3 Pools Beyond 7 Falls

3 Pools and 7 Falls are probably the most fun of all the Tunnel Trail hikes. Neither is easy, but both are fun because of the opportunity to go for a dip in the creek. Most people in some kind of decent shape can handle these hikes, but because of the rock hopping (and for 3 Pools there is a very difficult rock to climb) most people end up a little sore the next day.

The trail begins on a paved access road that the Edison Company uses. After a mile the road turns to dirt and you follow it just a little more toward the turnoff to Inspiration Pt. Instead of going to Inspiration Pt, you turn right and head up a very steep trail that takes you above 7 Falls and back down to the creek again to a wonderful, deep series of pools, one of which is popular for daredevil, feet first jumping from a 15 ft. cliff.

The hike is about 3 or 4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 800 ft.

3 Pools Beyond 7 Falls Updates

Update trail conditions

Posted: December 29, 2007, 10:56 am
by: waterboy174

Went up to 3 pools yesterday and thought there would be no water. 3 pools if full of running water so don't quit at 7 falls.

Posted: June 10, 2007, 10:57 pm
by: synesthetic

There is a way around. A trail can be found right before you reach the part where you would normally trek up the river bed. This will take you high up for some great views and a fun trail, ultimately leading to the pools (I believe). If you're feeling more adventurous, climb the first wall, then you have to kind of side step from foothold to foothold past the small pools. I'd say go on a weekend afternoon and watch how other people do it.

Update: The river bed is completely dry on the way up but once you get to the end, the last two pools are still deep and very nice. Saw some water snakes in a small pool by the last one.
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Posted: January 22, 2007, 11:04 am
by: insomniac

how do you get to the pools above 7 falls?

I've been there many times but have never gotten across the first deep pool.. I am usually carrying a camera and dont want to go through it. I've tried climbing the big rock face on the right side of the falls, and once slid down it on my stomach from the near top. eventually I got over that but saw no way to get back down to the creek, and the left side looks nearly impossible to climb over..

anyone wanna give me the tip to get to the pools?

Posted: November 6, 2006, 2:47 pm
by: twaller

Hot today. No water in creek until you get to the first pool. I was getting discouraged but finally heard flowing water! Water was cold but felt great.The water slide was a lot of fun. Found a water snake in the last pool.

Posted: September 29, 2005, 8:56 pm
by: Anonymous

just went up there today and it was amazing!! there is no movement at the last pool but the top two are moving and awsome. bring a bathing suit, and water shoes really help. don't forget the sunblock, i got really badly sunburned today.

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Posted: July 31, 2005, 11:30 am
by: Jeff

Went up this morning and there's still a surprising amount of water. All the pools are flowing (none of the "three" are stagnant). The diving pool is nice and deep. Lots of blackflies, though.

Posted: July 21, 2005, 12:37 pm
by: Anonymous

The three pools trail is a little difficult to follow. We took it on 7/17 and would have given up and turned around several times but luckily another couple came along who knew where they were going. After the large boulder, follow the creek and be careful of poison oak. For a part of the trail the creek bed is totally dry, don't worry and keep going.

Right now, the second and third pool are very nice. The first pool has some stagnant water. The third pool has a natural water slide and I would definately recommend trying it out. [/img]

Posted: June 2, 2005, 11:46 am
by: Jeff

You keep believing that and the rest of us will be much obliged. (It's the best "hoax" in the front country, by the way.)

Posted: June 2, 2005, 12:24 am
by: Anonymous

THERE IS NO IMAGE AND THERE ARE NOT 3 POOLS AFTER 7 FALLS ITS A HOAKS AND RATTLESNAKE TERRITORY YEAR ROUND PASSED THE SEVEN

Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:10 pm
by: Diane

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