Ortega Falls — Attraction in Lake Elsinore

First time visiting the falls, very easy to get to, parking right in front. The descent down to the falls is steep (as well as the incline to get back up!) so be aware. You really don't want to have a bunch of stuff with you. Probably not the best for toddlers or anyone who can't climb up and down large boulders. There are tight trails - the dirt can be slippery. I always use a walking stick. If I didn't have it, I would have had some trouble getting up myself. It wasn't a full on waterfall, more of a water trickle, but it was fun and peaceful. I only saw a few other people even though I saw lots of cars. If the parking in front is full, there's a lot across the street but you must be very careful crossing. There is plenty more to explore outside of the falls. I will definitely visit again. My doggy and I had a great time. If you bring your doggy, they should be fit and fearless to leap down/up the big rocks. I definitely recommend visiting. I didn't see any resources, so please bring water & snack, use the restroom before you get there, and pack up your trash please to keep...

Ortega Falls is such a beautiful place to visit! There are multiple levels to the waterfall and there are multiple paths to take to get to it. Be aware that depending on the path you take, it'll either be a "fairly easy" hike or a semi tough one. If you're facing the paths, the farthest one on the left will take you to the bottom of the falls and you'll have to climb up rocks to get to the main one, passing multiple smaller falls along the way. The path on the far right is the most direct route to the main fall. It's beautiful no matter which way you take. If you go to the bottom of the falls first, be prepared to get wet wading through water to climb up to the next section, as well as a steeper decline hiking down to the water. No rock climbing equipment needed. Only about a 10-15 minute walk to water. Love this water fall. Early spring after a good winter rain is the best time to go. Be aware of poision ivy...

Frequent rain in the area has given Ortega Falls plenty of water, so when we went in April it was flowing pretty good. I read that it all dries up in the Summer. Maps stop working when you are out in this area, but the trail head is slightly to the right at the unmarked pull-off. The hike was entertaining for young children. We learned you should go slow so you don't slip on the dirt. If you keep to the right of the path you get to the main falls which is the spot you probably want to get to. It is a harder hike down to the creek which is where my group ended up (lesson learned). There's not a ton of tree coverage so wear sunscreen and bring water. Maybe have extra water in a cooler left in the car as well. It's a relatively easy hike, there were elderly on it as well. But, be in good shape! If you are in poor shape you can tire easily climbing out and it may take you...