At the end of August in Southern California, it's rare to find a flowing stream and a stunning cascading waterfall—but we did find Paradise Falls still gushing down a cliff at Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks, California.

Thousand Oaks, located at the southern tip of Ventura County, adjacent to Los Angeles County, is known for its many parks and recreational areas. The area, affectionately called TO by its residents, offers numerous outdoor activities.

The hidden gem, Paradise Falls, is nestled within a deep valley in the park—near the intersection of Avenida De Los Arboles and North Big Sky Drive. Free parking is available along West Avenida De Los Arboles.

The park offers a variety of trails, some of which are dirt access roads mainly used by bikers, while others are footpaths of varying difficulty, catering to hikers of all levels.

Tip: Grab a map of the trails before you leave home. The parking lot lacks any services, so be prepared.

Begin your hike by taking the Moonridge Trail, heading east—away from the mountains. Follow the signs leading to Teepee Overlook, a great spot to relax in the shade and soak in the scenery.

From the Teepee Overlook, descend via the Wildwood Canyon Trail to the waterfalls. The hike can be steep in some places, so keep an eye on the narrow paths if you're with young children.

As you near your destination, the sound of flowing water grows louder, signaling the waterfall’s proximity. After descending several wooden steps, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a large pool and the magnificent 70-foot Paradise Falls. A few picnic tables are available nearby for a serene lunch spot.

Tip: Despite some websites mentioning restrooms at the bottom of the canyon, none were found during our visit. Plan accordingly.

For the return trip, take the Indian Creek Trail. Shortly after leaving the waterfall area, turn right onto the Wildwood Canyon Trail. After a brief climb, you can view the waterfall from above. Continue past another small waterfall and a picnic area, cross a wooden bridge, and then turn onto the Indian Creek Trail to the right.

Tip: Keep an eye out for the Indian Creek Trail sign. It’s somewhat hidden from view while you're still on the Wildwood Canyon Trail.

The Indian Creek Trail meanders along the creek’s banks, offering plenty of shade and several picnic areas. Enjoy a snack or lunch amid the trees, birds, and the soothing sounds of running water.

This portion of the trail crosses the creek at various points. When you reach the second crossing, avoid it. Instead, veer sharply to the left and take a smaller trail connecting you back to Avenida De Los Arboles.

Trail Stats:

Distance: 3 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 400 ft

Hike Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

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