Cedar Creek Falls

About Cedar Creek Falls

Hidden deep within the sun-baked chaparral of Cleveland National Forest, Cedar Creek Falls is one of Southern California's most rewarding natural escapes. At 80 feet tall, the waterfall crashes down a sheer cliff face into a wide, aquamarine pool below — a sight that feels almost impossibly lush against the dry, golden hillsides that surround it. This is an unofficial swimming destination, which means no lifeguards, no concessions, and no crowds of the theme-park variety — just raw, beautiful wilderness and the sound of rushing water echoing off ancient rock.

The Setting and Landscape

The journey to Cedar Creek Falls is as memorable as the destination itself. The 2.5-mile hike each way cuts through dense chaparral, winding past sprawling views of rolling hills draped in sage and scrub oak. The descent to the canyon floor is steep and demanding — your legs will feel it on the way back up — but with every switchback, the roar of the falls grows louder, pulling you forward. This land carries deep history: the Kumeyaay people knew this canyon long before hikers ever laced up trail shoes here, and their presence is woven into the fabric of the place. Keep your eyes open for native wildlife; hawks soar overhead, and the riparian corridor near the creek shelters species you won't spot on the trail above.

Swimming at Cedar Creek Falls

When you finally step out of the brush and the falls come into view, the payoff is immediate and visceral. The pool at the base of the cascade is deep and crystal clear, its aquamarine color a product of the creek's clean, cold flow. On a warm spring afternoon, slipping into that water after a hard hike feels like one of life's great simple pleasures — cool, refreshing, and utterly still below the surface despite the thunder of the falls just yards away. The pool is large enough to swim laps of a sort, and the visual drama of the 80-foot waterfall towering overhead makes it one of the most photogenic swimming spots in San Diego County. The falls are at their most spectacular in late spring and early summer when snowmelt and seasonal rains push Cedar Creek to its fullest volume.

Practical Visit Information

To park on Cleveland National Forest lands, you are required to display an Adventure Pass, which you can purchase at ranger stations or outdoor retailers such as REI. Plan your visit for late spring through early summer for the best waterfall flow, or autumn and spring for cooler, more comfortable hiking conditions. Be warned: summer afternoons in this canyon can reach dangerously high temperatures, and the trail offers little shade. Come prepared with plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear suited for steep terrain. There are no facilities on site.

Plan Your Visit: Cedar Creek Falls sits within easy reach of both San Diego and the small town of Ramona. If you'd like to extend your trip, camping is available at Dos Picos County Park, located off Route 67 west of Ramona — a convenient base camp for an early morning start on the trail.