The hike to Brown Mountain Dam from Angeles Crest and Gould Mesa is one that we have taken on many occasions. It had been a favorite of mine and Owen’s for a long time, and it is one that the kids love. The trek to the waterfall is pretty, mostly shaded, and offers up some fun water crossings.
For more fun however, as well as a longer hike, one can take the trail on the right of the Paul Little Picnic Area and head up over the dam. This is what we did the on the first sunny Saturday in June. I met the boys at Gould Mesa. They had camped with the Scouts overnight, and we were going to practice water crossings and staying together as a group in preparation for the summer hiking season. So after an easy cereal breakfast, we gathered our gear and hit the Gabrielino Trail to Paul Little and the Brown Dam waterfall. This part of the hike went pretty quickly even with the water levels still being pretty elevated. The kids did fine crossing the stream, and soon enough we came to the picnic area. We continued onto the falls, where we rested and enjoyed snacks of Corn Nuts and Clif Bars.
The water was clear and cool, and the mist from the falls felt good as the day was starting to warm up. After we finished our snacks, we headed back toward the picnic area. However, instead of heading south back toward Gould Mesa, we took the trail up.
The trail up is narrow in most parts and is rather overgrown, however, it was passable. There was only one other group we ran into, so it was a peaceful hike- or at least as peaceful as it can be with a small group of Boy Scouts. The trail took us above the dam, and then back down to the stream. We then followed the creek downstream and soon came to the top of the dam.
As written in a prior post, Brown Mountain Dam was built in the 1940s as part of the Los Angeles River Watershed Program. According the Arroyo Seco Foundation, the dam quickly filled with debris and sediment and has had an impact on the riparian ecosystem below ever since. Indeed, there is no reservoir or pond behind the 84-foot walls of the dam; instead, there are plants and debris, as well as frogs and other small animals.
Despite this, the space above the dam was very pretty. An abundance of trees and shrubs gave some shade on the warm afternoon. The water was cool and as we were wearing water shoes or sandals, we were able to wade through the stream and cool off.
After relaxing for a while, we turned around to head back. The boys would head back to camp for lunch, and I would return to the car to head home. It was a fun day, exploring a trail that is familiar to me, but also to explore a branch I had little experience on. While this was the first hike I took since my happy buddy departed, it was nice to experience both a new adventure as well as an old haunt that is full of memories.
Some things to consider:
Most of the trail within the canyon is shaded, however, the trail from Angeles Crest Highway to Gould Mesa Campground has very little shade. Sun protection and water are a must.
Exercise caution near the dam. The walls, while thick, are about 84 feet from the canyon floor and can present a falling hazard if one is not careful.
If you choose to camp at Gould Mesa, the campsites are on a first-come first served, walk-in basis. There are no reservations or fee. For more information, click here.
This is a lovely hike, and will continue to be one of my favorites for its ease of access as well as its distance. It is one that will continue to have a special place in my heart and hiking boots for the fun times shared with Owen and the kids. These have indeed been happy trails.
The Cranky Camper 
Great info, thanks!
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