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Summary: The destination of this hike is a spectacular section of Matilija Creek that flows over unusual rock slabs. Lovely pools and cascades abound over this half mile section of water. Getting to this section of the water is somewhat less inspiring, although the mountain views are lovely. Follow the road north west from the parking area for about a mike, passing through a wildlife refuge and past side trails to several camps. At the one mile mark, you will come to a T in the road. Take the right branch, follow it through an easement past a house, and along fence made of rocks. At about 2 miles the road narrows to a single-track trail and gets somewhat overgrown. At about the 3 mile mark, you will come upon a very rocky gully at the top of a small hill overlooking the creek. Scramble down the gully and pick up the trail again to the left near the bottom. Travel a few hundred yards up stream on the trail until you see the water cascading over large rock slabs. Trailhead: From Ojai, drive 4.9 miles north on highway 33 to North Matilija Road and turn left. Continue 4.8 miles to the parking area on the left by the trailhead gate. (Lat:34.5051 Lon:-119.37591) Trail Guides for Matilija Creek: Day Hikes in Ventura County California by Robert Stone (Day Hike Books) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Summer User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses Ranger Contact: Ojai Ranger District (805) 646-4348 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 105 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by E and A on 7/30/2008 We had the same experience as Mark and Tamara as well as the being informed of trespassing that some of the other posts experienced. We hiked almost all the way to Middle Camp and just went to some pools right there, they were nice, but how do you find the big ones? All the directions I read are the same, I guess we just have to hike further and it will be obvious? Anyone know? 
Reviewed by Matt on 6/25/2008 I called the rangers and confirmed Dave's report that the ranch owner doesn't want hikers through his property. The rangers advised I could take the 'east' fork. I'll have to check it out when I try it next.
Reviewed by Mark and Tamara on 5/28/2008 We attempted to find the pools, cascades, and waterfalls, but apparently we took a wrong turn somewhere. We passed by 2 campgrounds along the way, but never found the T in the road. Where is the "wildlife refuge"? Is it where all the peacocks are? We criss-crossed the creek about 10 times, and found some small pools, but nothing like in the pictures. We estimated we hiked about 4-5 miles in, but again, never saw these huge pools or waterfalls. The hike was beautiful nonetheless. Can anyone give better directions?
Reviewed by Dave on 2/18/2008 Several of us did this hike but we didn't quite make it to the waterfalls. Water was a bit too high. Always a great hike. On the way back we were met by the supposed land owner who informed us we were trespassing on his property. He was there to inform all who passed to take heed. This is the property with the nice rock wall and orchard. He says there is no easement and never has been. He owns 6 parcels in this area. The only legal hikes are those up the north fork Matilija Creek and the one up to the Murietta divide. He showed us a topo map and indicated there was absolutely no legal way you could hike up the canyon past his property. If anyone out there knows about an easement please let us know.
Reviewed by Justin on 1/10/2008 I really enjoy this hike. I have hiked this creek more than a dozen times and I always have a blast. The dog you see referenced is very mellow and boy does he know his way around. Make sure you are prepared though, I came across some ladies in there 40's who were totally unprepared, a liter of water each and that was it. I tried to give them some Iodine tablets from my first aid kit but they refused. I think they thought I was trying to drug them! Be careful going up to the fist big waterfall it is a little hairy. I made it up the second waterfall once,its eerie up there. The only way to get back down is to jump down the waterfall. Which might be a little much for some people. I will admit it is along drop even for me. Be careful & have fu
Reviewed by Jake on 1/2/2008 Beautiful little hike. Once you are in the canyon there are a lot of forks, but they all end up in pretty much the same spot, so just keep on making your way up the canyon. Some have mentioned a dog that walks with you. We named him GPS since we followed his lead for just about every trail decision. We even found a turtle basking on a rock...very fun day. More pictures: http://www.picasaweb.google.com/jake.roehl/MatilijaCanyon
Reviewed by Brenden on 6/22/2007 Theres many waterfalls back in Matilija canyon...A couple small ones produced by a drop in a river that forks in to matilija, and other much bigger ones another 30 minutes up the stream... Only strong people to go to the top waterfall as there is a real tricky little spot that could kill someone easy, sometimes there is a rope to climb up the rocks, usually actually... Beyond biggest waterfall there is a series of smaller water drops and big pools... Theres a little camp for 2 called camp balls, its scratched in to a rock.. Bring rappeling gear or ata least a strong rope as you will probably have to drop a little 15 foot drop to the camp and lower your gear. If you get there just scratch an x next to "camp balls".
Reviewed by SS on 5/14/2007 fun...im in! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Ventura County Hiking, Ventura County Trails, Ventura County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||