One of Southern California’s last remaining year-round free flowing rivers.  Known for great fly fishing, winter kayaking, great summer picnicking, and, of course, great hiking.  There are multiple trails starting from Frenchman’s Flat, such as following road north to Pyramid Dam – about a 5 mile hike round-trip with gradual elevation gain on an asphalt road.   For an outdoor experience, you should look to going off trail south down Piru Creek.  Right now there is some controversy over the river’s water flow – check with Friends of the River for more information.  Also, check the water gauges at http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/3154/
 

There is no right or wrong distance to go – it is about 14 miles from Frenchman’s Flat to Lake Piru so you can do an overnight hike and car shuttle if you prefer.  Many people hike about 3-4 miles down and come back, which is generally recommended for beginners.

No experience is necessary, but a healthy sense of adventure will help!

--  Be prepared to GET WET!

    (Crossings up to knees or low-thigh... Plus potential slipping and

    swimming!  Wear sandals or light tennis shoes.)

--  Be prepared for serious rock scrambling – if you don’t have good shoes or bad ankles, this might not be for you!

    (Crossings up to knees or low-thigh... Plus potential slipping and

    swimming!  Wear sandals or light tennis shoes.)

--  Bring lunch – you don’t how long you will be out

--  Bring plenty of water

--  Drybag or double-ziploc bag anything that can't get wet

    (Such as a camera)

--  Bring a TOWEL (and potentially some dry clothes) for the return trip

    (May be needed, may not be needed)


How to get to Frenchman’s Flat:Drive north on Interstate 5 from Los Angeles through Santa Clarita past Castaic. Take the offramp to Templin Highway, proceed under the freeway and then left to come to a T.  Go right, following the route of the old highway that was replaced by Interstate 5. After about 5mi this ends beside Piru Creek at a place called Frenchman's Flat where the road has been transformed into a parking lot.  Bring your Angeles National Forest adventure pass!