7 Falls

7 Falls (and 3 Pools) hikes 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 slosh your way up the creek to 7 Falls.

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

7 Falls Updates

Update trail conditions

Posted: March 13, 2008, 3:38 pm
by: BillV

This post is more about Jesusita than 7 Falls but since my major points are about the latter, I'll post it here.

I went hiking yesterday with the intention of going up Jesusita to Inspiration Point with Haley, a golden retriever. At the bridge we climbed down to the stream and started rock hopping upstream. Much fun, had to lift her up one waterfall that was too high for her to climb up. Eventually a trail began appearing on the east side of the stream and we finally reached the point where Jesusita crosses the stream and 7 Falls officially begins. We took the trail from that point to the peak.

What I don't understand is why this lower part is not listed as part of the 7 Falls hike. Seems to me that it should be.

Hauled out bagged dog poop left by others on the trail. Saw orange peels at the peak. Trail was in good condition with enough water in the stream to make it interesting.

By the way, the topo map incorrectly lists the peak as the junction of Jesusita and Tunnel trails. The junction is actually to the east, just across the tunnel.

Posted: December 27, 2007, 3:15 pm
by: Ra nay nayy

WOW. 7 falls was b-e-a-u-tiful! Walking up to 7 falls was a bit decieving for there was no water. But as we started hiking there was a little bit here and there. But as soon as we got to the falls it was rushing down!

The 3 of us did not know our way, so that was a little risky. Luckily there were other people passing us, and we were able to ask for directions.

I had a blast rock hopping! we sat down and ate lunch at the last fall. the water was freezing!

We traveled through the creek bed, and we wanted to go back on a trail so we hiked up to the top of the mountain(no trail) to try to find a trail. I don't recommend people doing that. For there was NO trail and lots of branchs scratching me everywhere. As soon as we got to the top we found out there was no trail, so we started all the way back again. I was scared we were going to get lost, but boy what an adventure!

LOTS of poisen oak near the creek bed! be careful.

But overall hiking to see the 7 falls was great. I would not recomend smaller kids, because they won't be able to get over the boulders.

And it was enjoyable to have DAISY! a yellow labrador ,hiking with us. She lives on tunnel road, but shes around the trails greeting everybody. don't be alarmed she is friendly, and she grows on you even if your not a dog lover!

Posted: December 18, 2007, 3:29 pm
by: waterboy174

Decided to come up and explore this area yesterday(12/17/07) for the first time. And It seemed like we climbed over a lot more then 7 waterfalls, until we got stuck on a 100 foot sandstone rock with no way down. Eventually got down. Trail is in good condition but no water in the creek. Their is a tent right after split between Inspiration PT, freaked me out.

Posted: November 26, 2007, 9:25 pm
by: matanie

My fiance climbed to 7 falls on Sunday, November 11 and we have been suffering from poison oak ever since...it is terrible! The hike was beautiful and gorgeous and I am glad we took tons of nature shots because we may never return...beware to future hikers...be on the lookout for poison oak!

Posted: August 15, 2007, 1:08 pm
by: kooop

i tried to go up yesterday and found a closed sign with yellow tape crossing the gate and no parking signs all down tunnel road.

http://www.inciweb.org/incident/announcements/article/770/5248/

Posted: August 8, 2007, 2:02 pm
by: Diane

So far the front country is open. 7 Falls is likely to be pretty dry at this time.

Posted: August 7, 2007, 2:27 pm
by: bryan n`

I was wondering due to the fire, is 7 falls open right now and is it dry?

Posted: June 4, 2007, 12:57 pm
by: aeon

Just moved back to the area, and was bummed to find completely dry creek with the stagnant pools... well, stagnant. I'd hoped there would still be a trickle happening this early in June. Oh well.

A few bits of abandoned clothing from when someone fell in, but not too much trash, considering how heavily this spot gets used.

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Posted: March 6, 2007, 6:40 pm
by: Tim Halberg

sorry to hear about your experience. This is an awesome hike to do during the week when the crowds are not out in force. Unfortunately, this is a VERY popular trail and therefore it's going to see abuse from the throngs.

When the water is there, it's an absolute blast! Next time just head left up to Cathedral Peak and you shouldn't see or hear anyone!

Posted: February 18, 2007, 1:02 pm
by: sam1613

We couldn't have been more disappointed. My boyfriend and I went up here this weekend to try to get away from people and the city, and instead we found ourselves in the middle of loud, littering, really inconsiderate people. Now we're only 27 years old... but where is the respect for nature! There was trash everywhere and people screaming profanity. We actually reminded some kids to pick up all their water bottles before they left. And unfortunately there was no water to speak of. We will not be going back. Big bummer.
Sam

Posted: May 29, 2006, 10:54 am
by: mountaingoat

A word to those hiking the Seven Falls Canyon: Pack out what you pack in!!! There have been an increasing amount of irresponsible/inconsiderate people trashing this canyon. Furthermore, if you have the desire to smoke, please think about the No Smoking/ Fires sign at the trailhead and the potental for conflagrations in this area. Please do not enter the canyon if you are incapable of being considerate to others or practicing common sense in general-seriously!. I monitor the conditions of the canyon on a daily basis since I live at the trail head. I have carried out voluminous amounts of trash lately, including beer cans, water bottles, and clothing. Be considerate!
Mike

P.S. Those who feel they are doing a service by bagging their dog's excrement and leaving on the road/trail side--You AREN'T! You're not doing the environment a service nor being considerate to those who have to look at this pollution. Don't expect others to pick up your dog's crap! The City of Santa Barbara, responsible for implementing the program, has not given much thought to the fact that crap in a bag is far worse than allowing it to dry out and naturally degrade. Please ignore the City's program IF you intend on leaving the bagged crap on the road/trail side. Again, practice common sense!

Posted: April 24, 2006, 12:56 pm
by: jbaysurfer

7 falls and 3 pools trails are in great shape, a couple washouts here and there, but it held up to this very wet winter fairly well. Water is flowing everywhere (and is cold). If the suns out though, the warmup on the rocks is quite pleasant.

Lots of Poison Oak! You've been warned

Posted: April 20, 2006, 4:37 pm
by: Craig

This includes organic matter (like orange peels, chicken legs) as well as beer cans, tissue paper and your dog's shit. Please refrain from bringing any glass, like bottled beer. Nothing ruins a swimhole like broken glass. All it takes is one accident.
Thanks, Craig (I've picked up from the trail all items listed above)

Posted: February 28, 2006, 8:58 pm
by: Anonymous

did 7 falls this evening around 4 ish the water is running through the canyon on the way up and the salamandars are out........very cool lots of run off from yesterdays rain..........definately explore worthy.......

Posted: February 7, 2006, 5:56 pm
by: Anonymous

Hiked up to Three Pools this weekand. It was little tough in some areas, because of some excess water, but once you make it to the pools it was great. The slides are great shape, and the sun was out to warm us up from the brisk water.

Posted: January 19, 2006, 12:38 pm
by: Anonymous

Hiked up 7 Falls yesterday- Not much slime. Great fun as always and I would recommend sliding from the top pool down to each one! It was cold but the sun warmed us back up. Try climbing Pride Rock, a great view!

Posted: June 11, 2005, 5:57 pm
by: Anonymous

Right now there is a lot of green slime growing in the pools. The bottom one is fine, but the farther you go up, the more filled with this green slime each pool becomes.

Posted: March 23, 2005, 7:11 pm
by: Diane

Post your update here.