HAG WILD
Brown Mountain Dam, built in 1942 (Photo – Kitty Cahalan)
Reaching the Brown Mountain Dam, built during WWII as part of a debris-control plan for the Arroyo Seco River – resulting in negative outcomes for the riparian ecology of the area – involves a long-ish but not particularly strenuous out-and-back hike along the San Gabreileno trail behind JPL, good for a nice stretch of the legs without over-taxing the lungs.
By Kitty Cahalan
Shady and with a number of stream crossings, it’s a great option for warmer days, although it seems that every mountain biker, jogger and dog walker in the SGV is joining you if you don’t start early.
Out and back is about 8.5 miles, but there are plenty of sites along the way that are good stopping points if you don’t have the time, desire or if you are still building stamina for a long walk. It begins near the intersection of Ventura St. and Windsor Ave on the east side of Hahamongna Watershed Park. For the first half mile, you’ll pass the backyards of Altadena homes, with a view to the left down into the watershed. The next half mile crosses several bridges spanning the winding Arroyo Seco (with side trails if you wish to pick your way along the boulder-strewn streambed) and comes to a fork, with Prieto Canyon to the right. Stay left and continue along the San Gabrieleno trail, following the banks of the river. After this point, stream crossings mean stepping on rocks or logs, so be sure to have sturdy, grippy shoes and trekking poles, if you need them for balance. Later in the summer, the water slows to a trickle.
2.5 miles in is the Gould Mesa trail camp, which has primitive bathrooms. Continue straight on the San Gabrieleno Trail, arriving at the most beautiful part, verdant and bursting with wildflowers in the spring. A mile later, take the path that curves left through the Paul Little picnic area. In another 0.7 miles you will arrive at the towering US Forest Service dam, featuring a waterfall into a small pool – a shady spot to rest, have a snack, or let a water-loving dog cool off before you head back.
Parking
A small, free parking lot on Windsor just south of Ventura fills early; street parking is also available on Ventura.
Hiked: 5/29/21 and 4/17/21
Verdant views from the San Gabrieleno Trail just south of Brown Mountain Dam (Photo – Kitty Cahalan)
This Article was mentioned on brid.gy