A popular waterfall in the Los Padres National Forest will once again be open to the public, thanks to a deal worked out by a community group, and a landowner.
Matilija Falls is a scenic wilderness area in Ventura County’s mountains northwest of Ojai. Access has been an issue for years, because a trail that’s the only way to get to the falls passes through private property. A community association called Keep Matilija Falls Open has been fighting for access, a battle that’s even led to court action.
The agreement will create permanent public access to the falls and trail improvements. It also opens the door to a possible deal for a land trust to buy 80 acres of the property which would be deeded to the U.S. Forest Service.
It’s expected work to plan the rebuilding of the trail, and doing the work will take about 18 months. Los Padres ForestWatch and Keep Sespe Wild were among the groups involved in the effort to work out a deal.
