Seven Falls: A Santa Barbara Cascade

Seven Falls, a popular hiking destination in Santa Barbara, features a series of small waterfalls and punchbowl-like pools along Mission Creek. The area has been admired since the 1800s as a natural canyon retreat. The water flows over sandstone outcroppings, creating warm, deep swimming holes. The hike to Seven Falls is a 3.2-mile round trip that begins at the end of Tunnel Road. The trail follows Mission Creek, winding through a canyon with a mix of shaded and open areas. Be prepared to cross the creek several times and scramble over rocks as you approach the falls. The best time to visit is during or after spring rains when the pools are full. However, the falls can be dry during other times of the year. Historically, Mission Creek provided water to the Santa Barbara Mission. The Tunnel Trail, which leads to Seven Falls, was originally used by workers accessing a city waterworks project in the early 1900s. Today, Seven Falls continues to be a favorite spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.