First Water #11W14.B

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

An Adventure Pass is required to park at Chantry Flat. The lot fills early on weekends. Stream crossings can be difficult during high water.

The trail starts 0.2 miles down along Forest Route 2N40—the paved road going down from the lower lot at the switchback on the road. It switchbacks down through open chaparral and oak forest to the canyon bottom in about a half mile. From there it follows the nicely shaded canyon upstream passing several cabins, then ends at Roberts Camp and a junction with both the Gabrielino Trail (NRT) 11W14 and Lower Winter Creek Trail #11W15.

This trail can be used to make various loop options with the other trails in the area. While it adds an extra half mile, it is far more attractive than taking the paved road. Hermit Falls, a popular destination, can be reached by taking this trail to the canyon bottom and then going down stream. Please note: the falls are reached from the top and many rescues have occurred from people climbing or jumping down to the base.

Open chaparral of ceanothus, manzanita, and laurel sumac grow here. Oaks, alders, and bay provide shade in the canyon bottom and a few other sections. Poison oak is abundant.