Are there fees or permits required for Middleman Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Middleman Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Middleman Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Middleman Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Middleman Falls near Lytle Creek, California, showing about 280 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 35 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Middleman Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Middleman Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Middleman Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

San Bernardino National Forest NF · US Forest Service

About Middleman Falls

Tucked into the San Bernardino National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Middleman Falls is a quiet, lesser-known cascade that offers an intimate and restorative outdoor experience. The small waterfall is surrounded by riparian vegetation and forested slopes, making it an inviting destination for hikers who prefer a peaceful outing away from busier trailheads. Being on National Forest land, the area retains a backcountry character and is overseen by the USFS. The most common approach to Middleman Falls is a moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back hike with about 350 feet of elevation gain, making it an achievable half-day trip for many visitors. For those who want to camp nearby, Lytle Creek - Cajon Pass Recreation Area is roughly 5.79 km from the falls and provides convenient access to overnight facilities. Trail and seasonal conditions can change, so check current information with the San Bernardino National Forest office before you go.

The Setting

Middleman Falls sits at 3,100 feet within San Bernardino National Forest, in the mountains of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Bonita Falls (160 ft) lies 5.0 miles to the west.

Bonita Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

USFS-managed route: 2.4 miles total (out-and-back) with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Official USFS data does not document surface type, grade, or trail class for this approach, so plan for natural forest trail conditions, bring sturdy footwear, and verify current trail conditions with the San Bernardino National Forest before starting your hike.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a tranquil environment with natural beauty. The area may have uneven terrain and limited facilities.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Middleman Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Middleman Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have a stronger flow due to seasonal rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with San Bernardino National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and potential wildlife encounters. Always stay on marked trails and avoid visiting during severe weather.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

35 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

2 2 5 7

Based on 48 years of record

4.68 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

CAJON C BL LONE PINE C NR KEENBROOK CA

USGS 11063510

2.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 57 sq mi

Altitude: 2,567 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CAJON C BL LONE PINE C NR KEENBROOK CA (5 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

35 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Wed

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Fri

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Sat

Roaring

35 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

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 Lytle Creek 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 280 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 3,070 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 195 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 98 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Middleman Falls near Lytle Creek, California, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 3,070 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 280 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Middleman Falls are not well-documented. Visitors are advised to consult local hiking resources or AllTrails for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Get Directions on Google Maps