Hidden Beauty in Lake Elsinore
Recent Hike: Teneja Falls
📍 Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
🥾 Distance: 1.93 miles
📈 Elevation Gain: 325 ft
📷 Gear Used: Sony a7iv
Favorite moment: Dipping my feet in the pool at the top of the falls.
If you're craving a hike that combines natural beauty, a touch of rugged adventure, and the reward of cool water pools at the top, Tenaja Falls in Lake Elsinore is a must-visit. Tucked away in the Santa Ana Mountains within the Cleveland National Forest, this trail offers a scenic drive, a moderate hike, and a waterfall that feels like a little oasis after a dry Southern California summer.
The drive to Tenaja Falls sets the tone for the whole experience. You’ll wind your way through rural Murrieta and into the forested hills, where paved roads turn into narrow, bumpy stretches of dirt and gravel. Make sure your car can handle a few potholes—though a 4x4 isn’t required, a little clearance helps. The last few miles feel wonderfully remote, with rolling hills, wildflowers (in the spring), and expansive views that hint at the beauty ahead.
The hike to Tenaja Falls is about two miles round-trip, making it perfect for a casual afternoon outing. The trail is well-worn and relatively easy, though a few rocky patches keep things interesting. Almost immediately, you’re surrounded by chaparral, oak trees, and wild brush—classic SoCal backcountry vibes.
One thing that makes this trail unique? A long-abandoned car, rusting in the brush just off the path. No one knows exactly how it got there, but it's become a bit of a local landmark. Nature has almost fully reclaimed it—leaves, vines, and dust soften its edges—and it serves as a reminder that this trail has stories.
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Tenaja Falls—a multi-tiered cascade that spills down a wide granite face. The flow varies with the seasons, but even when the waterfall is light, the pools at the top are cool, clear, and incredibly inviting, especially after a hot hike. In the spring, after rains, the falls are at their most dramatic.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can carefully climb around the rocks to find little pools and ledges with stunning views of the valley below. Just be cautious—some of the rock can be slippery, and the drops are no joke.
One of the best parts of the hike is simply pausing and looking out over the rolling hills, canyons, and distant peaks. On a clear day, the vistas stretch for miles, and the mix of green and golden hues makes you feel far from the urban buzz of SoCal.
Thanks for journeying with me!
– Bridget
