19 Friday Aug 2011
Posted in News
Tags
california, Creek, Hiker, missing, mountains, national first
A missing 58 year old Irvine woman was found this morning in the Sierra National First. When she failed to return to her campsite last night she was reported missing.
-FPMiv
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18 Thursday Aug 2011
Posted in Outdoors
Tags
Check out the Xplore series Toyota FJ Cruiser. I have always loved the FJ’s and this model takes the cake….the 60k cake!
-FPMiv
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18 Thursday Aug 2011
Posted in Cave, Outdoors, Strenuous Hikes, Waterfalls
If you have grown up in OC, chances are that you have heard the stories surrounding Blackstar Canyon. These stories range from hauntings to cult sacrifices to murderous squatters. While I’m not willing to confirm or deny the validity of any of these tales, I can tell you that there is indeed a pretty spectacular waterfall hidden here.
Most hikers that venture into Blackstar Canyon never make it quite far enough into the canyon to find the waterfall trail. Those that do make it in are likely to pass right by the shrub covered creek entrance. From the parking area the creek entrance is 2.5 miles along a relatively flat fire road, and you can find it as long as you know what to look for. You will easily spot a couple of large concrete tubes at the point where the trail begins to climb. Directly to the right of these cylinders you will spot a small clearance in the brush that is bordering the trail. This is the entrance down into the creek.
The creek portion of the hike provides some pretty challenging boulder climbing which is obviously most difficult in the winter and spring months due to the rain. The trek through the creek is an additional 2.5 miles, but plan on it feeling more like 4 miles when you factor in all of the climbing. Be sure to pack plenty of water and some light snacks. A first aid kit would also be a wise choice. This trail is covered in poison oak and I have witnessed a pretty nasty cut resulting in 14 stitches as well as someone taking a tumble from the cave that is alongside the waterfall.
This is one of the more challenging trails that I have experienced in OC, but I would say that the payoff is well worth it. The Blackstar Canyon Waterfall is a spectacular site especially in the rainy season, and it is still very impressive in the dry season when the water is but a trickle. When you first lay eyes upon it I’m sure you’ll be just as surprised as I was that such a thing exists right in our own backyard.
-FPMiv
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17 Wednesday Aug 2011
Posted in Moderate Hikes, Outdoors, Waterfalls
Holy Jim Waterfall
Falls Canyon Waterfall
Looking for a quick getaway? Have I got the spot for you. Located just a few minutes from both the city of Orange and Rancho Santa Margarita is a place called Trabuco Canyon . This natural wonderland is home to two of my favorite local waterfalls.
The first of the two is Holy Jim Waterfall which is around 4.25 miles round trip from the parking lot and back. (If you continue left on Holy Jim Rd, which is the road that’s directly behind the information board, you can drive about 3/4 of a mile further in and park at the Trailhead) This a short but rewarding hike. Lined with Oak, Sycamore, Maple and Fig Trees, this trail is very shady, great for hiking in the summer months. The trail begins after a slow and bumpy 4.5 mile drive up Trabuco Creek Rd which brings you to the Holy Jim Parking lot. From here go up the steps that lead to the trail and continue left. (Between here an the waterfall you will cross the creek about 6 times) You will soon find yourself walking along a trail lined with rustic cabins. When u reach the Holy Jim Trailhead follow this trail until you reach the Main Divide/ Holy Jim junction, continue right for a short distance until you reach the waterfall. Once here you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the 20ft wonder hidden in the canyon.
The 2nd and more impressive waterfall measuring at about 40ft is Falls Canyon Waterfall. This trail is a bit tricky to find because it is tucked away in a small canyon on the opposite side of the creek. To reach this trail one must start at the beginning of Trabuco Creek road and drive for approx 3.4 miles, (set your odometer). There is a small turnout on the right hand side that fits about 3 cars, park here, hike down to the creek and look for the smaller creek that feeds into Trabuco Creek. That is where the trail begins. After .4 miles you will reach Trabuco Canyons hidden gem!
