Friday Hike Day: Paradise Falls

This wasn't one of our best hikes but it was ok. We started our morning late and it was pretty much all down hill from there. The one hour twelve minute drive took 1.5 to two hours on the way there and then THREE hours home. The traffic unraveled any relaxation we felt from being out in "nature".

It's hidden within a residential area. The hike is predominantly in full sun. It's hot. We saw (and caught) many lizards.

The actual falls are lovely but there are signs warning not to dive or swim due to the rocky bottom and "urban run off" that feeds the falls. I did not put my feet in this time but the ktbunch told me the water was very cold...though it didn't stop them from getting soaked. Warm breezes blew through the base of the falls, along with the occasional whiff of sulphur...which smells like rotten eggs.

We saw a lot of ducks in the creek area too. There is a trail that leads to a teepee and another that leads to an "Indian cave" which is more like a small rock tunnel. Kids liked it though.

The hike itself isn't that visually interesting as other hikes we have taken. The parking was free, just a small lot at the trail head. There's a drinking fountain but no restroom. There are restrooms next to the nature center--you have to follow a trail to get to it.

If it wasn't for the traffic, I might revisit this place but otherwise, unlikely.