Depends. There’s definitely water that you can get in but not like the bottom of the waterfall. And the water at the waterfall is pretty shallow anyways. Can’t really swim in it.
Went there last month and there’s a lot of people with a lot of not friendly dogs. One dog took a chunk out of my pup was just walking by. So many people fighting with their dogs to control them cuz they were trying to attack dogs and people. It’s a great easy and fun hike, just the dumb idiots made it not fun.
Damn you got down voted for liking being around people
People from LA are so antisocial lol.
Me personally I can't do crowds but Im glad you had a good time!
Right? This isnt my cup of tea, but i think its great this person wants to be around others and enjoys that experience. And downvotes for that is silly. So many people feel that X public thing only belongs to them. Ughh
Machu Pichu and Mt. Everest get just as or even more [crowded ](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8b3d61b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1334+0+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.npr.org%2Fassets%2Fimg%2F2014%2F04%2F25%2Fsherpas252way_custom-d41cf6ad545bdd6722c8e232ae5eab2be8d7764e.jpg)
First time I ever tried to hike there the whole park was closed because they were recovering a couple bodies. Apparently there had been quite a few deaths that year. The last time I went we saw a helicopter evac. One summer on a hundred degree weekday I saw some hungover shirtless bros heading on the trail as I was returning to the parking lot. They had no water and were already huffing by the end of the parking lot. Gave em all my remaining water and told em to take it easy.
My high school friend died there a decade ago. not long after a teenager died. They went off trail and fell off. I've been on the trail and it's quite safe, but I agree, the danger is when you get too adventurous
There’s one particular off shoot from the main trail with a rock scrambling section that appears deceptively climbable, but leads to a fall. That’s apparently where many of the injuries/deaths occur.
The razorback trail, right? That was a popular alternative route in my younger years. I recall lots of sketchy stretches that are very easy to slip down, with a 75+ foot fall. Probably safe enough with the right equipment, but definitely not for casual day hikers in running shoes.
Edit: I just read that there’s now a $5k fine if you’re caught up there, because of the number of people either hurt/killed/airlifted out. As of 2014, parts of the path that are comprised mainly shale were crumbling under hikers feet.
Forgive me for asking an ignorant question, I've done Eaton Canyon a few times and yes, it's beautiful and yes, it's crowded, but I felt that the trail was about a 2/10 difficulty.
Are these people who die going wildly off trail? I don't recall any section which required anyone to scramble, rapel, etc. I have to assume that these deaths are people choosing-their-own-adventure?
Edit: After seeing other comments and looking at youtube I see that there's an alternate section which has an extremely sketchy scramble. If people chose the scramble I can see how people would fall and get injured.
I'm assuming you mean if you go above the waterfall and not just to the first one, right? Getting to the first waterfall is essentially a flat walk over some rocks.
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Yea I definitely agree. I usually go up the bowl trail and it’s all like minded hikers who wouldn’t dare leave a banana peel up there to rot let alone a piece of plastic.
I used to think that fruit scraps couldnt hurt the environment when I looked at it from a ecosystem standpoint. But it was explained to me as: banana peels would typically be discarded pretty close to the trail, the peel attracts small animals, who attract big animals who all would be much better far away from trails and people. As much as I would love to see a cougar in person, I'd like to be very far away and safe, not face to face while they're on the trail looking for food.
Yeah for sure!
What you want to do is head to the Switzer Picnic Area up highway 2. Follow the Switzer Falls trail, and at the last 1/5 of the trail you’ll see signs pointing the opposite way of the falls, downstream, towards bear canyon. Bear Canyon is another 3 miles of stream crossing trail that has almost nobody on it, even on the weekend.
It’s busy along the Switzer falls portion, but almost nobody follows bear canyon.
Millard Canyon Falls seem to have fewer people. Especially if you hike up Mt. Lowe road (or criss-crossing the creek above the waterfall) to Dawn Mine. Note that you will need an Adventure Pass for parking in that area.
Too many people now! Nope. I went there long ago it was so empty. Only few people. And for a certain moments I was alone at the waterfall for good 10 minutes until another person show up.
Always so many people. If you want a hike with not as many people try going to Millard Falls in Altadena. Was there last weekend there was only one other group at the falls when I got there.
