There’s a shortcut to Eaton Canyon Falls. Here’s how to use the trail.

For starters, you’re going to want to set your destination for the Mt. Wilson/Pinecrest Gate in Altadena (on the eastern end of Pinecrest Drive, between Bowring and Crescent Drives).

You’ll find two-hour, weekday-only parking just south of the gate on Pinecrest—that should give you about double the amount of time you’ll need for the roughly 1.75-mile round trip.

If you venture over on a weekend, you’ll have to park just a little farther away, where Pinecrest meets Crescent. However, the trail is so crowded on weekends that we really don’t recommend it—unless you arrive very early.

At first glance, you might assume this gate is locked. But look a little closer and you’ll spot a door on the left side. You’ll find a keypad-adorned handle, but it’s unlocked during daylight hours (Mar–Oct: Daily 8am–7:30pm; Nov–Feb: Daily 8am–5pm).

Starting from here skips the uneventful, wide trail that begins at the nature center. But if you decide to stay past sundown, you’ll have to venture back in that direction and follow the trail just over a mile south to the main gate.

The vista from the gate is gorgeous—though that elevated view also means you’ll eventually be ending your hike with a sunny uphill walk. On the way down, follow the dirt and paved trails and cross the bridge.

When you get to this fork, take the low road on the right, lest you find yourself climbing 1,300 feet to the Henninger Flats. Follow the low trail until the road forks again and take a sharp right in the direction of the bridge. You’ll find a few gravelly shortcuts before that switchback, but they can be a bit unstable.

After crossing underneath the bridge, you’ll find yourself on a shaded forest trail that careens along—and through—the creek. There’s a pretty well-worn path to the falls, but when in doubt just keep following the stream.

You’ll have to cross the creek pretty often (we counted nine times on our most recent visit), so make sure to wear comfortable, waterproof shoes and socks.

Some of the crossings are easily marked. At other spots, you’re left finding your own way across—particularly if it’s rained recently. You might want to bring along a walking stick if you think the slippery rocks will pose a challenge; you can probably successfully balance your way along the crossings in drier months, but during a wet winter it’s almost certain that your feet (at least) will get soaked.

The hike can change drastically depending on the season. If you go in the summer or fall, the creek will be drier and easier to cross, but you’ll also find less shade and fewer leafy trees.

Go in the winter or spring and you’ll find a lush forest floor with wetter river crossings. In fact, sometimes the water level is so high that you may get to that first crossing, say nope and turn right around. If it’s just rained, we suggest waiting at least a day or two before tackling the trail—don’t worry, the falls will still look pretty impressive.

With that whole safety spiel out of the way, even novice hikers should feel comfortable. The trail can get rocky and split into a few branches, but all sections of the fairly level route (aside from a few large boulders to scale) lead to the same place. If you’re ever confused about which way to go, just follow the river or the narrow canyon walls.

Once you hit this sunny clearing, the waterfall isn’t much farther around the bend.

The trail becomes increasingly boulder-filled as you approach the waterfall. You’ll start to hear the sound of rushing water—and maybe a screaming baby and a barking dog.

If you’re here on a weekday, the waterfall area shouldn’t be too crowded. On a weekend? It basically looks like spring break.

As for the flow of the falls, the photo toward the very top of this story and the one just below were taken only a couple of days after some particularly strong winter rain—about the heaviest you’ll see the falls flowing aside from during a storm (which we absolutely don’t endorse).

The above photo was taken during a spring with below average rainfall; it’s still beautiful, but not quite as full as a wet winter. If you go during the summer, expect to see nothing more than a narrow trickle. 

If you need to cool off before heading out, well, here’s a waterfall—if the flow is strong enough, you don’t even need to wade in thanks to a lovely mist in the air. As for that hike back, look to the opposing traffic for hints to find the best return route.