An hour and a half drive from Downtown Los Angeles, Matilija Falls lies along Matilija Creek, a tributary to the Venutra River. You park in the dirt parking area at the end of North Matilija road in Ojai, then hike 5 miles along the creek to the falls. There are many places to cliff jump along the creek, but the best spot is the pool above the falls. Traverse the rope along the right side of the falls to get to the swimming hole. Cliff heights range from 15 feet to 50. Water depth can be shallow after rainy seasons because debris gets washed into the swimming hole. The water flows year round but the best time to visit is late Spring and early Fall because of sun exposure due to lack of shade along the trail.