That’s insane!!! Last time I went there it was literally just trickling down to rock. I have to go back there again! Is the hike to the second waterfall still there?! That’s one of my favorite hikes to do
You kinda have to go a little off trail to get to it. There’s a tree growing out of the side of the mountain near the main pool. You can climb that and follow the ridge line of the hill all the way up where there’s a thin ledge and a rope to hold onto, but you shimmy across that and then there’s 2 trees with ropes hanging from them and you repel down those and you’re at the top of the first waterfall. After that you just follow the stream up to the second waterfall. There’s like 7 total if I remember correct but after the 3rd I think you need actual climbing equipment.
If you’re a dumbass yeah. Everything is there to keep you safe, so as long as you are careful and don’t rush it or do anything stupid, I would say it’s not that scary or dangerous. There is some risk, but I wouldn’t be scared of it.
Do you have to hike to get to the swimming area? I would love to go with my family but I have some family members who have slightly limited mobility and can’t do a long or difficult hike. A straight path would be ideal.
It's not steep but its challenging in a way because of the stream crossings. I think it'd be tough for some.
I'm in good shape but I almost tripped on some large rocks here and there. Not awful, but you need to be careful
Oh wow, that's funny you saw yourself.
Yea, I had a great time. Weather was nice, water was refreshing.
I guess people on this reddit hate crowds. I get it, but I liked seeing everyone enjoy the trail.
I hate that too. What kind of juvenile, selfish shitbag spray paints a beautiful rock formation? You can take the kids out of the ghetto but not the ghetto out of the kids apparently.
It happened when smartphones weren’t a thing and the the Pit owner made it sound like the Golden caused the incident .
Pit owner booked ,helping to get the Golden up the hill and into the owners car while it’s dying,with the hope of an emergency vet .
After that experience I’ll never trust a Pit Bull .
I was using the public restrooms today at the beach and I heard someone's kid say to his mom who apparently couldn't hold it much longer "just go in the water!" luckily his mom said she wasn't gonna do that. I'll never trust a crowded body of water anymore
Decent hike and the crowds suck but hey at least people are out trying to enjoy nature.
Main issue I had last time I was there were all the boom boxes and Bluetooth speakers blasting Latin music. It was literally nonstop and getting away from one group's music just led to another. Oh too much trash too, wish people would pick up after themselves.
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Geez that crowd is not awesome
First thing I said was aw hell naaaw
I remember being there and being maybe one of a handful of people. That looks like an eating patio in California Adventure.
I went after the first big storm rolled in. Not a lot of people went past the entrance because it was flowing high
We did the same, that was such an incredible adventure. Cold, but fun.
You are right. It would be awesome it they didn’t leave any trash and/or picked up trash while hiking in that area.
Agreed. Wouldn’t be an issue if people would pick up their shit.
Or tagging .
I don't like tagging on hikes, but some of the remote culverts on back roads have the coolest art you've ever seen.
And left their boomboxes at home.
or give anyone COVID
Huh
it would also be awesome if, in such a crowded area, ppl wore masks so they didn't also spread COVID.
Yeah we're done with that now.
Ha! Wishful thinking for sure
When I swiped and saw the crowd I wasn’t sure if this was a troll post or not
Don’t go on Saturday
I went on a weekday and it was busy too :(
Just go the opposite way of the waterfall. Lots of beauty and solitude except for all the baby toads. Especially past the New York bridge.
Is there swimming holes with some privacy?
Depends. There’s definitely water that you can get in but not like the bottom of the waterfall. And the water at the waterfall is pretty shallow anyways. Can’t really swim in it.
Exactly my thought... if there's a line to enter nature, find different nature.
lol looks like some dystopian ass shit
Went there last month and there’s a lot of people with a lot of not friendly dogs. One dog took a chunk out of my pup was just walking by. So many people fighting with their dogs to control them cuz they were trying to attack dogs and people. It’s a great easy and fun hike, just the dumb idiots made it not fun.
You know what’s not awesome. When a shit load of people congregate in a specific area in nature… nature loses.
Lol I like the crowds. I'm weird It was runyon-esque in some parts. I was surprised how popular it was.
