| Distance: | 4.5 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain/Loss: | 1200'/1200' |
| Difficulty(1-10): | 5 |
| backpacking/camping allowed: | yes, with permit |
| Agency | Cleveland National Forest, Palomar District |
Cedar Creek Falls is in the Palomar District of the Cleavland National Forest. Cedar Creek Falls can be accessed from either Ramona (San Diego Country Estates) or from Julian. It is about a 2 mile hike from either starting point.
The trail from Julian is probably a little easier than the trail from Ramona. The trail from Julian is an old dirt road. The trail from Ramona is very steep in parts.
Coming in from Julian, you hike along an old dirt road that is no longer in use. during the first 3/4 miles, if you look up the canyon behind you, you will see Mildred Falls. When you are near the bottom of the canyon, you will come to an area where the trail forks. The "old road" continues straight, and there is a more narrow trail to the left that goes over a saddle. The water fall is on the other side of the hill in front of you. The easy path is to continue straight on the old road and follow the trail up the next canyon to the base of Cedar Creek Falls. Or, you can take the narrow trail to the left and go up and over the saddle. Once on top of the saddle the trail forks again. you can follow the trail to the right, which will take you to the top of the water fall, and you can climb down a very steep trail to the base of Cedar Creek Falls. If you are backpacking, there are some great camping spot in the valley just upstream from the water fall.
Cedar Creek Falls has water year-around and is often very crowded (especially on weekends in the summer). The water ranges in depth from about 4 feet to 8 feet deep. The waterfall is really flowing and is most impressive in winter and early spring (after a good rain). In the summer time, the water usually just trickles over the falls, however, it's much more enjoyable for swimming in the summer.
View Cedar Creek Falls Hike in a larger map
Cedar Creek Falls in March, 2010
Cedar Creek Falls in March, 2010
Cedar Creek Falls in March, 2010
Cedar Creek Falls in June, 2008
Hey guys awesome blog! Not sure if you're still running it as it's been a few years since the post but I was wondering if you could lend some info about camping nearby the falls? Obviously it looks to be hike in only camping but will they issue a permit for camping not just hiking and where is a great spot to set up for the night? Thanks in advance!!
ReplyDeleteDid u ever camp here?? Looking to tomorrow. Did u find any information about camping here?
ReplyDelete