Bonita Falls
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| Location | San Bernardino National Forest, CA, US |
|---|---|
| Type | Tiered |
| Total height | 470-495 feet |
| Height of longest drop | 200 feet |
| Average width | 10 feet |
| Number of drops | 5 |
Bonita Falls is a set of waterfalls in the San Bernardino National Forest formed by Bonita Creek that totals 470-495 feet. It is the second tallest in the national forest, being surpassed only by 500-foot Big Falls. These two waterfalls are also probably the tallest in southern California.
Contents |
[edit] Characteristics
Bonita Falls is split into five tiers, though the uppermost two tiers are not as well known.
[edit] First (uppermost) Tier
The uppermost tier drops some 60 feet as a multiple-stage waterfall.
[edit] Second Tier
This falls is a small cascade descending roughly 20-25 feet.
[edit] Middle Tier
Middle Bonita Falls (though usually referred to as "Upper") , the largest, steeply cascades 190-200 feet down into Bonita Canyon. It is a popular subject for rappelling.
[edit] Fourth Tier
The middle falls is followed by a 40-50 foot sliding waterfall.
[edit] Lower Falls
Lower Bonita Falls, the steepest drop, plummets the final 160 feet in two strands into the final reach of Bonita Canyon before the stream meets with South Fork Lytle Creek.
[edit] Seasonality and Access
The falls only appear from January to May, or after a rainfall, so it doesn't receive much attention because of its extremely poor access (no trail and 2 treacherous stream crossings) and small drainage basin. The upper tier can also be viewed from Lytle Creek Road, but much of the roadside access is closed or on private property. It is rare for the falls to last into June.
