Kitchen Creek Falls

Download

Trail photos

Author

sdfox_74

309 40 220

See more trails from this author

Trail stats

Distance: 5.38 mi
Elevation gain: 1,227 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 1,227 ft
Max elevation: 3,790 ft
TrailRank: 33
Min elevation: 3,129 ft
Trail type: Loop

Moving time: 2 hours 18 minutes
Time: 3 hours 38 minutes
Coordinates: 1533
Uploaded: May 27, 2023
Recorded: May 2023

Be the first to clap

near Boulder Oaks, California (United States)

Viewed 40 times, downloaded 3 times

Trail photos

Itinerary description

This hike along a section of the Pacific Crest Trail is fairly easy until the scrambling required to access the larger waterfall which is not easily accessible from the main trail.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cleveland/recarea/?recid=47570

Tips:

There is not much shade on this hike so you'll need sun-screen, sun glasses, and a hat. Extra ankle support is useful so I recommend hiking boots rather than simply trail shoes. Considering the remoteness of the area consider the most critical items in the list of 10 essentials such as a pocket knife, first aid kit, more water than you think you'll need, plenty of snacks. I also recommend long pants and long sleeve shirt or bringing some layers. I like to wear swim trunks under my pants in case it is warm enough to take a dip. Nothing like a refreshing shower under the falls on a hot spring or summer day but keep in mind that the water is very cold so a dip is nice but avoid being in the cold water for prolonged periods of time. There are several smaller falls along the creek so plan it as a half or full day adventure and give yourself plenty of time to explore and eat lunch by the falls. There are a lot of side trails in the area leading down to the creek so I also recommend bringing a gps or cell phone and use an app to leave some digital bread crumbs to make it easier to find your way back to the PCT.

Waypoints

Parking at trailhead

This trail head is on the south side of old highway 80 just west of the boulder creek campground. No facilities at the trail head, but there are at the campground. There is also a rest stop near the buckman springs road exit 51. Directions to this one from the west, is 8 East to Exit 51, turn right on Buckman Springs Road, and left on Old Highway 80.

Picture of the PCT and vegetation

Stream above the larger waterfall

This area is a nice place to stop for a snack and get your feet wet if you want a dip in the water. Very therapeutic sounds of running water, and a nice place to stop for lunch. This is just off the main trail so very easy to get to.

Flora

The main falls area

This picture doesn't do it justice, but gives an idea of what the main falls are like. Massive water slide with some areas to jump across for a better view of the falls and good places to sit and eat lunch.

Flora

Comments

You can add a comment or review this trail