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Waterfalls are amazing! From those that roar and tumble-down rocks to the quieter, forested trickles, it is always a special experience. Located within the San Gabriel Mountains is the 50-foot Switzer Falls, flowing through a woodland canyon. Perhaps the most interesting part about adventuring to this waterfall is that your journey will be upside down! From the beginning of the trailhead at the Switzer Picnic Area, the trail takes you downward for 650-feet, reaching the stream just below Switzer Falls.
Much of this hike will be traveling through a riparian zone – which is land surrounding a waterbody that is heavily influenced by the amount of water and moisture in this environment. Trees with roots that can withstand flooding and plants that prefer wet soils makeup the majority of this habitat. You may see abundant willows, alders, and cottonwoods. These productive riparian areas help mitigate impacts from flooding, provide food and cover for wildlife, and maintain water quality by acting as a filter and buffer against pollution.
There are so many interesting things to explore here! Be sure not to walk too fast as you pass along the riverbed, searching for small treasures and taking time to investigate fallen logs, boulders, different plants, and animals. On the Bear Canyon Trail, take time to be amazed at the surrounding mountain peaks and views into the canyon! Once at the falls, it’s a great place to relax in nature while having a snack to refuel for your journey home.