Are there fees or permits required for Tangerine Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Tangerine Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tangerine Falls.

Nearby gauge (Gibraltar Dam Div Weir A Gibraltar Dam Ca) · 0 ft³/s · About average

Tangerine Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tangerine Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Tangerine Falls.

California • 100 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

900 ft

About Tangerine Falls

Tangerine Falls is a seasonal cascade tucked into the hills near Santa Barbara, located within Los Padres National Forest. The falls drop roughly 100 feet and are at their most dramatic after heavy winter and spring rains, when the canyon fills with riparian greenery and chaparral; the setting rewards photographers and hikers looking for a lush, relatively secluded outing. The route to the falls follows the Cold Spring Trail on a moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back that gains about 900 feet in elevation. Expect shaded stretches, creek crossings and rocky sections, with a short final approach that requires scrambling over boulders to reach the base and best viewpoints. The nearest developed camping is Upper Oso Campground, approximately 12.9 km away, so most visitors treat Tangerine Falls as a day hike.

The Setting

Tangerine Falls sits at 1,657 feet in the hills of California. At 100 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 100 feet

Trail & Hike Details

2.5 mi distance 900 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 900 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail: Cold Spring Trail (out-and-back), 2.5 miles total. Elevation gain: ~900 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. Surface and terrain: mixed dirt and rocky tread with creek crossings and shaded canyon sections. Grade: a steady climb through the canyon; much of the ascent is moderate but sustained. Trail class/technical: generally a moderate hiking route, with a short final scramble over rocks to access the base of the falls — careful footing and good shoes recommended. Features: seasonal waterfall ~100 feet tall, multiple creek crossings, shaded riparian corridor; suitable for day hikes when water is present.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 100 feet. 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 Tangerine Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tangerine Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring winter

The best time to visit Tangerine Falls is in late winter or early spring, after significant rainfall, when the waterfall is flowing at its peak.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring and Winter.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Use caution during creek crossings and while scrambling over rocks near the falls. Poison oak is common in the area, so stay on the trail.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Gibraltar Dam Div Weir A Gibraltar Dam Ca, 4.1 miles away, not on Tangerine 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

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 48 years of record

17.79 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

GIBRALTAR DAM DIV WEIR A GIBRALTAR DAM CA

USGS 11121900

4.1 miles from waterfall

Altitude: 1,229 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge GIBRALTAR DAM DIV WEIR A GIBRALTAR DAM CA (7 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

0 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

0 cfs

3/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid July to mid August, peaking in June.

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 Montecito 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.

1-meter lidar shows Tangerine Falls dropping about 416 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 100 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 1,660 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 262 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 182 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Tangerine Falls near Montecito, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Tangerine Falls near Montecito, California, showing about 416 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 1,660 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 416 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 trailhead for Tangerine Falls is accessed via the Cold Spring Trail, which begins near Mountain Drive in Montecito, California. The trailhead is well-marked and located in a residential area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available along Mountain Drive near the trailhead. Be mindful of residential parking restrictions and signage.

Elevation

1,657 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.469875° N, -119.658837° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the trail can be slippery near the creek crossings and the falls. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for some rock scrambling near the end of the trail.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.5 miles and 900 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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

UPPER OSO CAMPGROUND

8 miles away · 19 sites

Reservable

Overview Upper Oso Campground provides ample opportunity for exploration of California's coastal mountains. It is a family-friendly campground, equipped with equestrian sites, and is close to a variety of trails and several mountain streams.Recreation A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails begin in and around the campground, including the Santa Cruz Trail, which traverses 18 miles north to the San Rafael Wilderness. The 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail leads thro

Book on Recreation.gov