The 100-foot (30 m)-tall Rindge Dam on Malibu Creek is located in Malibu Creek State Park, about three miles from the coast of Malibu, California. It is situated just northeast of Malibu Canyon Road, from which it is only partially visible (from the turnouts south of the tunnel). Two conventional routes to the dam exist, both on foot; one beginning near the Serra Retreat north of Malibu Lagoon, the other at the north entrance of Malibu Canyon, just south of Piuma Road. Both are arduous, all-day hikes. The lookouts on Piuma Road provide the best view of the ghostly structure.
The main arch of the Rindge Dam was completed in 1924. The spillway of the dam was finished in 1926. The 600-acre behind the dam has been completely filled with sediment since around 1950, which creates a waterfall from Malibu Creek. The dam was built by hired workers of May Knight Rindge, who owned the Malibu Ranch, the former Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit, at that time. The frame of the dam was constructed out of the rails of a 15-mile railroad that went through the Malibu Ranch, after it was dismantled. It became absorbed into Malibu Creek State Park in 1976.[1] The base of the dam features a deep, year-round pool, occasionally attracting cliffdivers. The dual walls of the dam were built into an already-existing rock monolith in the center of Malibu Creek; the only place they meet is at the top.
Fish advocates have called for the dam's removal because it is blocking Steelhead trout from accessing the upper reaches of the Malibu Creek watershed. Others believe that the dam's removal would be cataclysmic, as large parts of Malibu could be washed out to sea with its remnants. Some have also campaigned in vain for the designation of the Rindge Dam as a California Historical Landmark. Though property of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Rindge Dam's near-impossible accessibility results in only a handful of visitors per decade. Abseiling down to the area is possible from the lookouts just northeast on Piuma Road, and can cut hours off the journey.
The dam will possibly be removed, but no conclusive decision has been made yet.[2] Estimates for the cost of demolition have been as high as $80 million. There has been much speculation as to what exactly would happen if the Rindge Dam were removed or collapsed, and to where its remnants would go.[3]