Islay Falls
San Luis Obispo County, California
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- San Luis Obispo County, California
- Access status
- Published state park trail route; seasonal flow
- The walk
- About 2.7 miles return (derived)
- Ground & access
- Wide dirt road with gentle grades. The falls are viewed from the road above the creek.
Start at the Islay Creek Trail trailhead on Pecho Valley Road in Montana de Oro State Park, just before Spooner’s Cove. Walk inland up the wide dirt road along the north side of the canyon. Pass the connector to Reservoir Flats Trail at 1.1 miles and continue on the main road. About a quarter mile later, the short waterfall is visible in the creek below. Return the same way.
Plan your visit
Islay Creek Trail from Pecho Valley Road near Spooner’s Cove to the small waterfall
Hikespeak places the waterfall about a quarter mile past the Reservoir Flats connector junction, which is at 1.1 miles. Derived: about 1.35 miles each way, about 2.7 miles return.
Wide dirt road with gentle grades. The falls are viewed from the road above the creek.
Where to start
Trailhead on the left side of Pecho Valley Road, just after the larger Hazard Peak Trail parking area and before Spooner’s Cove.
Timing & water
Seasonal; strongest after winter rain. May be low or dry in late summer and fall.
Before you go
No fee or permit is required to hike in Montana de Oro State Park, per the source. Dogs are not allowed on Islay Creek Trail.
Visitor informationVisit sources
More waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Reservoir Creek FallsTrailhead and short path to the falls documentedSan Luis Obispo County, CA13 miE
- Big FallsParking and waterfall approach details unconfirmedSan Luis Obispo County, CA20 miE
- Little FallsPartial guide: distance to the falls unknown; trail in poor conditionSan Luis Obispo County, CA21 miE
- Three Troughs FallsSan Luis Obispo County, CA32 miNW
- Storybrook FallsSan Luis Obispo County, CA32 miE