LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Sisquoc Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Hard
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sisquoc Falls
Sisquoc Falls is a remote and seasonal waterfall located in the San Rafael Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, California. It is known for its secluded location and challenging access, making it a destination for experienced hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty. The waterfall typically flows during the rainy season or after significant rainfall.
The Setting
Sisquoc Falls sits at 3,638 feet within Los Padres National Forest, in the mountains of California.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
SISQUOC #30W12
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
15.09 miTrail Description
The trail to Sisquoc Falls is a strenuous journey through the San Rafael Wilderness. Hikers will traverse the Manzana Trail, pass through several campsites, and follow the Sisquoc River. The route includes multiple river crossings, overgrown sections, and rugged terrain. The waterfall is best visited after significant rainfall, as it may be dry during the summer and fall months.
What to Expect
Expect a remote and challenging hike with limited cell service and no facilities along the way. The trail may be overgrown in places, and river crossings can be hazardous during high water levels. The waterfall itself is seasonal and may not flow during dry periods.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sisquoc Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
Permit required
A free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the San Rafael Wilderness. Contact the Los Padres National Forest for more information.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sisquoc Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Sisquoc Falls is in late winter or early spring, after significant rainfall, when the waterfall is most likely to be flowing.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring and Winter. Check with Los Padres National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Be prepared for river crossings, overgrown trails, and potential wildlife encounters. Carry sufficient supplies and inform someone of your plans before heading out. Check for trail closures or weather advisories before your trip.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Santa Barbara Cyn C, 11.3 miles away, not on Sisquoc Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Based on 17 years of record
3.39 ft
Water depth at gauge
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SANTA BARBARA CYN C NR VENTUCOPA CA (18 km away).
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 New Cuyama 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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 432 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Elevation at the pin is about 3,632 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 96 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 504 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,632 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 432 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sisquoc Falls is located deep within the San Rafael Wilderness. Access typically begins at the Nira Campground, with a long and challenging hike along the Manzana Trail and Sisquoc River. The trail requires navigation skills and may involve river crossings.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Nira Campground, which serves as the primary trailhead for accessing Sisquoc Falls.
Elevation
3,638 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.742485° N, -119.731245° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start early to allow plenty of time for the hike. Bring a detailed map or GPS device, as the trail can be difficult to follow in some areas. Check weather conditions and water levels before your trip. Be prepared for river crossings and carry sufficient water and supplies.
Where to Stay
Pea Soup Andersen's Inn
Sideways Inn
New Haven Inn
The Genevieve
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
NIRA CAMPGROUND
11.9 miles away · 12 sites
Overview Nira Campground is a beautiful site covered in oak trees and located along Manzana Creek. Whether you come to cast a line in the river, camp and relax, ride horses, mountain bike or hike, Nira offers a scenic location with a variety of recreation activities.Recreation Along with hiking, mountain biking, fishing and swimming, Nira Campground is a great starting point for backpacking and deer hunting expeditions into the San Rafael Wilderness. Located on Manzana Creek just upstream from th
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Nearby Attractions
Other trails and campsites in the San Rafael Wilderness, including Manzana Narrows and Big Cone Spruce Camp.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, birds, and potentially black bears. Be aware of your surroundings and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Cities near Sisquoc Falls
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