Black Star Falls – Black Star Canyon Road loop from Black Star Canyon
Black Star Falls – Black Star Canyon Road loop from Black Star Canyon
4.8
(9355)
9,356
hikers
Black Star Falls – Black Star Canyon Road loop from Black Star Canyon
04:59
17.3km
430m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
7.79 km
Black Star Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
8.46 km
Native American Grinding Stones
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
8.50 km
Native American Village Remains
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
12.6 km
Black Star Canyon Road
Highlight • Canyon
17.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
7.96 km
7.27 km
2.04 km
Surfaces
15.1 km
2.01 km
105 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (610 m)
Lowest point (260 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 17 June
25°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a hike that blends easy fire road walking with a truly adventurous creek scramble to a seasonal waterfall, the Black Star Falls – Black Star Canyon Road loop from Black Star Canyon delivers. This moderate 10.8-mile (17.3 km) hiking route, with 1414 feet (431 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 59 minutes to complete. It’s best suited for hikers ready for a challenge, especially if you aim to see the elusive Black Star Falls at its best after heavy rains.
What to expect on Black Star Falls – Black Star Canyon Road loop from Black Star Canyon
The journey begins with a relatively easy 2.5-mile stretch along Black Star Canyon Road, a dirt or fire road that offers open views and passes through areas shaded by sycamores, oaks, and willows. You might even catch glimpses of interesting cliffs and rock formations. The real adventure starts when the trail diverges into the creek bed. Here, the terrain transforms into a rugged, wild canyon setting, demanding careful footwork as you navigate boulder hopping, rock scrambling, and numerous stream crossings. This challenging 0.8-mile section to Black Star Falls can take 1 to 2 hours alone, leading you through a wooded landscape with red-tinged cliffs to the impressive 65-foot to 100-foot waterfall, which is the highlight of the trip. Be aware of prevalent poison oak in the creek bed.
Planning your visit
This trail offers a remote and wild feel, so don't expect amenities like restrooms or facilities. The flow of Black Star Falls is highly seasonal; it's often just a trickle in dry periods but can be spectacular after significant rainfall, making the post-rain season the best time to visit for the full waterfall experience. However, be prepared for potentially muddy and rutted conditions on the initial fire road after rain. The trailhead is located in Black Star Canyon, and while specific parking details aren't always clear, arriving early is always a good strategy for popular routes.
Trail details
- Distance: 10.8 miles (17.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1414 feet (431 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 59 minutes
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