6+ miles of boulders, fallen trees, and water crossings take you to a two-tier, 40 foot waterfall.
Harding Falls is one of the lesser known waterfalls of Orange County. Found in Modjeska Canyon, this 40-foot waterfall certainly takes some effort to get to.
The hike starts at the Harding Truck Trail, found at the end of Modjeska Canyon by the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. There is parking by the wildlife sanctuary, but by the time we left, it was completely full and hikers needed to park a half mile away.
The hike begins heading up the Harding Truck Trail and then descends down into the canyon. After the first 20 minutes, you'll reach the water and the trail quickly becomes difficult to spot as you zig-zag back and forth over the stream.
Eventually the canyon will narrow and the trees will provide shade from the sun. Here, the trail begins to get difficult. Finding the trail is often challenging and you must navigate over many fallen trees.
After about 2 hours, you'll come to a much larger pool than the ones you have passed thus far. It's particularly notable because the only way around it is the small ledge on your right.
After the large pool, the trail becomes particularly technical. No longer will it feel like hiking, but more a test of pulling yourself over boulders, balancing on rocks and fallen trees, and avoiding a fall.
After another roughly 30 minutes, you'll climb over one last set of boulders and the falls will be on your right.
Many attempt to climb to the top of the falls, however it rained for most of our hike, so I wasn't about to give it a try.
Once you've made it, take a seat and enjoy the falling water. This is one of the more challenging hikes in Southern California, so take it all in!
Know Before You Go
The road into Modjeska Canyon is very small. Use caution when driving through the small town.
Parking is limited at the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, so it is recommend that you arrive early.
Check the forecast, rain could cause flash flooding.
Much of the hike does not have a defined trail. This is a STRENUOUS hike that requires you to climb over boulders, cross the water, and balance on fallen trees.
Watch your step! There are many newts crawling by the water.
Know the look of poison oak and avoid it at all costs.
Resources
Location
Unfortunately this hike is off the beaten path and not easily accessible from any major freeway. Most will access via the 241 or 261 (toll) freeways. Found in Modjeska Canyon, off of East Santiago Canyon Road. Park at the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary.
Video
The video below was taken on an iPhone while hiking, so apologize for any shakiness. You'll see all of the smaller waterfalls as well as many angles of the large one at the end.
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