Fish Canyon Falls

Before beginning any hike or mountain outing, please check the weather forecast, trail conditions and area closures with the local U.S. Forest Service office. Check with your doctor to be sure everyone in your party is healthy enough to meet the physical exertion that your hike or outing requires. Carry the Ten Essentials (see "Ten Essentials"), and leave details of your itinerary, party members and estimated time of return with family or friends.

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The hike to Fish Canyon Falls is a lovely one, with beautiful vistas, steep drops, and brief climbs for those who like their cardio in short, heart-pounding bursts. At the end of the trail you’ll find the falls – an 80-foot, three-tier waterfall that splashes down across a series of boulders into a tranquil pool at the bottom.

This hike is about 4-5 miles round trip – and has an approximate elevation gain of 900 feet. The narrow trail climbs gradually, through sun and shade, and follows Fish Creek into the canyon and upward, toward the falls. At some points you’re hugging the steep canyon walls, and at other points you’re splashing creek side along the trail. You’ll spot Big Leaf Maples, California bays, alders, live oak, sycamore trees and poison oak, along with the lush ferns that grow in the canyon’s cool shady spots. In the spring, you’ll also see an abundance of wildflowers.

Fish Canyon has been a popular hike for families and veteran hikers for many years. Its accessibility changed, however, when a quarry was built and subsequently cut off access to the trailhead. The trailhead is still accessible, but only on certain days and only via free shuttle provided by Vulcan Materials, which runs the quarry operation. (Check with the company for a current list of access date and times: www.azusarock.com/fishcreek/hiking.html).

It can get very hot, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Don’t forget your 10 Essentials, and remember to “Leave No Trace” – pack out your litter. Traveling West: Take the Interstate 210 freeway and exit at Irwindale in Irwindale. Turn right on Irwindale, and then left on Foothill Blvd. Travel 0.7 miles to Encanto Parkway. Turn right to go north.

Traveling East: Take Interstate 210 freeway and exit at Mt. Olive Avenue in Duarte. After you exit, you’ll be heading north on Mt. Olive Avenue. Go to Huntington Drive and turn right to go east. Drive 0.6 mile to Encanto Parkway. Turn left to go north.

Follow Encanto Parkway north for about 1.5 miles. Free parking is available in a dirt parking lot on the left, inside the Vulcan main gate. Remember to "Leave No Trace" — pack out your litter.