Almost 18 miles round trip from hwy 74. Moderate hike with zero shade. I would have been nice to see water at the waterfall. I came across a small black snack and I think a fox, he/she ran quickly away.

This is a great in and out trail for a short hike. We just went on 2/29/20 and there was water...not gushing by any means but water was trickling down. There are huge boulders to climb on and plenty of peaceful places to sit and eat lunch at the top of the falls. There are also several places to let kids play in the water.

Loved this waterfall just under one mile from the free lower parking area. No pass required! One creek crossing and cool area to get in the water at the falls. It was a hot day and there is little shade on the most of the trail. Its not very steep but could get you sweating, especially on a warm day. The trail can be a little hard to find at the creek crossing, just cross within 200 yards once you reach the water. The trail does not continue alongside the creek. There is a upper and lower parking with a third parking in between names Fishermans Camp each location adds to the trail length.

Gorgeous falls. I really loved to see the flowing waters and its beautiful angle.

Nice hike. Easy if you follow the trail, more difficult if you go up the river route and climb the falls. There was a fair amount of water considering there has been no rain in sometime. Lots of poison oak this time of year In the river bead areas.

The good thing is that you don’t need a pass to get into the park, BUT don’t go in the summer!! The falls were dried up when I went. However, if you do, you should bring water because there is little shade. The path is a little unclear because sometimes you’re walking on rocks across streams and stuff. I would def not go alone. Also the drive there is a like scary; the road is very narrow. However, the scenery is gorgeous and worth the drive. There is no service down there either so be safe.

This is an amazing hike. The road is a bit sketchy, quite narrow with potholes and such but its definitely worth the travel. Total walking distance from parking to falls and back is around 1.5 miles plus distance of extra exploring. Beautiful place with an extremely way cool view. Recommend going in early spring after rainy season to view flowing falls .

Beautiful falls. Love seeing those flowing waters.

Nice place to visit. There are some small trails that diverge from the main trail that follows the creek. Overall very nice and peaceful.

One of my favorite places to go for waterfalls.If people would keep it clean and not write on rocks itd be even better. Its not as bad as Ortega though.

Two years ago, I went here with my husband. It was somewhat crowded, but beautiful and peaceful. We went here today and now there is graffiti on the rocks. The worst part were groups of large people who treated the falls like a pool--stayed indefinitely where they were and we couldnt do anything but watch them splash in the water, shouting. Not peaceful or pristine, but trashed and crowded with selfish hikers.

Good short hike

Easy hike .9 miles from parking lot to the falls.

A long slow drive to get there, the road in is not technical, just slow. The only thing technical about the hike is attempting to dodge 100s of poison oak vines. Graffiti all over the rocks rob from its natural beauty and remind you that school age kids need art classes to funnel their creativity.

Beautiful easy hike into a valley showing off the wonders of our natural open spaces. We saw many young family and kids enjoying an easy stroll to a beautiful water fall. I am sure after heavy rains that flow would be quite impressive. Drive down into the trailhead does have a dirt road and feel like its more for experience cautious drivers. Be prepared to be courteous when drivers approach from the other direction.

This is a great hike! The view is good and it’s an easy hike, parking is so so and the single lane road is kinda sketch but not too big of a deal.

Beautiful hike, be sure to go to the correct parking lot. The first parking lot from the Tenaja road side is the Tenaja canyon trailhead which is over a 7 mile hike to the falls. Keep going past the first lot to the second parking which is the trailhead to the falls. The canyon hike beautiful, lush and scenic, but much longer and harder for young kids.

Its worth the narrow road drive in snd when you are there it looks beautiful. Look for the abandoned car on you way to the falls. Its in the middle of nowhere and its hard to figure out how it got there in the mountains.

This place its a great place to visit. Perfect to jump in the pools. Just watchout with snakes wile areu walking thru the trail. Other than that its an amazing place to visit..

It took us 2 days to find the water falls.

So pretty. Hard climb upwards if you are not used to hiking but well worth it at the top. The drive to the falls are treacherous. Drive SLOWLY.

Great place and beautiful scenery especially when the falls are going. Fairly easy to hike. Easy enough to take a newborn and a three year old, so anyone should be able to make the hike.

