Three Sisters Falls

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Swimming

This is quickly becoming one of the most popular routes in East County. This out and back was recently rerouted to make it much safer and sustainable given its high use.

As of 2018 the forest service has cut the new trail that delivers you to the falls without excessive impact on the terrain. Please use this and not the old "trail". Don't cross the pink line across the edge of trail. Those random routes straight down the slope have caused a scar that will take a decade or more to recover - IF it remains unused and people don't cause more erosion. When on the new trail, as you get near the falls/stream bed, the trail becomes difficult to follow. Look for pink ribbons tied on shrubs that indicate trail.

To access this run, head up Boulder Creek Rd. to a tight hairpin turn to the right. Look for other cars parked or any signage that marks this as the Three Sisters Falls Trailhead.

From the parking area, head west on the wide fire road for just under two-thirds of a mile as you begin to head downhill. At the end of the fire road, turn south onto the clearly-travelled singletrack trail that heads southeast down the face of the canyon.

This trail will continue to sidehill along the contours of the canyon getting steeper the further you go. Continue on new trail past pink ribbon. This delivers you to middle sister without the scramble through the creakbed. When on the new trail, as you get near the falls/stream bed the trail becomes difficult to follow. Look for pink ribbons tied on shrubs that indicate the trail.

The larger upper falls has the best swimming in dryer weather. You can scramble up to larger falls from end of established trail, after crossing to south side. The route is behind oak tree. There is a rope there, but I wouldn't trust it.

From the falls, head back the way you came to return to the trailhead.