Wet 'n' Wild Grizzly Tour of Falls Canyon, Orange County, Difficulty=easy to moderate August 8, 2010

Meet at Rose Canyon Cantina and Grill and carpool on a rough dirt road, preferably in high-clearance vehicles, to get to the trailhead. Follow a professional naturalist and cross Trabuco Creek to find a hidden tributary where a perennial waterfall awaits worthy adventurers. Splash through the flowing creek, climb over large boulders, and balance on fallen tree trunks. Follow in the footsteps of the lost California grizzly as you meander under ancient oak, sycamore, maple, bay and alder. Navigate through wild grape vine. See if you can find a newt or a treefrog near a giant fern grotto. Arrive at the base of a steep cliff where a waterfall (taller than Holy Jim Falls) drops into small rock pool. Many opportunities to get wet and identify local wildlife and plants. Afterwards, enjoy a hot meal at Rose Canyon Cantina and Grill.

Who: Kids and up (Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.)
Where: Meet at Rose Canyon Cantina & Grill, 20722 Rose Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679, (949) 766-6939, and carpool in high-clearance vehicles to trailhead. Trabuco Creek road is a rough dirt road with rocks and potholes. Low clearance vehicles are capable of going a mile and a half shy of the trailhead. Adventure Pass is required to park at trailhead (available at REI, Turner's, Big 5, and Trabuco General Store).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (overgrown single track trail with steep slopes, poison oak, boulder and fallen tree obstacles, multiple creek crossings, gradual elevation gain, roughly 1.5 miles round-trip if able to use high-clearance vehicles, 2.5 miles round-trip if using low-clearance vehicles)
Special Instructions/Supplies: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before start time. Bring a minimum of 1 quart (32 oz) of water per person. Bring snacks and/or full meal. Wear weather protection (jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.), durable hiking socks and close-toed hiking shoes (extra pair for wet tours), long pants, and backpack for snacks. Bring swimsuit and towel for wet tours. Bring first aid kit (Band-Aids, antiseptic, allergy medicine, tweezers, etc.) and cell phone. Bring flashlight/headlamp and layered clothing for evening tours. Walking sticks are recommended for tours with stream crossings or uneven terrain.
RSVP: Please email [email protected] or call 714-649-9084. Donations are appreciated. Please leave your name, contact information, and total # in your party. We cannot be reached by cell phone at tour locations, so please ask questions and confirm tour details well in advance.

Official Website: http://naturalist-for-you.org