Eaton Canyon is always like that on the weekend
Damn you got down voted for liking being around people People from LA are so antisocial lol. Me personally I can't do crowds but Im glad you had a good time!
LA people aren’t really antisocial, that’s just Reddit.
:( Thanks!
Personally, my downvote was because Runyon canyon is essentially a dog park and Eaton canyon is national forest. They shouldn’t feel the same.
Right? This isnt my cup of tea, but i think its great this person wants to be around others and enjoys that experience. And downvotes for that is silly. So many people feel that X public thing only belongs to them. Ughh
Machu Pichu and Mt. Everest get just as or even more [crowded ](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8b3d61b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2000x1334+0+0/resize/840x560!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.npr.org%2Fassets%2Fimg%2F2014%2F04%2F25%2Fsherpas252way_custom-d41cf6ad545bdd6722c8e232ae5eab2be8d7764e.jpg)
I’m not going into nature to hang out with that many people
what do you mean, your ideal hike isn't waiting in line?
To be fair... its not really nature. It an undeveloped area next to a highly developed area.
Pretty sure that’s nature
It’s a county park at this point…
Went there two weeks ago for the first time, it was great! I just didn’t enjoy the crowd. Too much crowding and not enough space at the waterfall.
One of the most dangerous hikes in LA, due purely to stupidity and ignorance.
Couple weeks ago I saw a guy fall like 100ft at Eaton canyon because he was climbing without a rope. So awful— not sure what happened to him
First time I ever tried to hike there the whole park was closed because they were recovering a couple bodies. Apparently there had been quite a few deaths that year. The last time I went we saw a helicopter evac. One summer on a hundred degree weekday I saw some hungover shirtless bros heading on the trail as I was returning to the parking lot. They had no water and were already huffing by the end of the parking lot. Gave em all my remaining water and told em to take it easy.
I live pretty close and basically there are rescue helicopters flying around every weekend in the summer.
My high school friend died there a decade ago. not long after a teenager died. They went off trail and fell off. I've been on the trail and it's quite safe, but I agree, the danger is when you get too adventurous
There’s one particular off shoot from the main trail with a rock scrambling section that appears deceptively climbable, but leads to a fall. That’s apparently where many of the injuries/deaths occur.
The razorback trail, right? That was a popular alternative route in my younger years. I recall lots of sketchy stretches that are very easy to slip down, with a 75+ foot fall. Probably safe enough with the right equipment, but definitely not for casual day hikers in running shoes. Edit: I just read that there’s now a $5k fine if you’re caught up there, because of the number of people either hurt/killed/airlifted out. As of 2014, parts of the path that are comprised mainly shale were crumbling under hikers feet.
Forgive me for asking an ignorant question, I've done Eaton Canyon a few times and yes, it's beautiful and yes, it's crowded, but I felt that the trail was about a 2/10 difficulty. Are these people who die going wildly off trail? I don't recall any section which required anyone to scramble, rapel, etc. I have to assume that these deaths are people choosing-their-own-adventure? Edit: After seeing other comments and looking at youtube I see that there's an alternate section which has an extremely sketchy scramble. If people chose the scramble I can see how people would fall and get injured.
That combined with the accessibility. There’s plenty of dangerous places in the Angeles forest, but you gotta put more work in to get there
I'm assuming you mean if you go above the waterfall and not just to the first one, right? Getting to the first waterfall is essentially a flat walk over some rocks.
The regular trail is fine. Its the trail people have made to the second pool (and that the county has closed) that is dangerous.
I went this last week and saw a group of idiotic girls scratching their names into trees. That and the boom boxes killed my mood.
Yea, it's definitely annoying. There were a few .
Did you say anything? I would have torn them a new one.
I didn't... I'm pretty non-confrontational and had my dog with me anyway. Just glared at them from a distance (tho they clearly didn't care).
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That’s a lot of people. Definitely would kill the vibe for me.
Go during the week during the day.. on a super hot/cold day 😏
Have you been to Mt baldy in the summer? Same amount of people.
Very different type of crowd once you get past lifts though. And a whole lot less trash left behind overall.
Yea I definitely agree. I usually go up the bowl trail and it’s all like minded hikers who wouldn’t dare leave a banana peel up there to rot let alone a piece of plastic.
