Aliso Creek Trail (In the rain)

After the significant rains in November of 2010, Ashley and I got the chance to go out and hike on the Aliso Creek Trail in Orange County. This was the second time we had done this hike hike on the Aliso Creek Trail from the trailhead at Saddleback Church to Cooks Corner. This is a good hike to do after/when it rains, as you don't have to worry about mud and it is a short fun hike as it is a paved surface that goes through some of Orange County's wilderness areas. We are still calling this hike an urban hike because of the proximity to roads and homes in certain locations. However, most of the hike along the northern section of the Aliso Creek Trail are not very urban as they go through portions of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.

Directions to Trailhead:   To get to the Aliso Creek Trail trailhead from Lake Mission Viejo take Marguerite parkway heading north toward El Toro Rd. When you reach El Toro Road make a left onto El Toro Rd. Immediately on the right hand side just shortly after the entrance to Saddleback Church, there is a driveway that goes down to the trailhead. The are about 15 - 20 parking spaces at this trailhead. There is also no charge for parking at this trailhead. Free is a good price.

Description of Hike: The Aliso Creak Trail from the trailhead by saddleback church up to Cooks Corner, is paved the entire way. The Aliso Creek Trail along this section is actually the old El Toro road. This is an out and back hike and section for the Aliso Creek Trail from the Saddleback Church trailhead to Cooks Corner is 4 miles roundtrip. If you go all the way to Cooks Corner when the trail meets up with Santiago Canyon road it is over 4 miles roundtrip. This section of the Aliso Creek Trail has approximately 600 feet of elevation gain. The trail goes through portions of Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park. There are excellent views of Santiago Peak as well as portions of the Santa Ana Mountains. There are a couple of dirt trails that intersect with the Aliso Creek Trail that allow for off pavement hiking opportunities (The Edison trail follows the power lines to Whiting Ranch). The Aliso Creek Trail follows along Aliso Creek which usually has plenty of water in it, especially during a rainy year in Southern California. Wildlife frequents Aliso Creek as it is a water source for Orange County Wildlife. A lady out hiking on the Aliso Creek Trail that we talked to told us saw a bobcat on the Aliso Creek Trail a couple weeks before we did this hike .

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I really enjoyed this hike along the Aliso Creek Trail. It is a great hike to do in the rain as you are on pavement. It was beautiful hike and it was great to hear all the sounds of the rain and the insects that were loving it. Aliso creek had plenty of water in it when we were out there. I am sure that most streams originating from the Santa Ana Mountain watershed have plenty of water in them now.

Most of the hillsides were green from all the rain we have been getting over the last month. We saw a couple of other people while out on the hike who were enjoying the trail in the rain. There are a ton of cactus along the trail and even a couple of lemonade berry bushes. This is a great urban hike, the only negatives are the noise that is associated with the 241 toll road and some noise from El Toro Rd.

One of the major points of interest for hikers to view along the Aliso Creek Trail is the Historic McFadden Ranch House which is in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and is close to Cooks Corner. There is signage on the trail that alerts hikers to the house which is adjacent to the Aliso Creek Trail. Here is a link with some history about the Historic McFadden Ranch House. Additionally, At the end of the Aliso Creek Trail there is also the option to hike the Live Oak Trail which connects with to O'Neil Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon. You can increase the length of your hike if you wish to by continuing on the Live Oak Trail when you cross underneath the tunnel under El Toro Rd.
Rating: Elevation Gain: 600 ft. (Easy), Distance: 4 Miles Roundtrip (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 1.5 - 2.5 hours.

MORE TRAIL WRITE-UPS ON THE ALISO CREEK TRAIL

October 18, 2009

November 26, 2010 (This Post)

View Larger Map