Bonita Falls
| Bonita Falls | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino County, California, USA |
| Type | Tiered |
| Total height | 400 or 495 feet |
| Number of drops | 4 |
| Longest drop | 195 feet |
| Average width | 10 feet |
Bonita Falls are a set of waterfalls in the San Bernardino National Forest, formed by Bonita Creek, that is said to be 370[1] or 400 feet in height, but possibly up to 495 feet high because of two undocumented drops in the canyon above. It is the second tallest in the national forest, being surpassed only by 500-foot Big Falls. These two waterfalls are reputably the tallest in southern California.
Characteristics
Bonita Falls are split into three tiers, and in the canyon above are two more waterfalls. These two waterfalls are a 60-foot segmented and a 25-foot cascade. In the lower canyon, near where the creek meets South Fork Lytle Creek, the upper tier is a 195-foot cascade. Following downstream is a 45-foot slide. The final, steepest drop, Lower Bonita Falls, plunges 160 feet into the final reach of Bonita Canyon. The total height of the waterfall is 495 feet considering the upper two drops, and the total height of the actual waterfall is 400 feet not counting the upstream drops.
Seasonality and Access
The falls only appear from January to May, or after a rainfall, so it doesn't receive much attention because of its extremely poor access (no trail and 2 treacherous stream crossings) and small drainage basin. The upper tier can also be viewed from Lytle Creek Road, but much of the roadside access is closed or on private property. It is rare for the falls to last into June.[2] The falls are well and running throughout the summer during non rainy seasons.
Sources
- ^ "Bonita Falls | World Waterfall Database: World's Tallest Waterfalls". World-waterfalls.com. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
- ^ "Bonita Canyon - Christopher E. Brennen". Dankat.com. Retrieved 2009-08-30.