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California Rivers

Matilija Creek

HOW TO GET THERE | VISITOR INFORMATION

Virtually the entire upper watershed of Matilija creek is located within the federally protected wilderness area. The watershed is considered by biologists to possess the best remaining habitat for the endangered southern steelhead in the Ventura River system. But today, the steelhead are locked out of the watershed by the now useless Matilija dam, a nearly 200 foot high structure originally built in 1948 for flood control and water storage. But today, the reservoir behind the deteriorating dam is almost full of sediment.

More than 5,000 steelhead formerly migrated up the Ventura River from the Pacific Ocean to spawn in the cool waters of Matilija Creek. Today, fewer than 100 fish make it up the river to Matilija Creek and all of them are blocked by the dam. A consortium of federal, state, and local agencies, and as well as local citizens and conservation organizations are studying the feasibility of removing the dam, which would restore Matilija Creek’s excellent habitat for use by the endangered steelhead.

The North Fork of Matilija Creek not only provides ideal habitat for resident trout (likely generations of steelhead trapped in the watershed by the dam), it also provides outstanding hiking opportunities as the route of one of the few trails in the nearly trackless Matilija Wilderness. The Upper North Fork trail takes the hiker past deep pools and numerous cascades and waterfalls. Three backcountry trail camps provide a resting-place for wilderness travelers.

Chaparral dominates the upper slopes of the Matilija watershed, while oak and alder woodlands are found in the stream canyons at the lower elevations, giving way to mixed conifer forests as the elevation increases. This diverse and wild landscape supports a wide array of wildlife, including the endangered California condor.

Matilija Creek was determined by the Forest Service to be eligible for National Wild & Scenic River status in recognition of its outstanding scenic, recreation, and fishery values.

The California Wild Heritage Act proposes to add 16 miles of Matilija Creek upstream of Matilija dam to the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System.

How To Get There
Take Highway 33 north from the town of Ojai. Turn left on Matilija Road (Forest Road 5N13). Proceed approximately 4 miles past Matilija reservoir and several private residences to the locked gate (please stay on the road and respect private property rights in this area). Park at the gate and hike one mile up the road to the mouth of the North Fork on your right. Proceed up the Upper North Fork trail.

Recreation And Visitor Information
Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Avenue,
Suite 150
Goleta, CA 93117
(805) 968-6640
(805) 968-6790