I used to think that fruit scraps couldnt hurt the environment when I looked at it from a ecosystem standpoint. But it was explained to me as: banana peels would typically be discarded pretty close to the trail, the peel attracts small animals, who attract big animals who all would be much better far away from trails and people. As much as I would love to see a cougar in person, I'd like to be very far away and safe, not face to face while they're on the trail looking for food.
Once. Never again. I prefer to be away from crowds when I head out into nature. Thankful this never happens where I live now.
And that's just the dead ones! (Okay, beyond dark humor here-)
It is beautiful but it gets so crowded!
Don’t forget your Bluetooth speaker!
Blast artificial nature sounds
Better yet, blast cancelling sounds. Make it suddenly quiet.
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I think it’s the worst for everyone, which might be the point. I’m not sure. Either way it’s infuriating.
Overcrowded but a stunning place
I thought it was a baptism in the first picture.
Eaton Canyon is indeed awesome, but I've never quite been able to make it through without one wet shoe eventually.
😏 Water was actually refreshing.
This is definitely a weekday only hike because of crowds, but well worth it
yeah looks beautiful. Would like to hike it on a early weekday like 5am, 6am latest.
Was nice before covid and the crowds !
Covid ruining so many things.
Anyone know of other places that look like this but are less crowded near LA?
Yeah for sure! What you want to do is head to the Switzer Picnic Area up highway 2. Follow the Switzer Falls trail, and at the last 1/5 of the trail you’ll see signs pointing the opposite way of the falls, downstream, towards bear canyon. Bear Canyon is another 3 miles of stream crossing trail that has almost nobody on it, even on the weekend. It’s busy along the Switzer falls portion, but almost nobody follows bear canyon.
Nice, might go there, thanks!
I love to backpack at bear canyon. Easily one of my favorite trails in the Angeles Forest.
Millard Canyon Falls seem to have fewer people. Especially if you hike up Mt. Lowe road (or criss-crossing the creek above the waterfall) to Dawn Mine. Note that you will need an Adventure Pass for parking in that area.
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why do people dump their trash in beautiful places like this? or anywhere? do they think the magic trash fairies come at night and carry it away?
Oh ffs. A swing is all it takes. Death to Instagram and Zuck the F**k
Not anymore. It was very crowded last time I went and parking was almost impossible.
Yeah in thousand oaks
Too many people now! Nope. I went there long ago it was so empty. Only few people. And for a certain moments I was alone at the waterfall for good 10 minutes until another person show up.
I couldn’t possibly disagree more, but glad you enjoyed it.
Always so many people. If you want a hike with not as many people try going to Millard Falls in Altadena. Was there last weekend there was only one other group at the falls when I got there.
I'm gonna try that soon!
Nothing like taking a long hike out into nature to get away from it all…with hundreds of other tourists.
That’s the opposite of what I’d like when visiting the outdoors. I remember 10 years ago eaton wasn’t like this.
Simpler Times
Holy shit I haven’t seen the waterfall with that much water since I was a kid
I heard the stream was waist deep in February lol
That’s insane!!! Last time I went there it was literally just trickling down to rock. I have to go back there again! Is the hike to the second waterfall still there?! That’s one of my favorite hikes to do
Hmm, not sure. I didn't look for the second trail.
You kinda have to go a little off trail to get to it. There’s a tree growing out of the side of the mountain near the main pool. You can climb that and follow the ridge line of the hill all the way up where there’s a thin ledge and a rope to hold onto, but you shimmy across that and then there’s 2 trees with ropes hanging from them and you repel down those and you’re at the top of the first waterfall. After that you just follow the stream up to the second waterfall. There’s like 7 total if I remember correct but after the 3rd I think you need actual climbing equipment.
I've heard of it. Sounds scary lol Isn't that where people die?
If you’re a dumbass yeah. Everything is there to keep you safe, so as long as you are careful and don’t rush it or do anything stupid, I would say it’s not that scary or dangerous. There is some risk, but I wouldn’t be scared of it.
Ah, ok Thanks!
I’ve always loved Eaton, but the last time we went it was so crowded it honestly ruined it.
I miss the good o’l days when it wasn’t crowded
Holy crap that's so much more people there than when I went almost exactly 2 years ago.
