…the narrow, heavily-wooded gash of Cape Horn Canyon. A quarter-mile up the canyon is Cape Horn Falls, once a favorite hike from Follows Camp

– John Robinson’s Mines of the East Fork

Tucked away in Cape Horn Canyon lies a waterfall that comes to life only after a rainy season. The waterfall is seldom visited nowadays, making this uncharted fall a treasure. Looking across the East Fork, the canyon walls appear narrow and precipitous, probably earning its name from its likeness to Cape Horn, the rocky headland in Southern Chile.

Cape Horn canyon from East Fork Rd. Photo by Daniel from LAHikes

According to John W. Robinson, the falls were once a favorite of campers at nearby Follows Camp. Mining flumes once ran across the canyon, bringing water for the hydraulic monitors once employed by the camps at the East Fork. A few old rusted pipes can be found at the entrance that run underground.

State Property Authorized Sign is actually Nature’s Property 

After crossing the East Fork and navigating the canyon for awhile, you’ll approach the first mini tier, make sure to stick to the left to bypass the falls vs. climbing the right side with exposed roots and eroded dirt. The canyon soon enters a section of narrows in which the stream runs underground.

Section where the stream runs underground. Photo by Daniel from LAHikes

Newts out during mating season enjoying the fresh rains

The haunt is no longer than a quarter mile and soon enough you’ll hear the roar of the falls and the welcoming view of the secret falls

Beautiful narrow cascade. Photo by Daniel from LAHikes