Is swimming allowed at Bear Canyon Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bear Canyon Falls.

Bear Canyon Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bear Canyon Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bear Canyon Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Bear Canyon Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $0.00. A permit is also required. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in the Chantry Flat Recreation Area.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

El Centro Field Office PUB · Bureau of Land Management

Photo Credits (5)

666isMONEY ☮ ♥ & ☠ CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Chic Bee CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

BLM Oregon & Washington CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

800 ft

About Bear Canyon Falls

Bear Canyon Falls sits on Bureau of Land Management public land in California, managed by the BLM’s El Centro Field Office (designation: PUB). The falls are a quietly scenic cascade set into a narrow canyon; flows are most impressive after seasonal rains when the run of water brings the canyon to life and highlights the surrounding scrub and riparian vegetation. Visitors come for the peaceful setting and close-up views of the falls tucked into the canyon walls. Access to the falls is a rewarding moderate hike rather than a roadside attraction. The approach follows a canyon corridor and offers a mix of shaded sections and open, sunlit rock—ideal for hikers who enjoy a bit of scrambling and stream-side scenery. Because the site is managed by the BLM, conditions can vary by season and water level, so come prepared for variable trail conditions and pack out what you pack in.

The Setting

Bear Canyon Falls sits at 338 feet within El Centro Field Office, fed by the Colorado River, in the coastal lowlands of California.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 4.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 800 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back hike, 4.5 miles round trip with approximately 800 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: moderate. The path is primarily a dirt tread with narrow, rocky sections and occasional stream crossings; some stretches can be uneven and require careful foot placement. There is moderate elevation change spread over the route rather than sustained steep grades. No technical climbing or built trail features are required—good hiking shoes and plenty of water are recommended. (Trail type: out-and-back; managed on BLM public land by the El Centro Field Office.)

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bear Canyon Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
An Adventure Pass is required for parking in the Chantry Flat Recreation Area.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bear Canyon Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring winter

The best time to visit Bear Canyon Falls is in the winter or early spring after seasonal rains, when the waterfall is at its fullest.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring and Winter.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery near the waterfall, especially after rain. Be cautious during stream crossings and avoid hiking during heavy rain or storms due to the risk of flash floods.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago

83°F

Warm

Very comfortable

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is warm at 83 degrees F, very comfortable for swimming. Expect adequate dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.2 and mineral content is elevated.

Water Quality

7.1 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Good

Adequate oxygen levels

8.2

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

1,150 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

COLORADO RIVER ABOVE IMPERIAL DAM, AZ-CA

USGS 09429490

14.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 188,500 sq mi

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge COLORADO RIVER ABOVE IMPERIAL DAM, AZ-CA (24 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

5610 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

5610 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

5533 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

6196 cfs

4/10

Fri

Moderate

5853 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

5540 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

5603 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

5631 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid May, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Martinez Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 164 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 364 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 103 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 130 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bear Canyon Falls near Martinez Lake, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bear Canyon Falls near Martinez Lake, California, showing about 164 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 364 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 162 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bear Canyon Falls is accessed via the Bear Canyon Trail, which begins near the Chantry Flat Recreation Area. The trailhead is located off Santa Anita Canyon Road, which can be reached from Arcadia, California.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Chantry Flat Recreation Area, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. An Adventure Pass is required to park in this area.

Elevation

338 feet above sea level

Coordinates

33.015873° N, -114.670512° W

Land Management

El Centro Field Office PUB

Managed by BLM

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and slippery near the waterfall. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.

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With 4.5 miles and 800 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Senator Wash North Shore

12.5 miles away · 0 sites

The Senator Wash North Shore recreational area is approximately 60 acres in size. There are many trees of various types and several secluded camping areas both on the water and further inland. Gravel beaches provide access to the reservoir. A dump station is available at nearby at South Mesa but requires a fee from September 15 through April 15. Boat ramp available nearby and small watercraft can be launched from shore.

Book on Recreation.gov