Waitlisted: Only adding those who I’ve hiked with on this trail before and those I’ve been hiking with during pandemic. Covid-19 guidelines apply.
* Piru Creek was my very first official hike with VHC, April 17, 2010!! when getting wet wasn’t avoidable, and still isn’t, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Poison Oaks: Yes!
Don’s 2010 write-up:
BOULDERING AND ROCK HOPPING = UNEVEN HIKING SURFACE
Distance 7 miles
Rating 5/10
Bring Lunch
Piru Creek in the Los Padres National Forest rushes down the eastern flank of Pine Mountain in Ventura County, it’s captured behind the dam that forms Pyramid Lake in extreme northwestern Los Angeles County, and then exits below the dam through Piru Gorge and tumbles south to Lake Piru and, eventually, the Santa Clara River in Ventura County. If we were to hike to Lake Piru it would be 14 miles. We’re going to hike from Frenchman’s Flat, working our way down the cottonwood and willow fringed banks.
The creek slips over water-worn boulders, some the size of cars, and collects in silt-bottomed pools. The seamed and shattered walls down the length of the gorge, up to 500 feet high, disclose at least five distinct changes in the bedrock as you travel downstream. These rocks reflect a variety of ages, from older than 600 million years (Precambrian metamorphic rocks) to tens of millions of years old (Eocene sedimentary rocks). Several faults cross the route, including the northernmost end of the San Gabriel Fault. Elevation gain and loss is less than 700 feet for this one.
There IS some bouldering, but mostly rock hopping. I’ve decided to use rafting terms to give a better description. This hike has Class I rock hopping and a few Class II’s, but is nothing like Santa Paula Creek or Bridge to Nowhere. Of course each time we try and go in a bit further and ya never know what we’ll come across. Good luck staying dry.
This is an out and back route along a trail that is hard to follow at times. Walking poles might be helpful in some areas and you might also want to wear pants as there will be some areas of the trail that are overgrown. If it’s hot and you want to take a dip, BRING OR WEAR A BATHING SUIT.
PARKING PASS REQUIRED As with all National Forest Land a parking pass is required and can be purchased at Sport Chalet, Big 5 and other places. $5/day or $30/yr. You will get a ticket here.
Directions: On the 5 freeway go about 6 miles north of Lake Hughes/Castaic and exit at Templin Hwy. Go left, under the freeway and turn right at the end on what Mapquest calls the Golden State Hwy. Take this to the end, this is Frenchman’s Flat.
Carpool/Caravan: Valencia Starbucks. From the 5 Fwy in Valencia, exit at Valencia Blvd and go west. Turn right on The old Road. Be there in time and ready to leave by 8:00 am . The address is 26850 The Old Road, Valencia, 91381.
PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring and drink plenty of liquids when hiking. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for snakes, ticks, POs, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fawna all while carrying on a conversation with awesome (usually) fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun. Well behaved dogs are welcome on this one, but need to be picked up after.
1 – A walk
2 – A longer walk
3 – 3 mile hike w/little elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times)
5 – 5+ mile hike w/1000 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times)
6 – 7+ mile hike w/1000 ft. elevation gain
7 – 7+ mile hike w/1500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to do CPR)
8 – 5+ mile hike w/2000 ft. elevation gain (a great feeling of accomplishment when done)
9 – use your imagination
10 – I don’t lead or do these. DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends. Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Valencia Hiking Meetup Group and it’s organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Valencia Hikers Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hikers Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
