High Low There!

A happy hiker's checklist for a good fall hike: crisp fresh air, a forest mix of hardwood and fragrant conifer, flowing trail with scattered boulders, ridgelines, mountain views, and a babbling brook. Oh yeah, and a post-hike meal at a hometown restaurant with log beam ceilings and old photos on the walls. It's a tall order, but the Santa Ana River Trail in Angelus Oaks has satisfied SoCal hikers (and mountain bikers) for years. Start this heart-shaped loop at The Oaks restaurant, hiking past the general store and tiny post office to the dirt forest road where you'll head up. After the first sweeping switchback (at about 0.75 mile) there's a forest service information sign and the start of the trail proper. Drop down into a grove of the town's namesake oak trees and around a small ridge. Shrouded beneath dense tree canopy, the path winds along the hillside to a hairpin turn and cliff wall at the top of a waterfall tucked in a compact grotto of ferns and moss-covered boulders. (The downslope of the mountain is very steep here and it's a long way down, so take care crossing over this section.) Follow a few ups and downs through a particularly scenic stretch of woods to the junction with the Middle Control fire road, and head uphill. It's 2 miles from here to the top, but the scenery is spectacular, with high cliffs flanking the twisty road and incredible views of the river valley. Emerge at Highway 38 and walk about 0.3 mile back to the trailhead. Awaiting you is comfort food at The Oaks. The strawberry rhubarb pie is a must.

From the Mill Creek Ranger Station at Bryant St. and CA-38 in Yucaipa, follow CA-38 for 11 miles to Angelus Oaks. Park in the lot for the restaurant and store. The hike starts on the dirt road past the post office. Dog-friendly!