Chaparral is prevalent with poppies plentiful in springtime. clock. Definitely going to be back and highly recommend! Downloading the map helped though. Water access everywhere. The good news … Hosted by Los Padres Forest Association and Los Padres ForestWatch. Parking is very limited, so arrive early on weekends! The owner of the land up there has a dog that he let's run around wild up there. Remember to stay on the road or it is considered trespassing. Didn’t make it all the way to the end of the trail, it was already hard to follow. Photo by Luke Williams Great backpacking trip. We were falling the trail that goes straight but when we saw a couple and asked them if we were going in the right direction to the waterfall, they said yes but that it was 7 miles up and if we made a right turn and go in the direction they came from, we would be at another waterfall in 25 minutes and so we did. We arrived on a Friday around 10:30 and found a parking spot by the trailhead, but it was much more crowded when we hiked out on Saturday. After another 1.6 miles, the trail ends at a seasonally open dirt road that leads north down Cherry Canyon to Highway 33. Lots of different water spots to cross through. Without the right footwear you could easily roll an ankle here. I would suggest to download the map, even though you only have to follow the river going up, it can get a bit tricky. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, fishing, horses, and backpacking and is best used from May until November. A group of conservationists and hikers called Keep Access to Matilija Falls Open (KAMFO) filed suit against the landowners Monday in Ventura County Superior Court in an attempt to restore public access to the hotly contested trail, which crosses through private property en route to the famous falls. Robert Evans takes a picture along the trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/north-fork-matilija-trail-23w07 And FYI, the winds get very strong there. There are several free campgrounds in Matilija Wilderness in case you decide to stay overnight in the park. Rarely saw other hikers so it was a nice serene hike with soothing sounds of creek when you approach it. The fact that the Matilija Wilderness area is not in the Zaca Fire closure area also seemed to indicate that it was open to hikers. Check out Middle Matilija, Upper Matilija, and Maple camps. The Forest Service and private individuals have kept “the way” open to Matilija Falls via Middle Matilija Creek, but you have to be determined in order to … Next time I’ll bring backwoods pants and push thru. Dayhiked beyond to the falls but beware the trail gets progressively worse after mile 4, I would have pushed thru w my gear, and camped at maple, but got a bit of poison oak and didn’t have pants w me so turned back. The new Matilija Falls Trail is taking shape and one of the LPFA’s big initiatives for 2019! A password will be e-mailed to you. The trail has two trailheads, one of which is roughly an hour from Santa Barbara. If you don't find parking at the trailhead, you may be required to park up to 5 miles away, as there is no parking along the road leading to the trailhead. Array of colors, wildflowers, varying terrain, can get rocky-rated as medium but not hard. A wonderful six mile hike. It was really breathtaking with the panoramic views!! Make sure to check out the North fork waterfall, which is just 100 yards or so beyond the fork. First half was easy, a little overgrown before reaching the rocky parts. The hike-in is easy, with a few lovely campsites 2-3.5 miles in on the right side of the creek. Hosted by Los Padres Forest Association. Will hear it from main trail. Local conservationists have swung into action, forming Keep Access to Matilija Falls Open, a group intent on preserving public access to the falls. A real great and fun trail with beautiful scenery. It's shepherd mix. The elevation is barely noticeable. It was a bit windy at night, so make sure to secure your things. Matilija Lake Matilija Lake is a water feature in Ventura County and has an elevation of 1129 feet. However, that’s when it got very confusing and the trail disappeared. All four camps offer shaded streamside sites. Remember to stay on the road or it is considered trespassing. Southern access point is the same trailhead as the Murietta Trail (24W07). Easy to lose the trail at creek crossings but if you follow the creek you’ll find it again. Nice lil overnight mission (this recording was just one way sans day hike). Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Matilija Hot Springs, a primitive rock tub near the creek is also a popular destination for hikers and backpackers, although it can be closed for restoration at times. Nice trail, not easy to find sometimes That's a trigger as it was beaten while the owner said no. Would plan on getting there no later than 8am in the future to be sure. The whole hike is on private property which is a downside. The falls were beautiful! Landowner closes popular trail to Matilija Falls (2010) Also trek poles were handy to push aside p oak and bushes poking into the trail (that ticks hang on the end of and try to catch a ride). All in all, the trip there was beautiful massive mountains. When you get to the private property, there is a "no trail" sign, but that is the way to go. I drove from LA and arrived at 9am on a Saturday in February and got the last parking spot. As others have said, be sure to download the map. Although Matilija Falls is on public land, part of the trail is on land owned by Shull “Buzz” Bonsall Jr., who wants to keep hikers off his property. The road continues through the ranch. A switchback section after middle Matilija is real narrow and sketchy. Good trail and lots of camping. Majority of walk is along charming stream, cool camping spot about a mile in. Once you pass through