Bear Heaven Falls
The exploration of this location has not yet been documented All information is unverified estimation | ||||||||
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| | Difficulty:3B V (v3a2 V) Raps:5, max ↨260ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Required 15 min Vehicle:Passenger | |||||||
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34.4943, -118.9587
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Introduction[edit]
Bear Heaven Falls is a large waterfall in the Bear Heaven region of Los Padres National Forest near Tar Creek. It is dry approximately 360 days per year, but can have an impressive flow during rains. It is visible for much of the ascent out of Tar Creek. It is a large drop from the relatively inaccessible west side of the Sespe that requires a great deal of effort to access.
Approach[edit]
Descend Tar Creek and travel briefly up the Sespe to a large, sandy camp site on the east (LDC) side of the river. Drop your camping gear here and then head back down stream. After a short time, begin ascending the second gully on the RDC side of the river. After a long, steep ascent, traverse the plateau to the top of Bear Heaven Falls.
Descent[edit]
Descend a few ledges up to 60ft tall to reach the top of the main Bear Heaven Falls drop. Descend 260ft to the base of this rappel, and then downclimb to the wash below it.
Exit[edit]
Follow the wash down to the Sespe and then head downstream to your camp site on the LDC side of the river. After some much-needed rest, either hike out the Sespe the following day, or gain 1800ft of elevation on the trail to the trail head for Tar Creek. If taking the latter exit, no car shuttle is necessary.
Red tape[edit]
Some people are concerned that California Condors may eat or try to eat webbing. Try not to leave any webbing in the canyon.