Fun, short hike to the falls. Uphill on the way in and downhill on the way out. For anyone doing any boulder-scrambling, you missed the first creek crossing (where there IS a sign on the opposite side of the creek that simple says falls to let you know you went the right way). Basically, once you leave the parking area, the minute you hit any water/creek, you cross right there.The road in from Ortega highway (and then along north main divide) can be rough and long, but the way in from Murrieta is mostly smooth (and also, but to a lesser extent, quite long).There is a trail extending past the main falls (it goes a couple miles back to another road according to GPS/maps, although I have only gone about 0.5 miles past the main falls). About 0.5 miles past, there is another nice little swimming hole (not deep or anything, but pretty). Careful of poison ivy/oak here.The hike is some dirt, but mostly small/medium rocks as if water flows down the trail during heavy rain. Also, it seems like the road you hike on used to be a road large enough for cars (as indicated by the hidden, old, rusty and abandoned car just off the trail - look for it!) I wouldnt be surprised if it connected through at some point back in the day.Ive only seen the falls in the winter time after little rain. The pools are always full but the flowing water level is low. From others pictures, it looks like it can really flow after we get good rains.Ive only been twice, but look forward to exploring this area more. Please pack out any trash and enjoy nature! It really is a beautiful hike.

Great adventure getting there and the hike is tough, but fun.

I was there today but the rangers closed it. They are giving tickets if you park outside. Beautiful place but I was not allowed to hike due to the Covid 19. Today was the day that they closed the place

Long walk but a fun one if you take the river. If you take the river. Make sure to bring a flashlight and maybe be ready to camp out somewhere.

Unspoiled natural beauty abounds reaching Tenaja Falls! Was a tad rough making it to the top but it was well worth every step. Crossing the creek was interesting. You can wade through or cross on rocks holding onto a loose rope. Helps to have friends to help hold it tight! Cool water on a hot day feels great if you slip and fall in! Views going up and from the top are breath taking. So much beauty surrounds you at every twist and turn. There are many places to take a break and enjoy a picnic. Surprisingly clean with all the people that go here.The road is winding and narrow much of the time. Its a good idea to take the curves slowly in case a car is coming from the opposite direction. Courtesy and safety is more important that rushing on this road!

Great little hike! Its pretty easy and not too long. Maybe 1.5 miles altogether. The falls were big when I went right after winter when we had a lot of rain, but I have also gone when there hasnt been any rain, then there is no waterfall. Lol So plan accordingly.

Couldnt find waterfall waste of my time...trail was all Rocky worse hike ever no signs to fall but one...never going back.

A little difficult to get to on a twisty one lane road with turnouts that leads you to the trailhead. A approximate moderate hike of 3/4 miles uphill leads to the top of the falls. Our 4 year old made it no problem but other people with physical challenges had to wade through a creek or skip over boulders. Right now crossing is being made more difficult due to the recent storms. Wildflowers are everywhere! So worth the effort!

Love this trail. Make sure to buy an adventure pass $5 for daily use at big-five or a sporting store before you go as it is a permit required area of Cleveland national forest. Do not take 420 as it is federal land. Please keep the trails clean and pack out you stuff as it is a great place for a picnic. Drive up is on a narrow road so take it slow and keep your headlights on.

Took a hike up to the falls with a couple of guys from church and had a blast!

It is one of the few places left in Southern California that looks and feels like you have went back in time. It is at its most beautiful in the spring between March and May when the water is still running. You have watch out for the occasional rattlesnakes and scorpions, but the wild life will usually avoid you. And, be careful not trample the wild flowers like the Brodiaea and Calandaria, very rare.

Go here once a week, my favorite spot to clear my mind get some meditation in. Love it.

Great hike, short enough for the family to enjoy and great pics.

Beautiful place. Nice little hike (about 1.5 miles) from the parking area. The falls are gorgeous and well worth the walk.

Nice short hike, the view at the falls is beautiful

Great place for a family hike

I’ve been hiking this trail for about 3 years now. Best month for waterfall are January & February. Moderate hike. Great for family & friends. About 4 hour hike round trip, estimated time is 2 hrs.

Great awesome place

Okay, beautiful for the area. No Water Found!

Nice little hike, good spot for a picnic. The water was nice and cool for wading after the hike and the views are lovely although on our trip they were cluttered with some graffiti and litter around the rocks and lower pools.

I love this place. I proposed to my girlfriend here. Very romantic. There were people there when I did the proposal but that made it more special. It’s a great place.

Never been there, hope to go this fall. Is it dog friendly and do I need 1 or 2 water bottles?

Nice hike

Someone said no cell phone reception LMAO. They dont know how to appreciate the great outdoors. It has a pretty cool payoff for the walk - Nice waterfall and picture opportunity if youre into that sort of thing.

