| If you're thinking of a perfect place to have an | | | | will pass the trailhead for the South Tenaja Trail; the |
| overnight camp, a picnic, or simply a place to relax and | | | | next trailhead you come to is the Tenaja Falls trailhead. |
| enjoy, try the Tenaja Falls. Experience the fun of | | | | Upon reaching the trailhead, a pleasant half-hour hike |
| incredible roadside views while on your way and enjoy | | | | will take you to Tenaja Falls; when the water is |
| the beauty of the rushing waters, lush vegetation, | | | | flowing, it is quite a dramatic sight. The best time to |
| beautiful rock formations, and breathtaking views at | | | | view the falls is on the spring when the water rushes |
| the top. | | | | over the rocks, especially if you want to go swimming, |
| The Tenaja Falls is part of Cleveland National Forest in | | | | when wildflowers and birds are abundant. You may |
| California and the most interesting natural feature of | | | | enjoy the view on the surrounding rocks or can even |
| the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness. Tenaja Falls is 15 | | | | have picnic. Just a caution - poison oak is abundant |
| miles south of Ortega Highway. From Ortega Highway, | | | | year-round in the area. So if you are bringing kids with |
| you will pass through the city of Lake Elsinore and | | | | you, it is better to have a high leveled car. Always |
| head south on I-15 then exit to Clinton Keith west into | | | | keep an eye on them also. |
| the Santa Ana Mountains. To your right, you will pass | | | | It is also fun climbing around the rocks viewing the |
| the Santa Rosa Plateau. Continue on Clinton Keith until | | | | beautiful San Mateo wilderness. Overnight camping is |
| you reach Tenaja Road, then turn right. Look for the | | | | allowed in this area, a perfect place because the hike |
| Cleveland Forest Road. It's a small right turn with a | | | | to the top is relatively easy. Just remember to be |
| small white sign that can be easily missed, so pay | | | | eco-friendly by keeping your trash and bringing it down |
| attention. The road is very narrow but is paved. After | | | | with you on your way back home. |
| a mile and a half on the Cleveland Forest Road, you | | | | |