A Hike in the Elfin Forest
It sounds so mystical to go for a hike in the "Elfin Forest". But no elves will be found there, just a wonderful challenging hike up to the Olivenhain Reservoir east of Escondido, CA in the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve.
We did this great hike early on a Sunday morning to beat the crowd and the heat of the day. AllTrails.com rates this an Easy hike, but still be prepared for good exercise going up the switch backs of the "Way Up" trail that leads to the top from the parking area on Harmony Grove Rd.
The first part of the trail takes you across beautiful Escondido Creek running with clear water over boulders in the shade of oaks, sycamores and palms. Then it is on to the switchbacks that help you conquer the 1,000 ft. elevation gain. Once at the top you get a great view of the reservoir, a sight that helps you quickly recover from the climb.
After we hiked the trail above the reservoir to the dam overlook, we considered taking one of the many side trails, especially interested in the trail that goes south to another overlook above Lake Hodges. But we decided to save that for another day because it was getting warm and the Sunday crowd of hikers was starting to fill the trails. Just getting views of the lake, of Harmony Grove and Escondido Valley made this a great hike.
On the way down, the switchbacks looked harder than what we experienced on the way up, making us feel proud that we made it so easily. We did take one of the several side trails on the way back to the parking area, we enjoyed going back on the Botanical Trail. This .6 mile loop offers plant interpretations but you will need to pick up the trail guide to follow the numbered signs. This trail takes you through heavy chaparral and Oak forest and ends along the peaceful Escondido Creek, where we stopped for a snack to enjoy the shade and sound of the rushing stream.
Overall, we loved this hike and highly recommend it. We will be back to make it all the way to the Lake Hodges overlook.
We did this great hike early on a Sunday morning to beat the crowd and the heat of the day. AllTrails.com rates this an Easy hike, but still be prepared for good exercise going up the switch backs of the "Way Up" trail that leads to the top from the parking area on Harmony Grove Rd.
The first part of the trail takes you across beautiful Escondido Creek running with clear water over boulders in the shade of oaks, sycamores and palms. Then it is on to the switchbacks that help you conquer the 1,000 ft. elevation gain. Once at the top you get a great view of the reservoir, a sight that helps you quickly recover from the climb.
After we hiked the trail above the reservoir to the dam overlook, we considered taking one of the many side trails, especially interested in the trail that goes south to another overlook above Lake Hodges. But we decided to save that for another day because it was getting warm and the Sunday crowd of hikers was starting to fill the trails. Just getting views of the lake, of Harmony Grove and Escondido Valley made this a great hike.
On the way down, the switchbacks looked harder than what we experienced on the way up, making us feel proud that we made it so easily. We did take one of the several side trails on the way back to the parking area, we enjoyed going back on the Botanical Trail. This .6 mile loop offers plant interpretations but you will need to pick up the trail guide to follow the numbered signs. This trail takes you through heavy chaparral and Oak forest and ends along the peaceful Escondido Creek, where we stopped for a snack to enjoy the shade and sound of the rushing stream.
Overall, we loved this hike and highly recommend it. We will be back to make it all the way to the Lake Hodges overlook.
I loved seeing the Olivenhain Reservoir which flashed me back to my time as a Board member of the County Water Authority. I remember standing on the bottom of the dam at the Grand Opening Ceremony, with Mayor Dick Murphy and CWA GM Maureen Stapleton, before the lake was filled with water. This reservoir is a key part of the CWA Emergency Storage Plan that we approved to help ensure adequate water supplies for the region in case of drought or earthquakes. On top of that, it is a great place to hike!
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