the other side of the ranch land, the path narrows to a single trail. I wore layers (tank, long sleeve, nanopuff) and kept most of them on throughout the whole hike. Read his full response here. I wore my approach shoes and was happy to have the extra traction, made it easy to hop from rock to rock. There were a decent amount of people there (on a Saturday), so getting there early is a good idea! Day #915 * Hike #1153 * New Track #901 Matilija Falls - Ojai, CA Sunday May 19, 2013 My Tripometer: 4 Hourss * 9.75 Miles * +1200 Feet ForestWatch is Working to Keep the Trail Open, and is Looking for Anyone Who Used This Trail Prior to 1972 Would love to come back and backpack / camp, but it really does make a perfect day hike! The Matilija Canyon Trail, closed since the Spring of 2010, is open again for hiking. Lots of people at the trailhead on a Sunday morning. The first part of the hike is pretty dry and easy to follow, but was a little more difficult to follow halfway through. Fun day of rock hopping and creek crossing. Give yourself plenty of time, it is worth while to stop and take in the views. The posts were placed in the road itself, causing a violation notice to be issued by Ventura County. I noted the map below with a waypoint on where you can expect the better conditions. Trail is in good shape to middle Matilija camp. From the gate you'll reach Matilija Camp after 1.48 miles. Matilija Canyon Trails & Trailheads. Parking is hard as well. Trail gets over grown after the first valley in spots, but still doable and marked w carins all the way to Middle Majtilla camp. Easy to lose at creek crossings or even random side trails. North Fork Matilija Trail starts from the trailhead in Matilija Canyon and follows Upper North Fork Matilija Creek almost in its entirety, passing through several trail camps before climbing out of the canyon and arriving at the trailhead along Cherry Creek Road. Matilija Trail is in the Matilija Wilderness. The day hiking on to the waterfalls is glorious. A group called Keep Access to Matilija Falls Open is filing suit in Ventura County Superior Court over the public’s access to a popular trail. Plenty of water as well! The beautiful Matilija Canyon and Falls near Ojai is in risk of being closed to the public by the landowner that owns the land that hikers cross to ac The 9-mile (14.5 km) trail to Matilija Falls has an elevation gain of 950 ft (290 m) and is moderate to difficult. clock. Make sure to take a right and head down toward the oak grove shortly after the trail narrows. We appreciate the landowner’s willingness to work with us to keep the trail open, and we will continue to ensure that public lands in Matilija Canyon remain accessible. The Los Padres Forest Association has been leading trail projects along the Matilija Falls Trail for the past two years trying to get this new trail open across private property. Travel 3.0 miles to the trailhead at the ridge top. Would be awesome in the summer when it’s hot since there’s tons of little swimming holes. And then enjoy the "main" falls on the West fork. For the northern access point, go 27.4 miles north of Ojai on Highway 33 and turn left on rough dirt road up Cherry Canyon. As for the hike itself, for me it was longer than the 8.8mi quoted here - more like 10.5mi (I didn’t get THAT lost). very quiet. Please check with the Ojai Ranger District before your visit. It's critical that you respect the land and their property in turn! Very overgrown starting at mile 2. Ojai is a beautiful haven hidden in the Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara. Some know Ojai for its expansive vineyards and farmland, but to those who reading this profile, Ojai is exciting because of its untapped and raw natural beauty. For the next mile, the trail stays on the left side of Matilija Creek, passing several small campsites and awesome swimming holes. about 11 months ago. North Fork Matilija Trail is a 13.5 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Ojai, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Matilija Creek trail head has had a long history of land disputes between the landowner and the national forest service. My husband and I did an overnight backpacking trip the other weekend and absolutely loved it. Don't say no to it. Fall foliage in Matilija Creek, Los Padres National Forest. In the Ojai Ranger District, the Matilija Wilderness is 12 miles from the town of Ojai. it is beautiful, and one of my favorite spots out there!!!! Weather was great aside from being VERY windy. Lots of people on the weekends. Matilija Creek Trail is a 8.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Ojai, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Nice trail. pin. I personally wouldn't want to take a full pack up past the waterfalls because the ropes + 30 pounds of gear seems a little unpleasant. pin. Found several ticks on us too. Legally, there is a public easement over the land in question. Best trail so far!!! Ojai, which gets its name from the Chumash word ‘awhay, meaning moon. I would love to return back to find the three water falls. Source of this article - Los Padres Forest Watch, April 12, 2010. At least half of the "trail" is just scrambling on rocks along the creek, but it's fun and the views are next level. Really pretty and worth it! The Matilija Trail follows the stream bed of Matilija Creek into the wilderness; however, the more remote sections of the trail are unmaintained and have been washed out in places. Matilija Canyon Trail IS OPEN and accessible, but the first couple miles follow a road cutting through private lands. Terrific winter backpacking trip with a small kid. Didn’t see any hikers this far in. Matilija Lake is situated nearby to Matilija Springs, close to Matilija Dam. One of the best hikes I’ve been on in southern California. A popular hiking trail through