Wet 'n' Wild Tenaja Falls with John, Riverside County, Difficulty=easy to moderate January 23, 2011

Enter the Cleveland National Forest and follow the South Main Divide Road on an incredibly scenic drive to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Santa Ana Mountains. Tenaja (Tinaja) is the Spanish word for a large earthen jar and refers to the deep water holes eroded into the granitic steps of the steep cliff face. Follow a volunteer naturalist along an old road that has restored itself to a sandy single-track trail. Get your feet wet while crossing a wide flowing creek. Ascend the trail through the emerald slopes of chaparral to the top of the grand cascade. Identify manzanita, scrub oak, and other unique shrubs of the elfin forest. Look for wildlife evidence. Marvel at the breathtaking views and rugged geology of the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. Carry a full lunch in a backpack for a pleasant picnic at the edge of the falls.
Who: Kids and up (minors must be accompanied by adult or guardian)
Where: Meet at Kristi's Korner Store, 32692 Ortega Highway, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530-6561, (951) 609-3106, and carpool to trailhead.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (2-3 miles round-trip, wide creek crossing with over 1 foot of water, prepare to get feet wet, a few hundred feet of elevation gain)

Special Instructions/Supplies: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before start time. Bring a minimum of 1 quart (32 oz) of water per person. Bring snacks and/or full meal. Wear weather protection (jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.), durable hiking socks and close-toed hiking shoes (extra pair for wet tours), long pants, and backpack for snacks. Bring swimsuit and towel for wet tours. Bring first aid kit (Band-Aids, antiseptic, allergy medicine, tweezers, etc.) and cell phone. Bring flashlight/headlamp and layered clothing for evening tours. Walking sticks are recommended for tours with stream crossings or uneven terrain.

RSVP: Please email jrobinson@naturalist-for-you.org or call 714-649-9084, unless otherwise noted in description. Donations are appreciated (suggested amount of $10/adult, $5/child). Please leave your name, contact information, and total # in your party. We cannot be reached by cell phone at tour locations, so please ask questions and confirm tour details well in advance.

See http://www.naturalist-for-you.org/calendar.htm or join http://www.meetup.com/naturalist-for-you/ for upcoming tours. You can also follow our fan page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naturalist-For-You/355183848682?ref=ts

When
Sun Jan 23 10am – 2:30pm Pacific Time
Where
Kristi's Korner Store, 32692 Ortega Highway, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530-6561