the crowds. Look forward to seeing your photos, too!
Saeed says
December 28, 2014 at 11:38 amI love your blog and appreciate all the work you’ve put into it. Found a lot of great hikes reading it.
Update: I was here yesterday and it is closed as of Dec 17, 2014 due to a rock slide. Guess I can’t upload my pic of sign.
Saeed says
December 28, 2014 at 11:43 amSays trail needs to be evaluated by Angeles Nat’l Forest Service before reopening so I’d advise anyone to contact them before investing in the drive out there, unless close.
Jeff Hester says
December 30, 2014 at 7:17 pmThanks for the update, Saeed! Good to know. I need to update this anyway now that the trail is open year round (aside from the present rock slide closure).
jose says
March 15, 2015 at 9:39 amWhat’s the addrEs for this trail…
Thomas Klein says
February 22, 2016 at 12:01 pmWOW! Talk about memories!! A few friends of mine and I use to go back up to the Fish Canyon Falls back in the late 70’s early 80’s Before everyone knew about it. Several times I would take the RTD bus to the end of Fish Canyon road walk down the trail fish out the holes on the way back camp at the falls and fish the holes back. I don’t think I ever came out with out my limit and that was after eating my fill while camping. People on the bus would amuse me when they would ask where I was going and after telling them fish canyon , they would ask if there were any fish there to be caught….then I’d show them my creel!….it was called Fish Canyon for a reason!
Dorothy says
June 19, 2016 at 8:52 pmI hiked this canyon in the early 50s while I was in college. My family lived near there so I could get there on foot. Beautiful! I never fished, but caught a lot of salamanders. Never removed them. I was a biology student and knew they belonged where they were. Bad knees will keep me from going there now…Sob. Sob!!!
Sandra says
October 30, 2016 at 2:17 pmFYI there are posted signs stating this trail is closed until September 2017.
Megan says
March 18, 2018 at 5:46 pmThis site days fish canyon is closed til September 2017. However; it is still closed. We found out when we got to the trailhead today. Please update the date for other hikers.
Ana Q says
May 30, 2018 at 2:22 pmHello
is this trail open? I am planning to go this Saturday.