Ventura County's backcountry may soon be open to the public without fear of trespassing. Fishing in Matilija creek is possible at certain times of the year. The trail ends at a seasonally open road off Highway 33, but, since we did not have a car waiting for us on the other end, we decided to turn back at what we think is the next to last campsite, Upper Matilija, 5.5 miles from the gate. Got sand in my eye from the wind so beware of that as well. One of the most beautiful trails we’ve ever done; however with a downloaded map and only having gone about .5 miles out of our way, we ended at 11.8 miles not 8.8. Be careful if you have children with you. Matilija Trail is in the Matilija Wilderness. I ran into some people who were very disoriented and confused and were planning in giving up / turning back had they not run into me. There is a fun rope climb to the best swimming hole at the top. I agree with terms & conditions. Lots of cool campsites along the way. (I met one of the owners at the gate, she confirmed that.) Not recently maintained. 5 reviews of North Fork Matilija Creek Trail "I liked this trail. Whether you are in town for the day from nearby Los Angeles or Santa Barbara or planning an anniversary or birthday celebration for two or looking for a group activity for your company, yoga retreat, wedding party, family reunion or team building, Trails by Potter is the guiding company for you, whether it is for hiking, biking, rock climbing or tennis! Back to Login Register Ok to enter respectfully thru private property per signage. It's open and accessible, but it follows a road cutting through private land the first few miles. The shifting and often-concealed trail eventually leads to the Three Falls of the Matilija, where the West Branch of the Matilija enters the canyon at the right through a two-cataract waterfall, and the main North Fork tumbles over a calcite ledge into a deep green pool. About 2 miles from the trailhead, the road crosses a tiny creek and narrows to become a trail. Beautiful views be prepared to get your feet wet there are lots of crossings. Landowner Shuts Off Public Access to Popular Matilija Falls Trail near Ojai. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN Unless you’ve been living in a cave or been too involved with the Holidays then you’ve no doubt heard about the latest Government Shutdown which started at 9pm on Friday December 21. Further up the canyon are three more camps: Middle Matilija (4.1 miles), Upper Matilija (5.7 miles) and Maple (7.5 miles). Which has a bbq under some oaks across the stream. And even with the map, I ended up going off trail a few times. We did not get very far, about 40 minutes in, give or take because it’s very easy to get lost. Water was flowing great with numerous small waterfalls with some nice pools. The dog has attacked and bitten several people including my husband. Please do not park inappropriately, as users have reported being ticketed here. About 1.5 to 2 miles from Middle Matilija Camp the trail opens up and once again becomes easy to follow the whole rest of the way up to Maple Camp. Lots of great campsites. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM PDT. Water falls were beautiful with a good amount of water for this time of year. Hope to do this one again someday! Friday, December 13, 2019 at 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM PST. Also the water was crystal clear and felt great to jump into the water holes along the way. Leading off to the right after the second stream crossing, the trail enters the wilderness and follows the year-round creek. It's open and accessible, but it follows a road cutting through private land the first few miles. From here to Maple camp the trail is overgrown and sometimes hard to find. ojaihotsprings.com. From here, stay left and continue on the trail passing through a wooden gate labeled “Blue Heron Ranch – Private”. News Home Page Home Page. Ojai, Calif. – Today, Keep Access to Matilija Falls Open – a coalition of local conservation organizations and trail users – filed a lawsuit in Ventura County Superior Court seeking to restore public access to Matilija Falls, a popular recreation destination in the Los Padres National Forest. Although the Chumash Indians had no idea when they named this place that it would be within spittin… I guess it has been settled that the newly worked section of trail up the infamous Matilija Canyon will now be called the Matilija Falls Trail. about 9 months ago. will go again!!!! Matilija Falls Trail Matilija Falls: I struggled with a label for this post. Have to veer off path. Ecotopia is currently managing the Ojai Hotsprings. There is tons of scrambling through the river bed though, so you’ll want to be somewhat fit/agile for that. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. Scenes were breath-taking! There are 2 hiking trails; 1 trail has campsites along it. Second time on this trail, the views are spectacular. There is a recent lawsuit filed to officially keep the trail open. The good thing is I found the limited parking seemed to keep the trail from getting overly crowded. There are rock sculptures and spray painted circles marking the trail, but having the map downloaded really helped. The trail is amazing. Matilija Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall known for its swimming holes, is located deep in the wilderness at the end of a difficult 9-mile (14 km) roundtrip hike. Such amazing rock formations, beautiful creeks, and fun waterfalls. There's lots to explore on the ropes and scrambling above the falls, and it was nice to have plenty of time without worrying about a hike all the way out on a short winter day. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. My girlfriend and I attempted this trail yesterday. 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