Allow at least two hours for this four-mile (round trip) jaunt to a 150-foot-tall cascade that gushes mightily after a rain. The first three-quarters of a mile is on a street in a very upscale residential district. Once in the Escondido Canyon Natural Area, the dirt path climbs gradually through impressive scenery. The lower falls, about 50-feet high, are reached without much effort, but you'll have to boulder-hop 200 feet up to reach the impressive upper cascades.
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, but don't forget to pick up after your pet.
Getting there: From the east, take Interstate 10 west until it becomes Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Continue west on PCH to Winding Way. Turn right (north) on Winding Way and enter the parking lot. From the San Fernando Valley, take the 101 Freeway west, exit at Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road. Head south on Las Virgenes which turns into Malibu Canyon Road. Drive until you reach PCH and turn right (west). Continue westbound on PCH to Winding Way. Turn right (north) on Winding Way and enter the parking lot. The trailhead is about 3/4 of a mile up the road.