Black Star Canyon Falls

Drive to the end of Black Star Canyon Road and park along the side of the road at the gate. Walk the dirt road past the gate for about 2.5 miles, crossing the creek on bridges, to a bend where a sign points down to the falls. From there, follow the stream for about 0.8 mile with no real trail, crossing it many times and choosing your own route. At about 0.5 mile bear left at the split. The last quarter mile is rock scrambling to the base of the falls.

The firsthand author reports a 7-mile hike with 800 feet of gain; this is one hiker's measurement from 2017.

Long dirt road, then an unmarked canyon with many stream crossings, route-finding and rock scrambling. Poison oak is common. Private homes with locked gates line part of the road.

Where to start

Roadside parking beside the gate at the end of Black Star Canyon Road, per a 2017 account.

Timing & water

Flows only after heavy rain, so it is dry most of the year.

Before you go

The OC Parks pages for this area could not be read, so current access rules, permits and closures are not confirmed.