Murietta Mettle
Get your waterfall game face on! You'll need it on the epic 12-mile (round-trip) hike to elusive Murietta Falls—waaaay back in the Ohlone Regional Wilderness. Timing is everything for this sleeping beauty: She awakens only after a really good rain. For those who take the challenge, you'll climb two—yes, two—ridges: first a 1,600-foot and then a 1,200-foot elevation gain. Ohlone is rare, remote, and unique to the Bay Area, with miles of rolling hills, oak trees, and long winding paths through massive open space. Hiking here gives a sense of solitude akin to remote sections of the John Muir Trail: no roads, very few people, and views for miles. Remember, the key to Murietta is rain. When it's on, it's on—a 100-foot curvy cascade in a deep basalt-rock gorge. If it's not too slick, scramble down the path leading to the bottom of the falls and stop to have a well-deserved snack. Murietta Falls makes good company. Then, it's back all the way you came. Game face!
The Ohlone Wilderness Trail starts from Del Valle Regional Park. (Directions to the park are on their website) After going through the entry kiosk and paying $6 for parking and $2 per person for a wilderness permit, continue down the road, cross the dam, and park at the end of the road. The trailhead starts at Lichen Bark picnic area. A detailed map is included with your wilderness permit. The trail kicks off with 1,600 feet of climbing up Rocky Ridge. Then it's downhill to babbling Williams Gulch, before ascending the very aptly named Big Burn for another 1,200 feet. In total you'll gain 4,300 feet in elevation. Hang a right at Johnny's Pond and follow the signs to Murietta. Note: the last stretch to get to the base of the falls is unmarked by signs. After going through a green gate you'll descend .1 mile and cross a stream—this stream feeds the waterfall. 150 feet after crossing the stream there's a hairpin turn; go right off of the main trail and follow a well-worn footpath along a mini rock ridge down. Be careful scrambling down. Dog-friendly!
