Dam Cool!

Hike to the Historic Brown Mountain Dam in the Angeles National Forest

Historic Brown Mountain Dam in Angeles National Forest Southern California

{JANUARY 2023 NOTE: Stay safe. Wait until storms have passed before hiking any trails, and before heading out be sure to check official websites for updates on trail status, closures, hazards, etc. Expect wet, muddy, and slippery trails, and exercise caution and good judgement, including with water crossings. Do not cross swift flowing waters. Proper hiking shoes and an extra pair of socks to change into recommended. We recommend waiting a week or two post-rains to let conditions calm down, and keeping up to date on trail conditions.}

Head to an accessible southwest section of the Angeles National Forest, where you’ll find a challenging shortcut to the historic Brown Mountain Dam. In just 2.25 miles (round-trip), you’ll descend and ascend over 600 feet, all while enjoying endless epic canyon views. Few hikers, one refreshing reward. That’s dam good!

Man standing at the edge of the water at the historic Brown Mountain Dam in Southern California

Two men wading into the water basin of historic Brown Mountain Dam in Southern California

Find the small parking lot off the CA-2 across from the Angeles Crest Fire Station at Mount Lukens Truck Trail. There likely won’t be many cars here as most hikers head deeper into the San Gabriels. Look for the trailhead at the north end of the lot—a narrow singletrack that gently climbs the ridge before a surprisingly steep and technical drop into the canyon. Good treads are needed. The views don’t disappoint and provide a much different beginning than the far more popular (and less strenuous) 8-mile Brown Mountain Dam trek from Hahamonga Watershed Park. This hike is not for the faint of knees. It’s a busting workout as the dirt path switchbacks over 600 feet toward the canyon floor, but the constant views provide encouragement.

Hikers descending into a canyon in the Angeles National Forest Southern California

In fact, Brown Mountain Dam comes into view to your left at about the halfway point of the descent—just follow the riparian tree line west to find the falls. You’ll also see some ruins along the way, surrounded by a variety of chaparral favorites, like sage, chamise, and laurel sumac. Near the canyon floor, you are rewarded with a towering oak and your first real shade of the journey. Be careful of poison oak (stay on the trail) and observe the striking orange upside-down blooms of tiger lilies.

Woman taking a photo of friends ahead on a hiking trail in a canyon in Angeles National Forest

Two hikers walking through a small creek on a hiking trail in Angeles National Forest

Group of friends gathered in front of the historic Brown Mountain Dam, getting a photo

As you connect with the main Brown Mountain Dam trail, turn left and follow the wide, flat dirt path as it reaches the peaceful Arroyo Seco Creek. Cross the serene stream and pass by the Paul Little Picnic Area to eventually reach the dam. Built in 1943, the Brown Mountain Dam was the first project in the US Forest Service Los Angeles River Watershed program. Now, it’s the perfect spot to cool down in the pool formed below the dramatic 81-foot falls. If you’re staying dry, there are plenty of boulders to claim, where you can marvel at the construction before the inevitable tough climb back to your car.

Group of friends enjoying beers and taking a selfie photo at Relentless Spirits in Eagle Rock Southern California

BONUS BEER: Another liquid refreshment? Relentless Spirits in nearby Eagle Rock is known for sours. We love the POG Sour and milkshake IPAs.

To get to the Brown Mountain Dam shortcut trailhead, from the I-210, take the CA-2 for just 3.3 miles. The small parking lot will be on your right, just across from the Angeles Crest Fire Station at the Mount Lukens Truck Trail. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Matt Pawlik.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View