Eaton Canyon, in the San Gabriels, could be the easiest hike to get to. It’s right off of the 210 on Sierra Madre Blvd. Nice parking lot. Plenty of great picnic areas and even a little tadpole pond. It truly is a gem in  Los Angeles County.

However, there is something to be said about the weather here in California. I did the hike on Friday under a clear and sunny sky. That same sky became a drizzling overcast on Saturday morning.  But, that didn’t stop the group from having a great hike, exciting river crossings and Cheyenne Big Sur from being a very happy puppy.

Overall, I would say that experiencing Eaton Canyon trail for two days in a row under extremely different weather conditions was great. It showed me that there is beauty in every aspect of weather (unless it’s a downpour). Not canceling a hike due to minor sprinkling made me a better organizer.

The sprinkles were serendipitous. The Eaton Canyon trail warmed up our bodies to the point where the misty spritz was exactly what was needed on our faces. A few hikers had their cameras out during the whole hike. Others focused on just the hiking experience. The puppy just focused on having a good time and hamming it up for every one’s camera.

The high volume of graffiti tagging on rocks at the waterfall is utterly ridiculous. Yes, you read that right. There is graffiti tagging on 60% of the rocks and on a few trees along the trail. It’s rather stupefying. Who would hike over a mile to a waterfall, just to deface it? Some photos of it are in the gallery. Just a fair warning to anyone that expects a priceless gem to be without outside inference.

I also discovered a new guideline during this hike: Do not walk a long distance with your camera on your tripod. Something bad will always happen. John was the guinea pig for this new rule. While walking with his camera on his tripod, the head of the tripod (the part that connects the camera to the tripod) disconnected from the tripod. His camera immediately fell to the ground, breaking his 10 – 22mm wide angle lens in half. It was a disturbing,  flinch inducing sight. But, all was not lost. Later, I found out that he’s getting it fixed for less than half of it’s original price.

But regardless, it is a wonderful experience for a light refreshing and beautiful hike. Don’t be fooled by naysayers that say the waterfall is is dried up during the summer. The flora and fauna might have changed due to the season. But, the little stream is still alive and well along the trail beyond the bridge.

Comments:

“It was truly a great experience. From the river crossings to the waterfall and Cheyenne’s posing on the rock after the group photo – yet again a great group of people and a great location. Thanks to everyone that attended!“- Me

“Eaton Canyon has been one of my favorite places to hike, and I’m very glad that Kimberly organized this hike and took the group to this beautiful waterfall. Thank you very much! Hope we can do this again.” – Oki

“Nice experience! I got late……..found the group directly at the waterfall……but it was a great hike and a good place. Also nice people to interact with!” – Madhur

“Worth the drive. I will be back.“- Bob

“This was the easiest hike I’ve been on so far, but I still enjoyed it very much!” – Carla

“Good walk in the liquid sunshine!“- Ron

“Great hiking. More hiking than photography since it was drizzling and at times I had to focus more on my footing than looking at the scenery. Still, it was a great hike and I met some very nice people.“- Roxanne

“This was my first meet up hike. It was a lot of fun and would do it again. The people were friendly and the hike was great.” – Laura

“It was a very nice hike, cool weather was perfect for the area.” – Paloma

Gallery:

Eaton Canyon Photo Gallery

Information:

Waterfalls! San Gabriel Valley! Friendly to our Pasadena friends! This trail offers something for the moderate to even the most hardcore photographer / hiker. This hike is an estimated 3 miles ( from the Nature Center to the Falls), round trip with a 200 foot gain in elevation. This will include stream crossings, ending with a 40 ft waterfall.

Additional Notes:

I highly suggest bringing a hiking pole or obtaining a long stick.[/color] There are about five stream crossings with river rocks to mark your path. But, the rocks are slippery.

The first part of the hike (from the parking lot to the Flats sign) is relatively easy and flat with a few inclines. The second part of the hike (past the bridge), turns into rock scrambling, rock hopping and overall a lot of fun. Cheyenne the Wonder Puppy loved it, as did I. However, be warned nature lovers – there is a lot of graffiti defacing various rocks and trees – especially at the beautiful large waterfall at the end of the trail.

But, beyond it all, it will be a beautiful escape from the city and time to commune with nature and cameras.

Meeting Place:

Meet in front of the the Eaton Canyon Nature Center.

Dogs:

Leashed dogs are allowed. This is a pet friendly walk.

Directions:

From the 210, take the Sierra Madre Blvd / Altadena Dr exit and head north. The park’s entrance will be on your right in 1.7 miles.

Helpful Website and Books:

• Modern Hiker: http://www.modernhiker.com/2009/04/09/hiking-eaton-canyon/
• Dan Simpson: http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/eaton.html
• Eaton Canyon website: http://www.ecnca.org/
• Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Page 110