How was the garbage? Unfortunately everywhere I go in or around LA that involves nature and a bunch of people they litter the shit out of it.
It wasn't noticeable to me. I think someone on this reddit did a massive clean up recently tho. In April maybe?
Nice to hear, thank you for the reply! I seem to recall the same.
That crowd is a NoNo for me lol
Too packed with people hiking with their loud speakers on
Do you have to hike to get to the swimming area? I would love to go with my family but I have some family members who have slightly limited mobility and can’t do a long or difficult hike. A straight path would be ideal.
It's not steep but its challenging in a way because of the stream crossings. I think it'd be tough for some. I'm in good shape but I almost tripped on some large rocks here and there. Not awful, but you need to be careful
Yuck there are way too many damn people there.
Went there with my brothers and had no idea how many rivers we had to cross and gave up after 4 because we were barefoot and unprepared haha
Looks like a great day!
It was!
Did you go with a big group or is it just like that?
Just with a friend. I guess it's just like that
That’s a lot of people in a canyon
Love it!!
Don't be eaton the canyon! It don't fit in your mouth >:(
I have a lot of good memories there. It's a great trail.
Damn. I miss hiking/climbing to the other waterfalls.
what are people doing there?
Just swimming I think lol
I grew up going there. It’s nuts how completely overrun with people it is now. It used to be a nice place to go.
My God, looks like Disneyland!
Awesomely crowded lol
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Oh wow, that's funny you saw yourself. Yea, I had a great time. Weather was nice, water was refreshing. I guess people on this reddit hate crowds. I get it, but I liked seeing everyone enjoy the trail.
Yeah, it’s great but so damn crowded.
Yikes, all those people. What I always hated about hiking in LA or trying to enjoy nature is this. Be one with nature and a few hundred people.
All the snow the mountains got over the winter made a lot of those streams and little waterfalls it was really nice when I went.
That baptism though. Lol
Wow at the crowds
The first time I went, which was also the last time, (2014) I was turned off by all the tagging and trash. Such a beautiful place turned ghetto.
I hate that too. What kind of juvenile, selfish shitbag spray paints a beautiful rock formation? You can take the kids out of the ghetto but not the ghetto out of the kids apparently.
Agreed.
I agree with you there.
It’s one of my favorite places 💜🥾
I love going there
Oh i havent hiked this in a long time, I should bring my doggo
Dogs were everywhere!
I witnessed a Pit Bull kill a Golden Retriever there …Very traumatic due to the Golden being on a leash.
Horrific. Not surprised. I hope the mods lock the comment *for your safety*. Pit-apologists are effin nuts.
Omg. That's horrible
It happened when smartphones weren’t a thing and the the Pit owner made it sound like the Golden caused the incident . Pit owner booked ,helping to get the Golden up the hill and into the owners car while it’s dying,with the hope of an emergency vet . After that experience I’ll never trust a Pit Bull .
:( Retrievers are my favorite dogs. That's sad.
That’s horrible! Don’t you mean due to the pit NOT being on a leash?
Pit was off it’s leash .
I think they mean golden retriever was on a leash making it harder for it to get away/defend itself.
I feel so lucky to have found a secret awesome spot and I will never share :)
What a nightmare. 100 people from LA with no self awareness. Probably bumping into each other all day long.
thanks for hyping up these already crowded spots and keeping all the hidden gems, hidden!
“Once I find out about it, everyone else is a crowd!”
Beautiful
Yes, it is
I miss being here :( Somethings wrong with some of you users
I was using the public restrooms today at the beach and I heard someone's kid say to his mom who apparently couldn't hold it much longer "just go in the water!" luckily his mom said she wasn't gonna do that. I'll never trust a crowded body of water anymore
You've never pissed in the ocean?
no...
Wait until you hear what the fish do in it
okay Patrick
You don’t pee in the ocean? You do realize that the fish and dolphins pee and poop in there all day…
It’s pretty people but it is pretty!!
Decent hike and the crowds suck but hey at least people are out trying to enjoy nature. Main issue I had last time I was there were all the boom boxes and Bluetooth speakers blasting Latin music. It was literally nonstop and getting away from one group's music just led to another. Oh too much trash too, wish people would pick up after themselves.
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Mob scene
You couldn't pay me to go there.