Fisherman's Camp to Bluewater Canyon

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike is an out-and-back that could be connected with many other trails for a longer loop. The hike is through typical Santa Ana Mountain habitats—chaparral, oak woodlands, and riparian areas full of sycamores. This route takes you down a moderately-used trail to a more remote section of trail. The turn-around point is at a wonderful, but seasonal, pool.

Trail will be very hot in the summer, and the stream may not be running. Take lots of water! There is no water available at the trailhead, but there is a pump at Tenaja Falls Trailhead.

The Fisherman's Camp Trailhead is well marked and has space for about four cars. The trail descends moderately at first, and then more steeply as you come into Fisherman's Camp. There are several camping spots off the trail. The trail junctions are well-marked with knee-high white sticks and clear writing.

From Fisherman's Camp, take the San Mateo Trail towards Bluewater Canyon. From this point on, the trail is overgrown with poison oak and black mustard, but it is still clear where the trail is. There are several stream crossings before you come to a sandy camping area 0.1 miles west of the junction with Bluewater Canyon. Note that this is 3.6 miles one way, and you'll need to hike back to the trailhead the same distance.

Lots of poison oak. Habitat is chamise chaparral, some areas with lots of California lilac, some areas dominated by bush penstemon. Riparian habitat along the stream - sycamores, oaks, alders, and willows.

We saw lots of coyote scat, a water snake, many birds, and frogs.