Tangerine Falls

Santa Barbara County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Santa Barbara County, California
Access status: Visitor route and parking documented; unmaintained final section
The walk: About 2.2 to 2.5 miles return
Ground & access: Steep; unmarked junctions, creek crossings, a steep rock face beside cascades and boulder scrambling at the end. Poison oak along the trail.

Hikespeak: Tangerine Falls in Los Padres National Forest

Hikespeak describes walking a quarter mile up the East Fork Trail, crossing to the West Fork Trail, then after about 0.6 mile turning right at an unmarked junction onto the unmaintained but well-worn Middle Fork path. Follow the creek, crossing it a few times, then climb over boulders to the base of the falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Cold Spring trailhead on Mountain Drive via the West Fork and Middle Fork paths to the base of Tangerine Falls

Hikespeak gives 2.5 miles out and back with 875 feet of gain; Santa Barbara County Trails Council gives 2.2 miles out and back. Not measured here.

Steep; unmarked junctions, creek crossings, a steep rock face beside cascades and boulder scrambling at the end. Poison oak along the trail.

Where to start

Roadside on Mountain Drive where Cold Springs Creek flows over the road, about 1 mile from Hot Springs Road per Hikespeak. The Trails Council says street parking is limited.

Timing & water

Seasonal. Flows after rain and may be dry in summer or drought.

Before you go

Hikespeak states no fee or permit is required. Not confirmed by the Forest Service.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

Santa Barbara County, California.

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