Tenaja Falls Day Hike!
Sunday, March 27 , 2022 starting at 8 AM
Pop-up Hike for this Sunday!
While the route is rated moderate, be aware of the distance traveled which is approximately 17 miles roundtrip. There aren't any strenuous hills, more of a rolling hills terrain. However because of the distance of the hike, I have rated this Moderate +.
This will be a fast-paced hike due to the distance traveled, so be forewarned!
We will travel via Bear Canyon, Morgan and Tenaja Falls Trails
Meeting Place: Trailhead near the Candy Store.
Details: Moderate+ – 17.0 miles – 1100 ft gain/loss –
We will meet in the parking lot across the street from the Ortega Oaks Candy Store . You will need either an Adventure Pass or National Parks Pass displayed on your vehicle to avoid ticketing.
Pictured above: While we do start out on the Bear Canyon Trail; be aware of the dinosaurs as Rob can testify!!!
You will see beautiful views of the seldom visited San Mateo Wilderness.
Getting to the Trailhead:
The trail head is off the Ortega Hiway (74):
Click here for a Map. Parking is in the lot on the other side of
the highway from the Candy Store (Yes, there really is a
candy store on the Ortego Highway, out in the middle of the
wilderness.)
From Lake Elsinore Center, the parking lot is
13.8 miles on the right side of the road.
From San Juan Capistrano, it is 19.7 miles.
Click here for a map.
A National Forest Adventure Pass
Click here for locations that sell this pass. Be aware that the Candy Store is not open when we start, so no chance to purchase a pass there.
The America the Beautiful — The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass covers all:
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National Forests
National Wildlife Refuges
Bureau of Land Management sites
Bureau of Reclamation sites
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites
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National Parks
What to Bring:
You should bring your ten essentials (Click here for the list.), a day pack, water (2 to 3 liters), trekking poles, sunscreen, hat, trail snacks, lunch, and plan on wearing hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof).
Yes, we will have an extended stop @ the Falls perfect for eating a hearty snack/lunch. Depending of the completion time of the hike, we may consider eating in San Juan Capistrano near the Amtrak station as there are several restaurants nearby.
Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas cost and parking.
There is NO FEE for this trip.
Lance Whitmier will be leading this hike.
He can be reached at: President-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org
Cell: 657-250-5466
Lance states: "Rolling hills and spacious lands make this an ideal hike! And the views possess a sense of calmness!"
Pictured above: Lance at the trail marker for Tenaja Falls.
Special COVID Related Requirements:
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
- I will follow Federal, State and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the leader.
- I will maintain social distance (min. 6') and wear a face mask if social distancing is not possible
- I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.
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I will contact trip leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
NOTE: Due to COVID restrictions, please DO NOT show up for this hike unless you have completed a registration process here and have answered the required COVID questions. Also, do not bring any unregistered guests on this hike.
