Sycamore Canyon Falls

...When arriving in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, take the drive and park at Sycamore Canyon parking lot. Parking is free and also offers restrooms and some history about the park. Follow the trailhead South until you come to the Satwiwa Culture Center on your left and a dome-like stick configuration. Just a bit of history for you: Satwiwa, which stands for "the bluffs", is the name of the Chumash Village that once existed here. Many people come here to visit the park's Native American cultural site, which is how the trailhead got its name. When you're done checking out the Cultural Center, continue uphill on the paved road. When you reach a water tank, turn left (old boney trail) and follow it past two junctions for the Satwiwa loop trail.

Stay on this until you come across another junction that reads Hidden Valley Overlook 1.1 miles to the left and waterfall trail .6 miles to the right. Take the trail to the right which will soon take you to the canyon bottom. When the stream is heavy, use caution when crossing. If you can make it across without getting your shoes wet, congrats on a job well done! On my last visit here I was successful on not getting my boots soaked (surprisingly with the stream flowing as rapidly as it was), so it was a relief! Continue on the trail for .2 miles and make a left. Hike parallel to the stream through some overgown brush until you make a sharp right turn to the falls. Covered in green foliage and beautiful pool and drop cascades that are carved into a sandstone cliff, this is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Santa Monica Mountains. This is definitely one waterfall you don't want to miss when this 100 ft. beauty is in action. When you're done soaking up the serenity, head back the way you came. Remember, leave no trace and please respect the land around you. Happy trails!