Very beautiful place

The drive from the South isnt bad but it is a single lane and passing other vehicles can be tricky. It has some switch backs and steep grades but we went in a minivan just fine. The hike is medium and the falls, even without water are beautiful.

One of my favorite easy trails. Shaded and beautiful.

2 1/2.... The reviews are not at all the experience we had. The drive was very uneven and bumpy. Probably best for a Jeep or crossover type car. One lane, so you literally have to pull to the side of the cliff to let cars pass. And the water fall was not easy to find. Way too many small trails leading in different directions to find it. And when we did find it, there was no water. The trail to the falls is not really a trail at all. It’s mostly rocks that you have to climb over and under I’m some cases. It was a nice trip and hike but that’s about it. Don’t go expecting to see an amazing waterfall. And drive slowly up and down the cliff.

I love you Ortegas mountains and miss you 34704 Ortega hwy 74

An awesome hike with the dogs and the hubby. No water but worth every minute. So pretty and peaceful. I went back Jan. 29th and tons of water. The entire hike you can hear the water in the river. Lots of water falls. Beautiful views. A great hike!

Ive been hiking this trail with my husband for a few years now. We when last Sunday and there was so much water, the most I have ever seen there. My husband has been going for much longer and has seen it with much more water MANY years ago. It was also very crowded this time around and it was hard to find parking. The drive to get there can be a bit scary if youre familiar with the area.

I really liked it the hike is only about three-quarters of a mile to get to the falls so its not that bad. unfortunately there was no water. maybe after a rainfall, I will return. The driver was also smooth sailing paved road all the way there although there were some narrow spots around the mountain curbs.

Great place to relax. Long or short hike. Wish people would keep their art/graffiti on paper rather than the rocks.

A pretty neat and short hike. Cross the river early or you will get lost quickly..

Great hikes and swimming spots.

A nice 15 mile round trip hike to the falls. A lot of water going over the falls today. Very nice scenery along the river flowing most of the hike to the falls.

Fun hike

Was going to go today, but didnt know how far I could go with the car. Got to a point where only one car couldcgo and there was no turning around. Got to part on the mountain where it started to go down. All that s was beautiful but I didnt know if I should have parked somewhere before and hiked on this road. According to Google I was only two and a half miles. But didnt have anyway of checking if I was going in the right direction.

Great views and a awesome hike. One tough part is a small river crossing that changes difficulty with the amount of rain. We crossed with carrying a toddler without an issue.

The fall does not run all year long. Its a single road to this hiking trail. The road has large pot holes. I made a mistake of taking Audi A5 sports car. If you have a truck or a vehicle that is some what not close to ground you are better off. Be careful its only small street so you may have to back up your vehicles at few turning corners. Gorgeous scenary. Dont stay till late evening. I spoted few cayote. Avoid going alone. Cell phone has no reception.

Beautiful falls

Theres a trailhead with a good size parking lot but its far from the falls. If you keep driving 4 miles, youll find a second trailhead but the road is wide enough for only one car. The road is a tad scary but the trail is so beautiful, its worth it.

Nice hike on a rainy day

Easy hike for young family and group. Waterfalls at the top are amazing!

Beautiful views

A cool retreat from murrieta. Awesome views from the top of the falls. Ive been going there for 25 years and I still enjoy going there.

Great place for a hike

This place is pretty rad after a good rainfall. Look out for mountain lions though. A buddy and I were hiking out here and saw three mountain lions in the same day which is unheard of from what I have read. Was walking a trail after seeing the mountain lions earlier earlier in the day and kept hearing footsteps behind us which was incredibly creepy. We would stop walking and the noises would stop. We both knew we were being stalked by a mountain lion. We kept making as much noise as we could and the stalker eventually stopped or at least we think it stopped. It is a single lane road that goes through the mountains with few areas to pull off so you have to be careful, but it is an awesome place that very few people know about. Good day time hike with some great houses along the way and a good way to spend the afternoon.

Quick easy hike and always worth the hike after a good rain.

Its nice place if you like out doors you will have fun

Loved last time I went it was dry no water this time with the rain storms we got theres slot of water up there

Nice hike, not dry

Nice and easy hike

Still going there for over 45 years just to smoke out peacefuly & camping in the early rains in the first of the year with friends from high school CDM sea kings u know who u r !!!

Amazing

Beautiful scenery, relaxing

There was some water at the falls.

Its amazing and beautiful

Great place to hike and enjoy nature

Love the hike

Feel in love

Disappointing at the falls lots of graffiti on the rocks trash around and a couple teenagers smoking pot when I visited sad.

Snakes

Spring is the best hiking time here

Easy quick hike