Nojoqui Falls

 
Only a few miles south of Solvang, Nojoqui Falls Park is a Santa Barbara County park that owes its namesake to a former Chumash settlement in the area. Today, the park contains all of the amenities one would expect to find in any modern park--grills, picnic benches, a playground, and fields--with one added bonus: a 160 foot waterfall only a short hike away.

Mountain Lion warning!

The trailhead begins at the southernmost tip of the parking lot. The openness of the park is quickly left behind for an increasingly dense forest consisting of primarily oak and big leaf maple trees.

Trees frequently interrupt the trail and their roots break up the monotony of the ground.

The trees bend and lean, trying to escape the shadows and find the sunlight.

The path crosses a bridge and follows a creek bank, and, in little time, opens up to the falls.

Even in a portrait orientation, it's difficult to capture the height of the falls in just one shot. The water flows year-round, however, during this viewing, the flow was rather limited.

Because of the park's natural beauty, easy access from the 101, and central location, it's also a popular venue for classic car gatherings. Every March, for example, vintage Volkswagens descend on the park for an informal show.

A nearby landmark that also garners a great deal of attention is the Peace Barn at Classic Organic Farms. Located on Old Coast Hwy between the 101 and Alisal Rd, it's difficult to miss when arriving or leaving from the park.

Nojoqui Falls Park is a great location for a picnic or just to relax in the outdoors. The trek to the falls is short and extremely easy, yet still very rewarding.