Bonita Falls

Bonita Falls are a set of waterfalls in the San Bernardino National Forest, formed by Bonita Creek, that is said to be 370^[1] or 400 feet in height, but possibly up to 495 feet high because of two undocumented drops in the canyon above. It is the second tallest in the national forest, being surpassed only by 500-foot Big Falls. These two waterfalls are reputably the tallest in southern California.

Characteristics

Bonita Falls are split into three tiers, and in the canyon above are two more waterfalls. These two waterfalls are a 60-foot segmented and a 25-foot cascade. In the lower canyon, near where the creek meets South Fork Lytle Creek, the upper tier is a 195-foot cascade. Following downstream is a 45-foot slide. The final, steepest drop, Lower Bonita Falls, plunges 160 feet into the final reach of Bonita Canyon. The total height of the waterfall is 495 feet considering the upper two drops, and the total height of the actual waterfall is 400 feet not counting the upstream drops. The canyon through which the falls pass has been covered in many parts with graffiti and litter.^[2]

Seasonality and Access

The falls are usually flowing year-round and the lower falls are reached via a popular, approximately 3/4 mile hike (each way). The first 1/2 mile follows the South Fork Lytle Creek wash to a side trail that takes you approximately 1/4 mile to the base of the falls. The trailhead for the falls is an unsigned turnout parking area along Lytle Creek Road, one mile past the Front Country Ranger Station in Lytle Creek. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park there and on summer weekends it can fill up early. The Adventure Pass and a map to the falls are available at the ranger station. The upper tier can also be viewed from Bonita Ranch Campground, just past the parking area, but access is on private property.

Sources

Coordinates: 34°13′49″N 117°30′17″W / 34.23028°N 117.50472°W / 34.23028; -117.50472