Hiking Report: Blackstar Canyon Waterfalls Raging

After the rains I got to see the Blackstar Canyon waterfalls for the very first time this past weekend. I would highly recommend you lock your bikes for the hike and wear full gloves as a couple of my fingertips were literally bleeding from all the rock climbing involved to get there. The hike along the creek was treacherous due to what seemed to be fresh boulders/mudslides caused by the recent downpour along parts of the creek. There were also large mountain lion tracks on the way back that I could've sworn were not there on my way there. The rewarding waterfalls, however, were definitely worth the trip. Here are some pictures taken Saturday to share with everyone...

 

Is there a trail leading to these or were you bush whacking?

 

wow that's beautiful! where exactly did you go?

 

Jeff that is spectacular. I heard that in the spring they are really great but never saw any photos.

 

That little cave looks like the cave in the goonies movie. Great report..

 

Great pictures; did you encounter much poison oak?

 

Very cool. I've always heard of those falls, but had never seen them, even in pictures.

Of course, after the bike theft story, I think I'd lean towards leaving the bike at home and just hiking in.

 

Hiking Back

P.S. Don't leave your bikes unattended! Looks like last Saturday a fellow MTBer set their bikes down and went for the hike. Returned to find both bikes were taken......:-k

 

how do you get there?

 

The only time I have been to the falls, we just hiked up the river bed. You have to walk through some water. We actually climbed into that little cave/waterfall. It was a lot of fun, until we came across Art Tuttle on our way out... It was getting dark and he had two dogs and a shotgun pointed at us... Oh the memories!

 

Preaching to the choir here, mingo1. Same dude.

Great report, btw. Day wasn't a total loss.

 

I was thinking the same thing. I saw that and thought 'I must know where that goes!'

good report. bummer about the bikes though. good luck finding them

 

Awesome! Are there other natural waterfalls in Orange County?

 

Holy Jim

 

Holy Jim Falls in Cleveland National Forest

http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/HolyJimFalls_4472.asp

 

nice picture! this was after some hike a bike and boulder hoping Jan 31, 2009 #-o

 

For those of you interested in taking this hike to the Blackstar Canyon waterfalls, PM me. If there is enough interest, I can lead a group hike there. Do wear gloves. Prepare to get your feet wet and prepare to do lots of boulder hopping (no rope/gear necessary). It took me approximately 2 hours to get from the large concrete pipes to the waterfalls one way.

 

There are at least a few more falls in OC (even more if you add in the Riverside County areas of CNF)
Holy Jim, Falls Cyn in Trabuco, Los Pinos, San Juan and I'm sure others I'm missing.

 

This is on the OC Hiking and Backpacking Club meetup group.
------------------------------------
Announcing a new Meetup for OC HIKING CLUB: Orange County's Hiking & Backpacking Group!

What: Wet 'n' Wild Black Star Falls SLOW PACE Interpretive Tour WITH JOEL (Advanced)

When: Sunday, February 7, 2010 10:00 AM

Where:
Black Star Canyon
Black Star Canyon Rd.
Silverado, CA 92676

Sunday, February 7, 10AM - 5PM

THIS IS AN INTERPRETIVE TOUR HOSTED BY NATURALIST FOR YOU. INTERPRETIVE TOURS INCLUDE FREQUENT STOPS TO IDENTIFY NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY OF AREA, SLOW PACE, AND MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO OBSERVE SURROUNDINGS. THE JOURNEY IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE DESTINATION. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND IF INTERESTED IN FAST PACE, COMPETITIVE, OR NON-SOCIAL HIKE.

Wet 'n' Wild Black Star Falls, Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County (part of the Santa Ana Mountains Wild Heritage Project tour series)

Follow a professional naturalist on a real strenuous adventure up Black Star Creek into the heart of the Santa Ana Mountains. Splash through the streambed where newts congregate and stream orchids grow. Scramble over fossil embedded boulders. See one of the tallest and most dramatic waterfalls in Orange County!!! Prepare to get wet on a challenging journey through shady oaks, willows, and plenty of poison oak. Chance of seeing aquatic wildlife. Bring lunch and snacks.

Who: 18 and older
Where: Black Star Canyon, Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676. Take Santiago Canyon Rd east from Jamboree, follow past Irvine Lake, turn left on Silverado Cyn Rd, turn left on Black Star Cyn Rd, follow all the way to white pipe gate and park. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Difficulty: EXTREMELY STRENUOUS - Feels like 10-15 miles round-trip, but it is actually only 7 miles round-trip. Bouldering and some scrambling involved. This trip is only for experienced hikers who have been on lengthy excursions in backcountry settings with rough terrain.
Special Instructions/Supplies: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before start time. Bring a minimum of 2 quarts (64 oz) of water per person. Bring snacks and/or full meal. Wear weather protection (jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.), durable hiking socks and close-toed hiking shoes (extra pair for wet tours), long pants, and backpack for snacks. Bring swimsuit and towel for wet tours. Bring first aid kit (Band-Aids, antiseptic, allergy medicine, tweezers, etc.) and cell phone. Bring flashlight/headlamp and layered clothing for evening tours. Walking sticks are recommended for tours with stream crossings or uneven terrain.

RSVP: Please email [email protected] or call 714-649-9084. Donations are appreciated. All donations are tax-deductible and support upcoming Naturalist For You tours. Please leave your name, contact information, and total # in your party. We cannot be reached by cell phone at tour locations, so please ask questions and confirm tour details well in advance.

See http://www.naturalist-for-you.org/calendar.htm for upcoming tours. Thanks.

Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/OC-HIKING-com/calendar/12504355/

 

Guess the naturalist doesn't like football.