I strongly recommended wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt for the falls canyon waterfall hike.
Here are the coordinates for Falls Canyon Waterfall 33.6790,-117.53446
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17 Wednesday Aug 2011
Posted in News
17 Wednesday Aug 2011
Posted in Outdoors
Free backpacking basics class tonight at REI. There is another class available on August 25th as well.
-FPMiv
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17 Wednesday Aug 2011
Posted in News
Bear cub slaying angers Forest Falls residents | abc7.com.
I have had two run-ins with bears on two separate occasions while camping in the Big Bear area.
The first time I was out on a hike and came across a bear cub. It was about 50 yards away and 40 ft up a tree. As soon as I saw the bear I stopped in my tracks and slowly started walking backwards. Once out of view of the bear I headed back to camp and that was that.
The 2nd time I was camping in Seven Oaks when a bear came onto our campsite. It was no more that 50 ft away. After about 30 minutes of digging through the trash it returned back to the forest.
When a bear is digging through trash its most likely because it is hungry. That is no reason to shoot it.
To avoid such incidents I suggest keeping food and or trash as far away from your campsite, vehicle and or home.
On both occasions I was armed but never felt like I was in immediate danger.
Click here for info on what to do if you encounter a bear.
-Alex G
16 Tuesday Aug 2011
The first time I saw someone wearing these “shoes” out on a trail I was definitely taken by surprise. Over the past 6 months they have become much more popular and I can’t remember the last time I was out on a trail that I did not come across at least one person that was wearing a pair. I admit…I find them kind of creepy looking.
Does anyone own a pair and can you please tell me what kind of support they provide you out on a trail in comparison to a pair of trail running shoes?
-FPMiv
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16 Tuesday Aug 2011
Posted in Moderate Hikes, Outdoors, Peaks
Ever feel like hiking during the week? Well I did and I found the perfect place for a quiet hike with several trails and scenic views.
Chino Hills State Park offers 14,102 acres and 65 miles of trails. But one trail stands out from the rest and that would be South Ridge Trail to San Juan Hill.
We accessed the park via the Rimcrest and Blue Gum entrance in Yorba Linda. From the trail head we headed east on the South Ridge Trail for 2.8 miles. On our hike we saw a lot of Buffalo Gourd, Milk Thistle and the occasional Biker. Other than that, the park was all ours.
Although short, this trail is not easy, there is a 1000 ft elevation gain in 2.8 miles. There are no trees along the trail so hiking here in the summer months could get very hot, very quick (bring enough water). Once you’ve reached and conquered all .1 miles of the San Juan Hill Trail you are greeted with a wonderful view of Orange County.
Enjoy!
-Alex G
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16 Tuesday Aug 2011
Posted in Moderate Hikes, Outdoors, Strenuous Hikes, Waterfalls
Tags
A few months ago our love for nature led us to this wonderful place called Switzer Falls. The trail begins in the parking lot of the Switzer Falls picnic area, after crossing a small bridge we continued hiking along the oak lined trail. A few creek crossings and a mile later we reached the switchbacks that lead up the canyon wall, at this point we left the creek and continued up the canyon about 700ft. With beautiful views of Bear Canyon and a glimpse of Switzer Falls down below, the elevation gain was worth the struggle. We reached the Gabrielino/Bear Canyon junction and proceeded to our left and continued on the Switzer Falls Trail for anther 1.4 miles. Once at the bottom of the canyon we met up with the creek once again. We continued up creek for a few minutes until we reached the Lower Falls. At a bout 25 ft this waterfall is well worth the hike. For the more adventurous hiker one can follow the narrow trail to the right to reach Upper Switzer Falls, which is a beauty! At 50ft with a shallow pool at the base this is a great place to cool off and enjoy nature at its best. This is definitely a must do hike for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
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