Tanriverdi Falls/Salamander Canyon Tribute

Hiked: 4/21/2023
Parking/Fees: Adventure Pass
Round trip time: 7 to 14 hours depending on exit
Difficulty: 4B IV (v4a2 IV)
Raps: 5-7, max 160ft

Eight years ago, I made an unforgettable trip down Hot Spring Canyon to the tallest waterfall in Orange County, CA. The canyon is colloquially known as Salamander Canyon due to a high concentration of native salamanders, and the 160' falls were named after one of the early canyoneers to run the canyon, V. Tanriverdi. The canyon features many technical obstacles and is usually descended with ropes and waterproof gear. I made it to the big waterfall and back without ropes, though I returned pretty battered and had some tense moments tangled in the chaparral lining the steep canyon walls. I'd like to visit the bottom of the falls some day, but haven't mustered the verve yet. I did not participate in this descent, but I wanted to provide a glimpse at what canyoneers that run this canyon see. These photos were provided with permission from Willie Hunt, who led a recent trip. It is a hidden jewel in the Santa Anas, but so inaccessible that few people get to witness it's beauty.

2nd falls (what I called Gut Check Falls)

Bottom of Single Track Falls

Gopher snake is not poisonous, but the poison oak is

Top of Tanriverdi Falls

Preparing to rappel

Big air!

Hiking out the express exit, avoiding the slog to the exit at Lazy W Ranch
See Also:
Tanriverdi Falls