A Fall in Winter

Thank El Nino for one thing: waterfalls. Hikers in the mountains around the San Fernando Valley are enjoying the thundering cataracts created by the past month’s heavy rains. If you want a look, better take advantage of the next sunny day. Many of the falls dry up by April.

Hidden No More: One favorite place is Escondido Falls, a 100-foot drop located at the end of an easy, one-mile hike up Escondido Canyon Trail. To get there, park at the intersection of Winding Way and Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Walk up Winding Way north to the trail head. For numerous smaller falls, try the Hummingbird Trail in the Santa Susana Mountains west of Chatsworth. The trail head is near the Kuehner Drive exit off the 118 Freeway, also known as the Ronald Reagan Freeway.

Muddy Trails: Some falls in the mountains are year-round, while others burst forth only with winter rains. “They’re spectacular,” said National Park Service Ranger Bonnie Clarfield. The rains have also made some trails impassable, though. Clarfield recommends first calling the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area’s Visitor Center at (818) 597-9192, Ext. 201.

Do’s and Don’ts: Of course, common-sense hiking rules apply. Wear sturdy shoes. Stick to the trails. No bathing. No climbing on slippery rocks. And please, say rangers, don’t drink the water.